With MUCH more than 20 brilliant things to do in and around Herefordshire, check out these highlights. From historic attractions to active experiences, City fun or rural adventures, there is always something to enjoy or explore. So we’ve put together some of the best destinations from around the county and its borders to make your days in Herefordshhire fun for you and your family.
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre
Discover large and small farm animals of all kinds, from around the world, including rare breeds and miniatures, and take the chance for a close encounter and interactive experience.
Varieties of goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, pigs, horses, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, tortoise, chinchillas, squirrels, degu’s and more. Learn all about them and you can even adopt a favourite.
Brilliant fun for all the family and great for groups.
Westons Cider
Still family owned and run, come and discover Westons Cider heritage at their operational cider mill that offers more than just an appley tipple. From children’s fun to shire horses and cider tours and tastings, Westons at Much Marcle is a destination for a whole family.
When Henry Weston established Westons Cider in 1880, heavy horses played an enormous part in running the business. Without lorries and other modern-day machinery, the cider mill would have run on horsepower. From turning the stone mills, to harvesting the fruit, and delivering cider to the pubs and railways via horse-drawn dray. Although the horses now aren’t involved with the cider making itself, they still play their part as beautiful ambassadors. Spend a day getting up close and personal with the magnificent Shires and learn about the traditional practices of working heavy horses. Carriage rides also available.
To keep the little ones even more entertained, there is a free play park with activities from zip wire to swings. Take a stroll and enjoy a takeaway with loved ones. Choose from a daily-made selection of cakes, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and refreshments from the Scrumpy House restaurant.
See how the cider magic happens with a tour and tasting package. You’ll learn more about the history and craft of cider making with one of their expert guides and finish with a tutored tasting.
Buy direct from the shop, refresh in the restaurant and enjoy a relaxed day to remember.
See more info and booking details here
Hereford Waterworks Museum
When you think about museums often you visualise a dusty location full of relics but a visit to the Waterworks Museum in Hereford City will definitely change that perception. It’s interesting, fun and interactive. This time capsule of social history charts the heritage of Herefordshire’s water supply, housing a unique collection of working industrial artefacts concerned with the supply of potable water.
Children love the Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park where they can interact with full-size water pumping devices, learn and have fun!
Look out for the popular In-Steam days and family fun days where you can see the machines in glorious pumping action and enjoy a picnic at the same time.Virtually all the engines and pumps are among the last remaining working examples on public display, plus it has the UK’s best collection of hot air engines.
Adding to the heritage theme, you’ll also find the enthralling World War 2 bunker style display of artifacts from the era.
Families love this wonderful attraction, it really is a hidden gem!
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral is one of our most wonderful landmarks and a fabulous place to explore at any time of the year, sitting majestically looking out across the meandering River Wye and Hereford’s historic city. This wonderful cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi, the incredible 17C Chained Library and the stirring ‘Ascension’ SAS memorial window which was created by Royal Academy sculptor John Maine.
If you like an adventure, you can climb the 218 steps up the Cathedral tower and view some of the finest panoramas the city has to offer. Tower Tours include the Lantern Gallery and Ringing Chamber, giving you an insight into how the bell ringers work together to create the magnificent sounds from the cathedral bells. Certificates are issued to all who manage the climb to the top.
Take a tour inside the cathedral with one of the knowledgeable guides who will offer you a trip through the rich history and beautiful architecture of this stunning building. Learn also about how St Ethelbert met his demise, why Sir Richard Pembridge has three legs, and why the cathedral has carvings of many pigs.
If you like a challenge then grab your family and friends and see if you can crack the ‘Escape Room’, located in the Old Chapel in the Cloisters, this interactive clue-cracking and decoding game is a lot of fun.
Finally if you love well-tended gardens then take a tour of the Cathedral gardens. Explore the four acres of terraced lawns, beds and ancient trees which stretch right down to the River Wye. The Cloisters garden, which was traditionally planted with apothecary plants for healing purposes and the historic Chapter House Garden nestles amongst medieval ruins and is quite magnificent.
There’s so much to see at Hereford Cathedral, we recommend taking your time to enjoy every moment.
