Hereford between the Mappa Mundi, Cathedral and River Wye

Hereford combines important evidence of medieval history with museums, theatre, art and paths along the River Wye. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage will find a place where cultural discoveries and walks can be combined in a wide variety of daily routines.

Medieval treasures in Hereford

One particular attraction is the Hereford Mappa Mundi. It is dated to around the year 1300 and records how scholars in the 13th century understood the world in spiritual and geographical terms. It is therefore not only a historical map, but also an unusual way of accessing the ideas of a bygone era.

Hereford Cathedral is also home to the Chained Library, which dates from the 17th century. It is considered the largest surviving chained library in which the chains, rods and locks are all fully preserved. Its collections include 229 medieval manuscripts, including the Hereford Gospels from the 8th century. The cathedral itself represents a community that has worked and prayed there continuously for more than 1,300 years. Concerts and recitals take place throughout the year; at Evensong, visitors can hear the choir of Hereford Cathedral.

Historic houses and museums

The Old House is a superbly preserved timber-framed house from the 17th century in the centre of Hereford. It was built in 1621 as a butcher’s shop and residence. While exploring the historic rooms, visitors can try on replicas of historical clothing. This creates a vivid experience of the past.

The history of cider is also part of the city’s profile. The Museum of Cider opened in 1981 in the former Bulmers cider factory. It has a nationally significant collection on the history of cider and is located in the former Bulmer’s cider factory, with champagne cider cellars dating from 1889. The Waterworks Museum has a different focus: it is housed in the original Victorian building of Hereford’s water pumping station, which is listed as Grade II*, and has the oldest still-functioning triple-expansion steam engine in the United Kingdom.

Art and paths along the River Wye

The Hereford Public Art Trail is ideal for a walk around the city. The circular route is 2 miles long and takes about 1 hour at a moderate pace. Those who prefer to combine culture with nature can follow a route from Hereford city centre along the River Wye through rising woodland and cider orchards to Breinton Springs. Hereford also has peaceful riverside paths along the River Wye.

The maps provided by Herefordshire Council show quick and pleasant routes as well as separate paths away from road traffic for pedestrians and cyclists. This makes it possible to choose between focusing on historic interiors, taking an art walk or following a longer route through woodland and orchards when planning the day. The Courtyard Hereford adds to the cultural offering with visiting performances and in-house productions.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Hereford, you can first decide which of these aspects should shape your holiday. A trip focused on the Mappa Mundi, Chained Library, cathedral and museums has different priorities from days spent on the art trail and paths along the River Wye. Those who want to combine different interests can regard Hereford as the cultural centre of their trip and choose their holiday apartment or cottage according to their preferred daily routine.

For further destination ideas, pages on Bredwardine, Bishop's Frome, Pontrilas, Burghill, Kington, Bodenham, Leintwardine and Bringsty are also available.

For the higher-level travel overview: County Of Herefordshire.