Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Hereford? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Hereford? We’ve got you covered. You won’t have to look far to find tourist attractions in Hereford. The city is full of excitement and fun. Hereford is a great family destination, with amazing attractions such as museums, gardens, castles, cathedrals, and other historical places.
It is possible to visit pre-historic churches and castles. You can also stroll through the iconic markets and browse the many shops and art galleries. Hereford also houses the only remaining medieval maps of the planet, a draw for scholars and tourists.
The only worldwide chained library with more than 1500 rare books and manuscripts dating back to the medieval period can be visited. You can visit many other places in Hereford to admire the architecture of churches, cathedrals, or chapels. St Francis Xavier’s Church and the Hereford Cathedral are just a few examples of outstanding architecture that dates back to medieval times in European style.
Children can also visit museums like the Hereford museum, the Black and White house museum, and the Waterworks museum. Here, they can learn about the importance of conserving water and have fun at the waterpark for children.
Hay Castle
Hay Castle is one of the best places to visit in Hereford. Hay Castle is a place that takes you on a journey through time. Part Norman, part Jacobean, and part Victorian, this castle has been standing for over 1,000 years. It was a medieval stronghold occupied by invaders, a citadel of the patriots, a manor home, and even a bookshop.
Hay Castle, located in Hay-on-Wye and a border castle between England and Wales, was severely damaged by the 15th-century uprisings against the English rule of Owain Glyndwr. It was soon listed as a castle that could be defensible against Welsh and remained a residence until the beginning of the 20th century.
It has slowly fallen into disrepair since then, but you can still admire the fascinating ruins.
The castle hosts the Hay Literary Festival, which is held annually for 10 days. Around 80,000 people gather in the town and castle ruins at the end of May to discuss and share stories.
You can find a variety of bookshops along the cobbles surrounding the castle. There are also plans to make the castle major art- and culture center and open it to the public. The Honesty Bookshop is one of these bookshops. It does not have a till, but it does have a collection pot.
All books are below PS1, and all book lovers donate every time they take a book. All proceeds go towards the restoration of the castle.
Eastnor Castle
Herefordshire is home to a wealth of stately homes, many of which are not well-known but still lavish. Eastnor Castle is one of its most prominent country piles at the Malvern Hills. This elegant stately home is surrounded by a deer reserve and features fairytale turrets and medieval tapestries, and was even featured in season one of HBO’s hit HBO series Succession. The castle is the only historical house that your dog can visit.
Staycation Ideas
Hellens Manor is another heritage attraction in Herefordshire worth your attention. This historic home, built in 1870, houses a variety of period furniture, artifacts, and paintings. Berrington Hall is a Georgian home to a romp full of otters. Kentchurch Court is also worth a visit. It dates back to the Doomsday Book period. Joss Lucas Scudamore hosts fascinating house tours and will show you every corner. If you’re looking to stay over, there are B&B rooms available.
Ledbury
While Herefordshire is best known for its beautiful natural landscapes, the towns and cities of Herefordshire are just as charming. The Ledbury market town is an example of this. It lies between Hereford and the Malvern Hills and is rich in history and manufactured achievements.
The town’s main attraction is its timber-framed buildings that line Church Lane and High Street. Also, you will find 16th-century frescos in the Painted Room of the Town Hall, along with many mews and the Grade I-listed Market Hall.
Staycation Ideas
Leominster is located 22 miles north of Ledbury. It’s also very photogenic. This charming, down-to-earth town is a mecca for antiques. It has a variety of independent shops that sell pre-loved and historic pieces. It marks the beginning of The Black and White Trail, an amazing 40-mile circle of picture-book Tudor, Georgian, and medieval homes and buildings.
Nearby, Bromyard is located on a hilltop. It’s renowned for being both a foodie haven and a popular spot for its annual line-ups of shindigs, such as the Bromyard Folk Festival or even an annual scarecrow fest.
Black And White House Museum Hereford
The Black and White house was built in 1621. It has been used by many people, including bankers, butchers, and ironmongers. In 1929, the Old House was made into a museum representing Jacobean times. The Museum offers the opportunity to view many items, such as wall paintings and baby strollers from this period.
The Museum has three floors, and you can visit the incredible fireplace, which dates back to the 15th Century. Many stunning Jacobean wall paintings are on display in the Museum. They were purchased from other Hereford houses in the 17th Century. One of the paintings depicts Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s Dream in the Biblical story.
Highlights from the Black and White House Museum
- Visit the Museum to see the Jacobean lifestyle.
- Children can dress up in Jacobean costumes to play historical characters if they visit with their families.
- The six paintings depicting Greek Muses and goddesses in science, literature, and art, which date back to 1675-1700, are worth admiring.