Black & White Village Trail
Over the years north Herefordshire has maintained so much of its rich history and none more so than the picturesque villages that have preserved their chocolate box appeal and black and white charm in abundance.
North Herefordshire’s unique 40 mile round trail of beautiful black and white villages oozes charm and history. Perfect to drive, cycle or even walk. With attractive streams and rivers, picture-book settlements, curious buildings, superb tearooms, pubs, restaurants, galleries and scenic views. The villages are as special today as when they first evolved. The beautiful black and white trail is one of our favourite things to do in Herefordshire. With a wonderful variety of characterful bed & breakfasts or holiday cottages dotted along the way, why not make a weekend of it.
Below are just a few locations but explore so many many more …
Find out much more about the route including a downloadble map on our dedicated page here
Eastnor Castle
Need to see more amazing Herefordshire castles? Then head east of the county to Eastnor, just beyond Ledbury. This dramatic, fairy-tale castle is situated in a 5000-acre estate in the Malvern Hills within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Guided tours of the dramatically staged castle take place on Tuesdays, when their friendly and knowledgeable guides bring this amazing building and those who once lived here to life. It’s informative, interesting and quite astonishing, especially when you realise that this is still a current family home for the Hervey-Bathurst family, who have held this seat for 200 years!
With magnificent views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside, this stunning castle is surrounded by a beautiful lake, arboretum and deer park. Check out their jam packed schedule of events throughout the season. From the very popular Chillifest, Steam & Vintage days, Open-air Theatre and Music Festivals which will entertain the adults, to their popular children’s activities for all ages, Animal Encounters, Archery, Teddy Bears Picnic & Storytelling, Circus Skills and Dance Workshops to name but a few.
It’s always a very enjoyable day out with family and friends and perfect for a stroll or picnic.
National Trust Properties
If you feel that the great outdoors is calling you and you need to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of beautiful places, nature and wildlife, take a trip to any one of the National Trust properties located within beautiful Herefordshire. All you need is your wellies and a great picnic!
For history lovers, NT Croft Castle near Yarpole is nestled in 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland and dates back before the Domesday Book. With its wealth of veteran trees including a 1000 year oak, the Croft estate is one of the top ten sites in the country for the quality and diversity of ancient trees.
The Croft family have been key players and confidantes to England’s leaders since 1055. From Edward the Confessor to Winston Churchill, find out how the family played their part in major historical events, and how Croft Castle was eventually passed to the National Trust.
Discover the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. If you’re feeling really energetic you can also hike up to the Iron Age hill fort which overlooks some superb views including the Brecon Beacons.
Berrington Hall is the neoclassical 18th-century mansion designed by Henry Holland, home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families. The picturesque, moated manor house was built over 600 years ago and portrays life through the eras. The 1,700 acre estate with woodland, orchards, parkland and farmland is absolutely glorious.
Explore this vast estate and enjoy renowened designer ‘Capability’ Brown’s final legacy, which includes a serpentine pool (now used as a boating lake), woodland and grazing cattle and sheep. Not to mention the very rare curved walled garden and pleasure grounds.
The spectacular The Weir Garden is a place to enjoy some peace and tranquillity and awash with natural beauty. This delightful ten acre riverside garden was created in the late 18th century. With its ancient trees, rockery and Roman ruins, it’s the perfect place to have some quality family time while watching the wildlife on the River Wye.
Noted for its abundance of spring bulb blooms and tranquil river views this is a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy some easy walking.
The 1,700-acre Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard, remains an active farm and Lower Brockhampton Manor House is the romantic white timber-framed house dating back to the late 14C, reminiscent of story books of ancient times..
The house is surrounded by a moat and is entered via a charming timber-framed gatehouse, built 1530-40, and this highly photogenic building is a stunning capture all year round.
Brockhampton is home to 21-acres of traditional orchard, accessible on hard-standing paths. Hoping to follow the style of the afrementioned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Thomas Leggett was commissioned to produce a layout of the parkland and designed his landscapes in a naturalistic style. Sadly his ambitious plan to include a serpentine lake was never realised. There are miles of walks through the orchards, park and woodlands, featuring ancient trees, the picturesque Lawn Pool and great views of the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.
