One of the country’s hidden gems, nestled between the Welsh border, Malvern Hills and the Brecon Beacons, is Herefordshire. On offer are wild landscapes, traditional market towns and wonderful locally-grown food that makes Herefordshire an absolute go-to county for those seeking natural charm and outdoor delights.
Where to stay
Hereford Club Site, Hereford
If adventure in the great outdoors is high on your list of requirements, the scenic Hereford Club campsite is the place to be. You want a rural idyll? They’ve got it. Looking to put your fishing rod to good use? They’re next door to The Millpond, a stunning three-and-a-half acre fishing lake. Maybe you just want a relaxing break in a campsite well situated for exploration of the countless attractions nearby? Yup, this is it.
Kingfisher Meadow Camping and Caravanning Park, Bodenham
Another great option for anglers is the Kingfisher Meadow Camping and Caravanning Park. Beautifully positioned in the Herefordshire countryside, this simple and laidback site is just outside Bodenham, so another fine place to use as your base.
Haywood Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Newent
The Haywood Farm Caravan and Camping Park is a small, family-friendly site run by a very friendly family. Got that? If family and friendliness are important to you, this is a great option. It offers a playground, a small pond, a football pitch, a games room and even a treehouse, so there’s no reason for the kids to be bored around the site. You’ll be mere steps away from peaceful woodland walks, and the nearest pubs and shops are barely a ten-minute amble away.
Herefordshire Days out
Best for families: Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle is an enchanting place at the foot of the Malvern Hills that sits within the bliss of a beautiful deer park, arboretum and a lake. Within the walls, there is plenty to see and admire, though it’ll take only an hour or so to savour the magnificent rooms inside the house, so it’s well within the attention span of most kids.
Upon arrival, children are offered a booklet containing puzzles, challenges and things to spot on their visit, and within the grounds they’ll find adventure playgrounds, obstacle courses, zip wires, rope swing, treetop walkways, super slides and trails. Later in the afternoon, when a break is needed, there’s a knights’ maze where they can safely lose themselves for as long as it takes you to enjoy some tea and cake.
Best for activities: The Wye Valley
No staycation in Herefordshire is complete without at least a few days exploring the Wye Valley. Think ‘rural retreat with some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Britain’ and you’re on the right track. Add in dramatic scenery, wonderful wildlife and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you’re right there.
Beyond the natural beauty, there are plenty of things to do such as cycling, kayaking and walking – and the River Wye is a great river for water skiing!
Best for shopping and Culture: Ledbury
The 17th-Century and Georgian architecture, secret alleyways and famous cobbled lane of Ledbury have charmed and enchanted countless painters and photographers over the centuries. Footpaths close to the town centre lead to ancient woods and orchards and stretch to the dramatic heights of Marcle Ridge and the Malverns. If you’re embarking on something more than a stroll, the long-distance Herefordshire Trail passes through Ledbury.
See this
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral is one of the oldest in Great Britain and lies at the heart of the city. Exquisite as a standalone venue, it beautifully compliments the city and its black and white timber-clad buildings, within which you’ll find an expanse of high street stores and independent shops as well as plenty of restaurants and pubs to fuel your city stroll.
Ross-on-Wye
A beautiful riverside town perched on a sandstone cliff above the River Wye. There aren’t many places more inviting than Ross-on-Wye with its vintage shopping trail past the Gazebo Tower folly and the pastel-coloured dwellings that almost tumble down the hillside to the river.
Do this
Cider Routes
Herefordshire is cider country, that means apple orchards everywhere. You don’t need us to tell you what to do here. That said, there are a couple of cider tours that you can drive along. But if you don’t have a designated cider-hating driver, we’d suggest making it a cycle tour, taking your time and propping yourselves up with your bikes in the latter stages.
The Black and White Village Trail
Sometimes simple is best, and slowly is perfect. The Black and White Village Trail is a forty-mile route for either car or bicycle. Start at Leominster and take your time meandering through some of the prettiest villages England has to offer.
Eat this
Scotch Eggs
On the subject of farms, The Nest at Little Verzons Farm Ledbury, is the place to go for The Scotch Egg company. There’s a garden cafe to enjoy their delicacy at a table, and a deli if you’re looking to take them away for a hillside picnic.
Drink this
Cassis
A visit to White Heron Drinks’ blackcurrant fields is a treat best kept for the adults, as it’s where they make British Cassis liqueur. The summer months are the best time to visit as that’s when the fruit is at its tastiest point. You can even bottle your own cassis to take home with you – and then celebrate with a cocktail demonstration and sampling.
Westons Cider
Picking up where we left off with the cider routes, Westons Cider is a family business started by Henry Weston way back in 1880. They offer cider mill tours and tastings of their cider in their Scrumpy House Restaurant and, naturally, there’s a selection of ciders in the shop to take home and enjoy with your feet up.
The Chase Distillery
We concede that there are some amongst you who don’t embrace the cider experience, so we’re including the Chase Distillery just for you. It’s a family owned, field-to-bottle distillery of gin and vodka. As you’d expect, there’s a tour, tasting opportunities and a shop so that you can take your favourites home.
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