Situated in the heart of England and one of the official historic counties in the UK, Herefordshire boasts vast, unspoilt scenery thanks to its prolific agriculture, as well as a rich and fascinating history. A wonderfully rural county, it is renowned for its fruit and cider production as well as the famous Hereford Cow. Bordering a number of fellow ceremonial counties, such as Shropshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire is the perfect country spot to get away from it all and relax, with only the odd tractor to disturb the peace. Read more
Herefordshire is gorgeous with historic towns and buildings, fertile countryside and beautiful views. Yew Tree Barn is a stylish barn conversion with space for six to seven people, close to Hereford, the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Places like Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, Ludlow, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and Abergavenny are all within easy reach to give visitors a wide variety of things to see and do.
If you could imagine your ideal countryside escape, the chances are that it would look like Old Barn House. Set in the Herefordshire countryside within easy reach of the Wye Valley AONB, this beautiful property sleeps up to eight people in four lovely bedrooms, with generously sized living areas and features like an outdoor hot tub and a big garden where family and friends can relax. There is a fishing lake a few minutes stroll away, and footpaths and cycling routes from the door. Far-reaching views, excellent amenities and a fantastic location make it ideal for a holiday in any season.
The Cider Mill is a luxury holiday cottage in the Herefordshire countryside, with beautiful views of a cider apple orchard and a location within walking distance of the traditional Portway Inn pub. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms and has a flexible layout that suits families, extended families or friends. The cottage is eight miles from Hereford and within easy reach of Ludlow, Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye. The Brecon Beacons National Park and Wye Valley are close, making this a fantastic holiday destination for anyone at any time of the year. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Garden Cottage is in rural Herefordshire, close to the Wye Valley and within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It's the perfect holiday home to relax in beautiful surroundings, with walks and bike rides from the door. There is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms, with a flexible layout that suits families, extended families or friends. Hereford is only eight miles away, while Hay-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster are all within half an hour's drive. Play golf, go fly fishing or canoeing in the River Wye, browse local markets and antique shops, and eat well whether you self-cater or dine out. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
The Loft is a peaceful escape in rural Herefordshire, close to Bromyard and Ludlow, and within easy reach of Hereford. It's ideal for a restful stay in all seasons, with lots of opportunity for walking, cycling, golf, fishing and horse riding not only in Herefordshire but also nearby in the Malvern Hills and the Wye Valley. The stylish studio apartment has a kingsize bed, contemporary bathroom and a bespoke circular kitchen handcrafted to fit the round room of the former oast house. The Loft is within walking distance of the Three Horseshoes pub in Little Cowarne.
The Hophouse is a beautifully converted brick oast house in a quiet Herefordshire village. The holiday cottage sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms, with the option to increase accommodation to eight or 10 people if you're on holiday with your extended family and friends. It is in Little Cowarne, a few miles from Bromyard and within easy reach of Hereford and Worcester. The Hophouse has beautiful views, and there are lovely walks and bike rides from the door. Nearby, the Malverns and Wye Valley offer even more scope for fun and adventure. Bookings are available all year round.
Nestling amongst Herefordshire countryside on the Whittern Estate, The Lodge provides a high standard of self-catering with classic Victorian charm blended with fabulous modern conveniences. Perfect for couples, families or friends who want to explore the area (Ludlow, Hereford and Hay-on-Wye are all within easy driving distance) and those who simply want to escape away and enjoy a taste of country life. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Escape to the serene Wye Valley AONB and 'Staybythewye' in this lovely holiday cottage designed with couples or individual travellers in mind. It is in the tiny Herefordshire hamlet of Hole-in-the-Wall, a short stroll from the river and only a few miles from Ross-on-Wye. Walking, cycling, fishing, and birdwatching are all readily available all year round, as are canoeing, kayaking and climbing. The Annex is attached to the owner's barn, sitting in a courtyard setting yet is completely private and self-contained. Hereford, Gloucester, Offa's Dyke, Tintern Abbey, and Goodrich Castle are all within easy reach. A double bed can sleep one or two children, so the cottage is also good for families.
Monnington House and Garden Cottage offer spacious holiday accommodation for large groups in Herefordshire, close to the Wye Valley and convenient for the M5 and the M50. The beautiful holiday retreat sleeps up to eighteen guests and has been awarded 5-Star standard. Guests have two acres of grounds that include playing fields and outbuildings with games rooms. The house and cottage are at the end of a country lane with no passing traffic making it an ideal place to escape away with friends or family to catch up or celebrate a special occassion. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Perfect for friends or families, this welcoming self-catering holiday home provides an excellent base for exploring Central England and its many attractions including the Malvern Hills, Hereford and slightly further afield, Stratford, Warwick and the Cotswolds. Nestling in tranquil Herefordshire countryside, there are plenty of outdoor activities locally to enjoy including walking, cycling, canoeing, fishing the rivers and horse riding.
Nestling amongst beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside, this lovely barn conversion provides self-catering that is perfect for families or friends who want to explore the many delights of Hereford and the Malvern Hills on holiday. Enjoy a taste of country life and outdoor activities including good fishing, horse riding and canoeing locally. A great base for exploring Central England with Stratford, the Cotswolds and Warwick with its beautiful castle all within easy reach by car.