At each National Trust property they hold a range of activities and events throughout the year for families, so keep an eye on their website.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire
Eastnor Pottery
Escape to the country, within the picturesque grounds of Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury and spend a relaxing day or weekend learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.
Whether you have an urge to explore a new talent, just fancy a creative day out, have a group or family occasion, or are experienced and want to explore more advanced techiniques with master potters Jon and Clare, Eastnor Pottery offer remarkable pottery experiences for individuals and groups.
Working with all ages and abilities, exploring creativity and sharing the therapeutic benefits of working with clay, you’ll love the wonderful welcome you’ll receive and it’s great fun too.
The Museum of Cider
Herefordshire is world famous for its cider and and still produces over half of the UK’s cider. The fabulous Museum of Cider is located on the original Bulmers Cider factory site and is a wonderful way to discover the history of this great drink and the traditions of how it was made, right through to the modern day.
Founded in 1973, Hereford Cider Museum is celebrating 50 years of preserving the history of cider making worldwide with an amazing exhibition which will run until this autumn. Their extensive collection of memorabilia includes cider mills, presses, bottles, old photographs, watercolours, advertising materials and a rare collection of English lead crystal cider flutes dating from the 18th century.
Explore the champagne cider cellars, copper’s workshop and VAT house and peruse the wide range of cider, perries and Hereford Cider Brandy for sale in their lovely gift shop. Their cosy tearoom also offers drinks and light snacks.
Hereford Cider Museum is brimming with great artefacts so why not journey back in time and enjoy the story of cider.
Oaker Wood Leisure
Oaker Wood is a favourite choice for family days out and holidays… not just for kids. This amazing activity centre offers paint balling, quad bike trekking, raft building, clay pigeon shooting, low rope assault course, high ropes and target shooting. Set in 175 acres of mature woodland and lakes and deep within Mortimer Country in North Herefordshire, it’s a popular choice for all ages.
Their new Escape Room provides real code cracking conundrums and the Woodland Krypton Trail tests your problem solving skills even further.
Why not combine all these great activities with a stay in their superb glamping village and make that family or group get-together or special celebration one to remember.
Farm Shops with so much more
The region grows so much incredible produce and where better to buy it than directly from the quality farm shops bursting with locally produced meat, dairy, vegetables and own made food and drink products full of natural goodness. These locations aren’t just for the foodie, they offer so much more onsite for a full day out and free parking…
OAKCHURCH FARM SHOP – Just a few miles west of Hereford City, at Staunton on Wye, Oakchurch started life as a pick-your-own family fruit farm and gradually evolved into the self proclaimed ‘Harrods of Herefordshire’ with its magnifiscent food hall including an excellent butchers. Add to this a garden centre, fashion, gifts, jewellery and toy departments, alongside a cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the farming family’s fields of roaming cattle and there is plenty to shop for.
Having developed quite the reputation for its award-winning ice cream, no visit is complete without an indulgeant scoop (or double scoop!) of the many refreshing creamy (inc dairy free) cones and tubs, and perhaps a sit on one of the benches before you leave.
THE NEST AT LITTLE VERZONS FARM – Easily accessible between Hereford and Ledbury The Nest is a wonderfully quirky artisan food and lifestyle destination. Championing local craftspeople as well as food and drink products, owners Neil and Penny began with their own snack creations as The Handmade Scotch Egg company. Now regionally famous with a huge range of flavours, these are now a staple at the deli counter (as well as wholesale to other stockists) alongside more local sweet and savoury treats around the shop.
With a lovely cafe that extends outside in season, The Nest stages various markets, fayres and pop-up events throughout the year, utilising the huge wedding yurt for seasonal activities too. Explore the additional indie traders including interior design and antiques as well as a specili. Encouraging visitors to simply come and walk your dog (or your children) in the beautiful orchards and around the lake, there is no entry charge, and a welcoming sense of community spirit surrounds you. Oh and you should definitelt pop into specialist Newent Plant Centre adjoining The Nest (same carpark) for excellent quality plants and expert advice.
