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
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 area 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
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
Monnington House is a spacious holiday rental for groups in Herefordshire, close to the Wye Valley and convenient for the M5 and the M50. The beautiful holiday home sleeps six to 12 people in six bedrooms with six bathrooms and has been awarded 5-Star standard. Guests have two acres of grounds that include playing fields and outbuildings with games rooms. The house is at the end of a country lane with no passing traffic. Every room has lovely views over the garden, fields, or the cider apple orchard. It can be booked together with the owner's two other properties to accommodate up to 24 guests. 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
A large group of people need a spacious property, and Hollytree House is ideal. This large holiday home is on the River Wye, close to Symonds Yat and within walking distance of three popular pubs including The Saracens Head which you can reach via a hand-pulled ferry across the river. With nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms, there is easily enough space for up to 22 guests to sleep in comfort, while the peaceful location at the end of a quiet lane means you won't be disturbed by passing traffic. Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth are both within easy reach, with nearby activities including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, whitewater rafting and sightseeing.
Picture yourself soaking under the stars before tucking yourself into bed in this charming glamping holiday cottage. The Cider Shack has been handcrafted to suit its location between Hereford and Abergavenny, making the most of fantastic views of the Black Mountains, Skirrid and Sugarloaf. It's ideal for couples or solo holiday makers who enjoy walking, cycling or mountain biking as it has direct access to a fantastic landscape and is within easy reach of the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The property is on the family-run Penylan Farm, where they make the award-winning Ty Gwyn cider.
The Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and Sugarloaf are all on your doorstep when staying at Yarlington Dairy. It's a charming holiday cottage at Penylan Farm near Pontrilas in between Hereford and Abergavenny with space for one or two people and up to two dogs. The owners run the award-winning Ty Gwyn Cider with a cider shop and bar on site. The views are incredible in all seasons, and it's popular with walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers, castle lovers and foodies.
If you dream of a holiday where you can sit back in a hot tub and enjoy far reaching views over stunning countryside, then Penblaith Barn could be for you. This fantastic barn conversion has been finished to the highest specification, and with room for up to 18 guests in eight en-suite bedrooms, there is plenty of space for you to gather your family and friends together for a truly memorable holiday. Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye are just a few miles away and have a good variety of shops, cafes and pubs; while Symonds Yat, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Parks provide a wealth of choice for walkers and mountain bikers. There are dozens of nearby castles, from the romantic ruins of Chepstow to the gorgeous gothic-revival interior of Cardiff Castle. With wonderful Herefordshire and Monmouthshire towns and villages to happily occupy your days, and a games room, hot tub and vast gardens to entertain you at home, Penblaith Barn makes it possible for everyone in your group to Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Full of Four Star Gold luxury, character and style, this beautifully presented barn conversion provides accessible dog-friendly self-catering in Staunton on Wye, amidst glorious Herefordshire countryside. The surrounding area offers peace, tranquility and lovely walks, and is an ideal base for exploring Hay-on-Wye, Hereford city, the Wye Valley, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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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.