Sleeping large groups of up to seventeen, this lovely farmhouse nestles peacefully amongst beautiful rolling countryside with lovely views over the Malvern Hills. Perfect for holidaying or getting together with friends or family, the holiday cottage sits close to the Herefordshire village of Little Cowarne (with excellent pub) and is an ideal base for exploring the many delights of Hereford and the Malvern Hills.
Peacefully located amidst rolling Herefordshire countryside, this large holiday home is a great place to get away from it all for a celebration, reunion of friends or large family holiday. A great self-catering base for exploring Herefordshire and the Malvern Hills.
A delightful cottage sitting in an orchard setting with stunning panoramic views over the Black Mountains on a large 700 acre estate within Herefordshire countryside - an ideal retreat to relax or use as a base for exploring the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A magnificent 4 Star Gold holiday home offering stylish accommodation on an impressive country estate of some seven hundred acres in North West Herefordshire. Perfect for couples, friends and families with plenty of attractions within easy driving distance including Hay-on-Wye, Ludlow, Hereford and the Welsh Borders. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A cosy stone self catering cottage on a large seven hundred acre estate set amidst rolling Herefordshire countryside, providing holiday accommodation for six guests or larger parties of up to eleven if the nearby cottage is rented at the same time. Close to the Shropshire Hills AONB, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye and the Welsh Borders with an abundance of great days out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Combining 21st century modern convenience with Victorian charm and elegance amongst secluded Herefordshire countryside - six self catering holiday homes provide a chic venue for parties of two to fifty guests. Whether you are looking for a romantic break or want to celebrate a milestone event with friends or family, The Colloquy is an ideal choice. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Offering the chance to live the 'Downton Abbey' lifestyle, this Grade II listed Queen Anne house offers spacious self-catering accommodation for large groups of up to eighteen and sits on a seven hundred acre estate amongst beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside within easy reach of Ludlow and Hay-on-Wye. The perfect venue for spending time or celebrating with friends or family. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
In a peaceful location with a good degree of privacy, this is the perfect place for friends and families to relax and unwind amongst beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Hereford City with its great shops, riverside setting, theatre and eating establishments is just ten minutes away and there is a fantastic gastro-pub nearby (under half an hour on foot). The perfect mix of country living with 5 Star Gold luxury. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Peregrine Retreat is a chic holiday lodge in rural Herefordshire. Perfect for couples, it features panoramic views, high-quality furnishings, and a deck with an outdoor spa bath. The self-catering lodge is in Orcop Hill, within walking distance of the village pub and convenient for Hereford, the Wye Valley AONB and the Brecon Beacons National Park. It's a superb choice all year round for anyone who enjoys beautiful walks, fantastic views, outdoor activities, history, delicious food and drink, or a gorgeous setting where you can relax and enjoy the stylish and modern comforts that make it easy to relax, destress and recharge.
Popular towns in and around Herefordshire:
Hay-on-WyeHerefordKingtonLeominsterMonmouthRoss-on-WyeSome local suggestions:
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Herefordshire is one of England's most rural, unspoilt and tranquil counties. However, it's turbulent past has left it rich in history. Located on the Welsh Border, this fascinating area does not disappoint when it comes to heritage sites with the 8th century Offa's Dyke (Britain's longest ancient monument and a legacy from centuries of raids and disputes); Norman castles and churches built along 'The Welsh Marches'; and Hereford Cathedral housing the unique medieval treasure of 'The Mappa Mundi', being just a few of its many highlights.
Hereford is at the very heart of the county, and nestles in The Wye Valley, an AONB. The River Wye is popular for its fishing and canoeing/kayaking and ideal for water-sports enthusiasts whether the perfect day includes drifting gently downstream from Hay on Wye soaking up the scenery or navigating the exciting rapids at Symonds Yat near Ross-on-Wye. Hay-on-Wye, famous as the 'town of books' and for the Hay Literary Festival, is at the foot of The Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacon National Park and should be on everyone's itinerary. This is excellent walking country with breath-taking borderland views; as is Kington, a walking centre intercepted by long distance trails, with an annual walking festival.
One of the delights of Herefordshire is exploring the small historic market towns and picturesque 'Black and White' villages. Quiet roads and country lanes journey through rolling hills, ancient woods, forests and water meadows. Historic houses, beautiful gardens, farmers markets, artisan producers, workshops, galleries and studios provide an abundance of lovely places to explore every season of the year.
Of course, you can't visit Herefordshire without sampling some of the finest food and drink you will ever taste. Herefordshire beef and lamb, locally made cheeses, cherries and apples, farmhouse ice cream and wonderful tea rooms await. Follow the cider trail from Pembridge to Ledbury, stopping at cider mills and museums to sample ciders and learn about traditional cider making techniques. Bromyard is the centre for the hop growing industry, and at Bodenham vineyards you can sample local wines.
You may want to discover The Welsh Borders, enjoy an active holiday or celebrate the 'best of British fare'... or you may want to simply relax in one of the remaining secluded corners of England. Herefordshire has a wide choice of lovely places to stay. Find out more about Herefordshire and the many reasons to visit, including our dog-friendly guide for pet owners.