- The most interesting object is the green baby walker made from Oak and Sycamore, dating back to the 17th Century.
Symonds Yat
Symonds Yat is one of the best places to visit in Hereford. Herefordshire is a popular spot for TV and film location scouts. Symonds Yat is renowned for its spectacular cliffs and heavily wooded canyons. It also features in the popular Netflix series Sex education.
This Wye Valley icon is the backdrop to Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Jean Milburn’s (Gillian Anderson) Scandinavian-inspired hilltop family home. Coincidentally, you can also rent out for a scenic staycation.
Staycation Ideas
The county’s star role on Netflix is not the only thing that has made it famous. Coppett hill is located in the Forest of Dean and was featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. In a snowy scene, Hermione tells us that she used to vacation there as a child.
While not an actual filming location, sci-fi lovers should visit The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction. This museum is home to R2-D2, a full-sized tardis, and Daleks. It also has lots of film memorabilia and costumes.
Waterworks Museum
Take your kids to the Waterworks Museum to teach them the importance of water conservation. This is a great place to take your family to learn about the history of water. The Museum shows the daily life of Herefordians during World War Two.
Many artifacts, including hot air engines and overshot water wheels, can be viewed. You also have the opportunity to see horse-drawn water wagons.
Learn more about water softeners, water chlorinators, and different types of water pumps. The Noel Meeke heritage park is also available for children. It offers a safe place to learn about historical water devices. You can also learn how to operate water pumps and extract water from wells.
Waterworks Museum Highlights
- This Museum is open to the public and allows you to see, smell, and hear the steam-era era.
- The 160 years of engineering found in the Victorian water pumping station can also be explored.
- Look at the historical beam, gas, and diesel engines that have been around from the Industrial Revolution to the present.
- You can bring your whole family to the interactive water park, where you can teach your children about water, operate pumps, and lift water from the well.
St Francis Xavier’s Church
Beautiful interiors in Greek are found within the Church. The front facade is neoclassical and has a large portion that resembles Athenians from Delphi, Greece. This Church is one of Hereford’s most popular tourist attractions. It has a 60-foot dome.
The ceiling is beautifully decorated with 390 stars and a dark blue background. The Church’s sanctuary features a high altar and tabernacle identical to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of St Peter’s.
This shrine, dedicated to St John Paul 11, was the most recent addition to the Church. It was inaugurated in 2008 by the Polish congregation.
Highlights of St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church
- Admire the stunning neoclassical-styled Church built in 1839, and marvel at its beautiful architecture.
- The crystal glass dome provides natural lighting to the Church. It has been decorated with 390 gold-leaf stars.
- The Church hosts many recitals and concerts by internationally renowned musicians.
- A guided tour is available to learn more about the Church’s history and admire its architecture and beauty.
- You can also attend the weekly church mass and meet the local believers.
River Wye
River Wye is one of the best places to visit in Hereford. It’s easy to get closer to nature in Herefordshire. There are no better ways to see hidden spots or take to the water than to paddle your way from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat.
Hire a canoe with a local company such as Wye Canoes, Canoe the Wye, and paddle your way from Kerne Bridge towards Symonds Yat. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, deer, and the ruins at Goodrich Castle. If you want to boost adrenaline, consider a yoga session with a paddle board.
Staycation Ideas
You can take your outdoor adventure to The Land Rover Experience in Eastnor. You can traverse difficult terrain from steep, slippery inclines to deep, murky water. Or, take a gentle walk through south Herefordshire’s Golden Valley with your llama. You might enjoy climbing the Symonds Yat cliffs on a rock climbing adventure.
Malvern Hills
The Malverns provide great views of Herefordshire, depending on your location. Looking closely, you may see Wales, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire.
Because of their location, you can look out to the Brecon Beacons in the West and the Cotswolds in the East. You can ‘get out of the hills, regardless of your physical ability. There are gentle slopes and rolling meadows. You can take serious hikes up steep-sided rock crags for those who are more active.
Yarpole
Yarpole is one of the best places to visit in Hereford. Yarpole is the place to go if you want to feel like a Herefordshire village. Although it’s small, Yarpole is charming and cozy. Croft Castle should be your first stop on your journey.
The Croft Castle will allow you to trace the Crofts’ history back to the arrival and development of the first Normal settlers. It also offers a glimpse into the past through the 20th century.
As history has it, it’s true. After you have explored the gardens, go into Yarpole to see the strange St Leonards church. It is the only surviving example of a church with a separate bell tower. After filling the sights, you can continue to The Bell at Yarpole, where you will find a foamy pint, real food, and a great place to enjoy the gardens.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Eastnor Castle is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Hereford.
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