LUDLOW FARM SHOP – Just beyond Ludlow in south Shropshire and our Marches area, you’ll love a day out at Ludlow Farm Shop. Aimed at the discerning foodie, many of their own brand products are created from the estate farm animals and produce, including a vast butchers counter and even their own coffee. Again a wonderful showcase for regional producers the foodie emporium also has a charming art and craft gallery above. Across the large carpark you’ll find the new Gift Shop, packed with home accessories, and ideas for perfect presents. Feeling peckish? The large casual restaurant, Ludlow Kitchen, offers light meals and breakfasts to sit in and the takeaway shop is very convenient.
Fancy something a little more refined? The Clive Arms, also part of this location, has a contemporary restaurant welcoming non-residents alongside its overnight room guests. Having said that, with Ludlow Distillery and their fascinatingdaily tours, tastings and shop all part of the site too, what could be more merry than a 24 hour stop-over for a lovely foodie break.
The Viking Games
Ever wondered what Vikings used to do in their leisure time? Well think no more, a day at the Viking Games will soon answer that. From Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige, become a Viking for the day and compete for the crown of the Viking warrior. Try your hand at traditional Nordic games that have been adapted for some twenty-first century fun.
It’s a brilliant opportunity to get friends and family together for a fantastic day out. Located in the gorgeous surroundings of Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. If you prefer paintballing or laser clay shooting then you can do these activities too. Prepare yourself for a fun experience that that will have you laughing all day, especially the Viking cosplay photo at the end. Shields ready!
Cup Ceramics
Cup Ceramics located in Hereford City is a hot bed of pottery experts with an absolute passion for getting their hands on clay and turning it into something rather fantastic! They love sharing their knowledge with absolute beginners or those with more experience and are never happier when they’re discussing kilns, glazing, ceramics or having a ‘throw down’.
Their shop showcases the crafts of their talented makers and cute cafe offers welcome tea and cakes.
Be inspired, choose from a wide variety of sessions depending on your experience and you’ll enjoy every moment spent with this amazing team.
Clearwell Caves
Tipping down into the neighbouring region of the Forest of Dean, you’ll find Clearwell Caves – an enthralling labyrinth of ancient iron ore mines, preserved as a unique visitor experience.
For thousands of years Freeminers have been mining here, leaving behind magnificent caverns and an amazing story. Walk up to 100 metres below the earth and see how precious iron ore was mined including ancient equipment and artifacts of the time. No wonder it has been the scene of many TV series and movies.
This immersive adventure is one for all ages, with good way-finding, story boards, special effects but always staying true to the history. Go one step further with a deep level caving exploration. Bring back mementos from the shop and enjoy refreshments and snacks in the Lamproom cafe.
Look out for seasonal events – Christmas is particularly special.
SIP DRINK TOUR HEREFORDSHIRE ..and beyond
Herefordshire, The Wye Valley and The Marches all intertwine from south Shropshire, Herefordshire and the Powys borders to Monmouthshire and the area is teeming with incredible drinks producers crafting everything from the region’s famous cider, to gins, vodka, rums, whiskeys, even cassis and more. Tour vineyards, see inside distilleries, explore cider mills, even make your own products with hands-on experiences and, of course, plenty of tastings.
DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE LOCATION MAP AND TRAIL HERE and taste and tipple your way around.
Hop Pocket Shopping Village
Walking into the fabulous Hop Pocket Shopping Village always gives us a feeling of excitement. The one you used to get as a child when you stepped into the best toy shop or sweet shop and couldn’t decide what to look at first. From decadent food and drink delights, artisan chocolate, shoes, fashion for all ages, jewellery and homewares from independent retailers, The Hop Pocket Shopping Village at Bishops Frome is full of all sorts of lovely things, it’s a real year-round 5.5 acre shopping destination. Beautiful interiors meets quality garden products and plants, while the vast craft emporium has gift and impulse buys galore.
With a childrens’ play area in sight of the restaurant, it’s the perfect venue for meeting friends, for a family day out or simply some indulgent retail therapy.
