Mill Cottage

Bordered by Wales to the east, Herefordshire is a bucolic county largely untouched by industry, characterised by rolling hills, winding rivers, ancient woodland, chocolate-box villages, and charming market towns. The Golden Valley, tucked beneath the Black Mountains, is a walker’s paradise, offering a wide range of trails including the renowned Pilgrim Way, a 60-mile circular route that follows ancient paths past ruined castles, holy wells, and sacred sites such as Arthur’s Stone, an atmospheric Neolithic burial chamber. For those seeking a more energetic challenge, peaks like Black Hill and Cat’s Back provide exhilarating routes for hikers and cyclists alike.

Another wonderful way to explore Herefordshire is by following one of the three Cider Routes. These scenic trails wind through the county’s distinctive Black and White villages, famed for their traditional timber-framed houses, alongside historic sites and apple orchards. Along the way, stop at artisan producers to learn how cider is made and sample cider, perry, or fresh juice straight from the source.

Herefordshire also boasts an impressive collection of stately homes and historic buildings, perfect for a day out. Highlights include Eastnor Castle, with its lavish interiors, suits of armour, fine art, and a Gothic drawing room, set within extensive grounds that include a deer park, lake, adventure playground, and arboretum; Berrington Hall, a neoclassical Georgian mansion with elegant family rooms, servants’ quarters, and pleasure grounds designed by Capability Brown, including a rare curved walled garden; and Brockhampton which offers a glimpse into medieval life, with a moated manor house set within a 1,700-acre estate of woodland, orchards, parkland, and farmland.

There is no shortage of beautiful gardens to enjoy too. Hampton Court Gardens has Victorian walled gardens, stunning water features, a thousand-year-old yew tree maze, vibrant flower borders, and nature trails, while The Weir Garden, an 18th-century ten-acre riverside garden, is home to ancient trees, a rockery, Roman ruins, a 1920s glasshouse, and numerous idyllic picnic spots.

Outdoor enthusiasts should head to Symonds Yat, famed for its dramatic limestone gorge. Here, you can canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or enjoy wild swimming on the River Wye, or tackle the Symonds Yat Rapids near the Saracen’s Head. The area is also superb for birdwatching and is one of the best places to spot birds of prey, including peregrine falcons, goshawks, ospreys, and buzzards, with the occasional unexpected escapee falcon making an appearance. Ravens, jackdaws, and stock doves frequent the cliff faces, while the river attracts kingfishers and sand martins.

No visit to Herefordshire would be complete without seeing Hereford Cathedral. It is home to a famous Chained Library, which holds over 1,500 rare books, including 229 medieval manuscripts. Among its treasures are the Hereford Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map known to exist, and one of only four surviving copies of the 1217 Magna Carta. The cathedral also co-hosts the annual Three Choirs Festival with Gloucester and Worcester, a renowned choral music festival held each July.

The market town of Leominster is also well worth a visit, offering a wealth of antique shops, a Benedictine priory complete with a well-preserved ducking stool, and a network of picturesque medieval lanes. Alternatively, hop across the Welsh border to Hay-on-Wye, celebrated for its many independent bookshops, along with boutique shops, galleries, and an excellent selection of cosy pubs, cafés, and restaurants.