Famous for its spectacular setting amid unspoilt countryside, the rural county of Herefordshire lies on the English side of the English-Welsh border and comprises interesting towns, countless pretty villages, and a medley of meadows and woodlands. With all this on offer, it’s no wonder Herefordshire Hotels see visitors return time and time again.
The cathedral city of Hereford is the largest of the Herefordshire towns. The other five market towns that make up the county are Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Ledbury, Bromyard and Kington.
Historic Hereford is around twenty miles from the Welsh border and sits on the River Wye. An ancient settlement for 7th century Saxons, it has a plethora of fascinating features including the glorious Cathedral, the 17th century timber-framed Old House, museums, chained library, and the world-renowned Mappa Mundi – the largest, most intricate and intact 13th century map in existence.
Ross-on Wye is midway between Hereford and Gloucester. Known as ‘The Gateway to the Wye Valley’, the area is an ideal base to explore the nearby Forest of Dean, Symonds Yat, and Goodrich. The iconic St Mary’s Church with its 200-foot spire towers over the town. Nearby is ‘The Prospect’, a public garden where it’s possible to enjoy magnificent views of the ‘horseshoe’ – the bend in the River Wye – as well as the Black Mountains in the distance. The town’s 17th century red sandstone Market Hall, home to a Visitor Centre, tells the story of the town and the surrounding Wye Valley.
Leominster is a historic former wool town known as ‘The Town in the Marches’. It is located close to Offa’s Dyke and has a wide variety of shops, cafes and interesting buildings such as those with medieval overhangs in Drapers Lane and School Lane. Things to see in Leominster include the lovely Priory Church, which was once a monastery, and the 17th century Grange Court, which was moved from its original site at The Buttercross to its present place in 1856.
The medieval market town of Ledbury has an abundance of half-timbered buildings. Dominating the town, and standing near the entrance to the fascinating Church Lane, is the striking early 17th century Market House. The 13th and 14th century church of St. Michael & All Angels can be reached via Church Lane and is said to be the finest parish church in Herefordshire with its huge 200-foot detached spire and vast arcaded nave.
If you like teddy bears, you’ll love Bromyard because it has its very own Teddy Bear Museum. Situated between Hereford and Worcester the town has a Heritage Centre that commemorates the local tradition of hop growing, a lovely Norman church and a Wildlife Gallery. Some attractive black and white half-timbered buildings dotted around the town and the surrounding idyllic countryside completes the picture.
Known as the ‘Border Town’, the small, once wool-trading, historic market town of Kington is a popular place as a base for walkers, being to the west of the well-trodden Offa’s Dyke. At the western end of the town is the 19th century clock tower, a tall edifice built in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. Kington’s museum is housed in old stables and the Norman church of St Mary’s stands proudly on the top of a defensive hill.
As you can see, there are many wonderful places to visit in Herefordshire. Now all you have to do is choose from a wide selection of Herefordshire Hotels.
By: David Ibbitson
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