In the well-stocked Food Hall you’ll find some superb local produce and gifts, including free range eggs, meat, chocolate, fudge, crisps, bread and ice cream complementing the local preserves, beer, cider, wines, gins & liqueurs that the Hop Pocket is so well known for. Sound yummy? It really is!
The welcoming cafe is a great place for a shopping pitstop with some delicious freshly prepared dishes for you to enjoy. Or you could go straight for the scrummy cakes, the choice is epic!
With FREE parking and great accessibility, this is a day trip rain or shine.
City Walking Tour
Want to find out more about historical Herefordshire? Then let the Hereford Guild of Guides take you around the City and share stories and secrets about Hereford times gone by. Hear about the history of the city through the ages from Saxon times, its role in the Civil War and its famous people.
Guided daily walks take place at 11.30 Mon – Sat and at 14.30 Sundays, starting from Hereford Cathedral, taking in current landmarks and the sites of those no longer in existence but what once made Hereford the second most important city in England. Usually running from the week before Easter until October 31, but do check the website. Tickets can be obtained from the Cathedral shop or just rock up and let this amazing team bring Hereford City to life.
Look out too for the themed walks which are great fun, Hauntings & Horrors, Elgar in Hereford, Famous People of Hereford and The River Wye.
Meet your Guide outside the main entrance to the Cathedral at the North Porch and get ready for a very interesting hour!
Other enthralling Hereford City must-visits include Hereford City Heritage Suite in the architecturally stunning Roccoco Gothic Town Hall alongside the Mayor’s Parlour, home to Hereford’s orginal ancient charters which made it a City, and the City’s silver collection. And The Black & White House Museum in High Town wonderfully depicts life in Jacobean times from this picturesque central atmospheric building.
Ludlow Castle
Once more in our merging area of The Marches, we embrace the historic charms of Ludlow in south Shropshire and its castle, one of the finest castle ruins in England. Situated right in the very centre of the town, explore the sprawling castle remains and grounds, refresh in the cafe, or come to one of the many regular events that the location plays host to.
You can even stay in on one of three self catering apartments within the castle’s mansion.
h.Art Herefordshire Art Week
Herefordshire Art Week is an annual nine day art trail open to all during September. Artists, craftmakers and creative businesses open their private studios everyday from 11am – 5pm at least. Galleries put on special events, whilst groups get together to put on one-off exhibitions, in a wonderful mix of interesting venues.
With the vast majority offering FREE admission to visitors, h.Art promises a fun day out in one of England’s most beautiful counties. Marvel not only at paintings and imagery, but all sorts of art mediums including sculptures, woodwork, craft, textiles, jewellery and more.
Meet hundreds of individual artists, see an array of artwork across the county in the city and countryside, in humble and fabulous locations from sheds to manor houses. h.Art is really special for art lovers, promising personal encounters with some of the UK’s finest artists and makers in the intimacy of their own homes and studios. Discovering new work, as well as being able to buy or commission exactly what they want, all direct with the artist. All the elements combine to attract people who want a high quality, memorable experience.
See all about this year’s event here
Herefordshire’s Gardens
Herefordshire is blessed with an abundance of horticulturally lavish and visually inspiring privately owned gardens, open to the public to share the owner’s passion for plants and landscapes.
You’ll adore the love story that inspired the work of Sir Roy Strong to create The Laskett Garden, now operated by horticultural charity Perennial. The influence of RHS judge and author Tamsin Westhorpe is highly apparent at relaxed Stockton Bury Gardens, which is owned by her uncle. The ebb and flow of Westonbury Mill Water Gardens and its water-powered giant cuckoo clock, and glass bottle folly will entrance you. The year round terraced spendour of Brobury House and Gardens with their new walled garden cafe changes with every season. Hergest Croft Garden’s 70 acres brings you 5000 rare trees and shrubs under the care of former RHS Presidents Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks. And the intricate gardens of one of the oldest dwellings in England, Hellens Manor, will show its history in every outdoor ‘room’.
Download our free Gardens Guide Map to plan your next tour
We hope we’ve inspired you with our ‘Top 20 Things to do in Herefordshire’. Need some more ideas? Take a look here eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/live
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