HEREFORD

High Town, the original Norman marketplace for almost 1000 years, is still the busy retail heart, with weekly and seasonal food, craft and retail markets. Explore the stunning Jacobean Old House now open as a museum, marvel at the tiny half-timbered former apothecary’s shop up high opposite Boots and for a taste of Victorian trading explore the Butter Market still in the heart of High Town.

Don’t miss Hereford’s Independent Quarter centred in quaint cobbled Church Street, Saxon and once Cabbage Lane, it leads to the cathedral and, along with the little streets nearby, is home to a wide selection of small retail shops, eateries and pubs. The City’s foodie culture is seeing a revolution and including the well-known national chains, also has plenty of independent casual sandwich and coffee stops, gourmet burger bars, tapas, bistros and wine bars, as well as fine dining at beautiful Castle House or the recently refurbished Green Dragon Hotel.

Learn about cider making in the Cider Museum located in the original Bulmer’s factory, once home of the world’s largest cider maker thanks to the abundant Herefordshire apple orchards.

The Coningsby Hospital museum, originally a medieval home for old soldiers is said to have inspired the Royal Hospital for Chelsea Pensioners.

A short walk or drive will bring you to the Waterworks Museum, an engineers dream, where you will see Victorian methods of supplying water to Hereford City, especially on their regular live steam days.

Hidden away next to the River Wye is Castle Green, an early example of a city park laid out in 1745 on the site of the Norman castle. Join in the regular events that pop-up or stroll on over Victoria Bridge to St George’s Playing Fields and river walk, lovely for a picnic.

And if you love a little quiz, game or trail why not download the Love Exploring App and discover the secrets of Hereford City. The new Love Exploring mobile app, funded for Hereford by Hereford City Council, puts the power of discovery in your hands and is free to use.

Becoming more and more popular as a film location, discover some of real places featured in Phil Rickman’s Midwinter of the Spirit book and recent TV series. The City’s affinity with the arts will reveal composer Elgar’s legacy during his years here, marked with a bronze statue in the cathedral grounds, and the annual celebration of Europe’s oldest music festival the Three Choirs Festival. Jointly hosted by the choirs of Hereford, Worcester or Gloucester cathedrals for 300 years, Hereford Cathedral next hosts in July 2025.

Newly completed in 2024 is the Hereford Public Art Trail. This uplifting 2 mile city walk of 8 wall murals and 8 hanging sculptures is a modern interpretation of Hereford’s identity, heritage and connection to nature. See more about it here and download the trail map here.

But for a real insight into the City, we highly recommend a guided walking tour with www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk 

Plan your next visit, as there is so much more to see and do.