Tucked away along the Welsh border, Herefordshire is one of England’s quieter counties. The roads narrow, the fields spread out, and the rivers wind gently through green valleys. The locals seem to have long since mastered the art of not hurrying unnecessarily.
Herefordshire does not do grand cities or major attractions. Instead, it offers hills, cider orchards, black-and-white villages, and countryside that feels like it has been gently pottering along for centuries. If ever a county had perfected the art of pottering, it is Herefordshire.
Apples, orchards and a lot of very good cider
Herefordshire is apple country, and the orchards are everywhere. In spring they bloom with clouds of blossom; in autumn the trees are heavy with fruit destined for cider presses. The county is famous for its traditional cider, which ranges from pleasantly refreshing to mildly alarming in strength.
Cider farms and producers open their doors to visitors, and many pubs serve the local stuff alongside hearty food, good views, and the occasional contented sheep watching from a nearby field.
Black-and-white villages and timber-framed perfection
One of Herefordshire’s great charms is its collection of black-and-white villages — timber-framed houses that seem to lean slightly after centuries of standing, but somehow remain perfectly steady. The Black and White Village Trail winds through places like Weobley, Pembridge, Eardisland and Kingsland, each one seemingly competing for the title of ‘most photogenic English village.’
The pubs are old, the beams are wonky, and the tea rooms serve cake that seems suspiciously large. Which is, of course, exactly how it should be.
Hereford, cathedrals and ancient maps
The county town, Hereford, sits on the banks of the River Wye and is home to a fine cathedral that feels pleasantly less crowded than many of its grander cousins elsewhere in England. Inside, you will find the Mappa Mundi — a 13th-century map of the world drawn when cartographers were still quite happily mixing geography with theology and hearsay. It is charmingly odd and absolutely worth seeing.
Next door, the chained library offers a glimpse into a time when books were rare enough to need securing with iron chains — a practical solution for book lovers with limited trust.
Rivers, canoes and quiet wandering
The River Wye winds lazily through much of the county, offering peaceful canoe trips where the only traffic tends to be herons and the occasional paddler quietly regretting their choice of footwear. The Wye Valley itself offers some of the most beautiful walking in England, with wooded hills, river bends and sudden glimpses of distant church towers poking up through the trees.
Symonds Yat provides one of the best viewpoints, where on a clear day you can see the river looping below in a picture-perfect coil.
Castles, hills and a few dramatic leftovers
Though peaceful now, Herefordshire once sat on the old front line between England and Wales, and the remains of numerous castles dot the landscape. Goodrich Castle, particularly well preserved, stands above the River Wye with its red sandstone walls still looking suitably defiant.
The Malvern Hills creep into the eastern edge of the county, offering wide views across Herefordshire’s patchwork fields, and occasionally a strong breeze to remind you that you are at altitude, at least by local standards.
Where England whispers instead of boasting
Herefordshire is never likely to top many tourist bucket lists, and that may be its greatest strength. It offers orchards, hills, rivers, and villages that have quietly avoided modern fuss. After a few days here, you begin to wonder whether the rest of the world might be overcomplicating things entirely.
Top 10 reasons to visit Herefordshire
1. Explore Hereford Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and see the famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval world map that is one of the treasures of Britain.
2. Wander through black and white villages
Step back in time with a visit to timber-framed villages like Weobley and Pembridge, part of the scenic Black and White Village Trail.
3. Walk the Wye Valley
Enjoy riverside paths, woodlands, and breathtaking views in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for walkers and nature lovers.
4. Visit historic castles
Discover the stories of Herefordshire’s fortified past with visits to Goodrich Castle, Croft Castle, and Eastnor Castle.
5. Sample local cider
Taste world-renowned Herefordshire cider at traditional pubs, cider houses, and orchards dotted across the county.
6. Explore market towns
Browse quirky shops and farmers’ markets in towns like Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, and Leominster, each with its own character and charm.
7. Enjoy the Malvern Hills
Walk or cycle the ridges for sweeping views across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and beyond.
8. Discover ancient churches
Admire Norman carvings, medieval stained glass, and centuries of history in Herefordshire’s many parish churches.
9. Take to the water
Canoe or kayak along the River Wye, one of the most picturesque waterways in Britain.
10. Celebrate local festivals
From the Herefordshire Country Fair to cider festivals and food celebrations, the county’s events calendar is bursting with local flavour.
