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Whether you’re looking for a brief getaway or an extended holiday, the West Midlands county of Herefordshire is filled with history, adventures, and beauty. You’ll find family fun, plenty of things to do in Herefordshire for adults, and much more. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Herefordshire.
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What better way to experience the beauty of Herefordshire than by staying in the outdoors. Glamping offers the luxury of a hotel whilst giving guests the sense of adventure they are looking for. We may be biased, but after being named by the Sunday Times as a top UK glamping site, we have to say that our site is the best glamping in Herefordshire.
Enjoy a glass of cider (or two) as you learn about history while touring the UK’s largest cider collection of oak vats. Weston’s Cider Factory tour provides small, guided tours of their farmhouse and surrounding orchards. Tour the 400-year-old farmhouse, The Bounds, and wander among the rows of apple and perry pear trees.
Learn the entire cider-making process from planting to pouring. Along the way, the fun and knowledgeable guides weave in plenty of fascinating history about the surrounding area. Adults can try cider samples, kids can visit the Play Park (for free), and everyone will enjoy a delicious meal at either the Scrummy House Restaurant or Orchard Tea Rooms.
Combining both indoor and outdoor locations, it’s one of the best places to visit in Herefordshire regardless of the weather. You can drive in for a meal or spend the entire weekend exploring.
Flowing and tumbling through both the countryside and the woods, the River Wye is a beautiful Herefordshire landmark. As the fifth-longest river in the UK, it rises on the Welsh mountain of Plynlimon before passing into England.
Thousands of visitors enjoy visiting the River Wye every year, making it one of the most popular outdoor activities in Herefordshire. It’s primarily used by canoers and kayakers, although certain sections are swift enough for white water rafting in Herefordshire.
Don’t worry if you’re new to canoeing or don’t have the equipment. You’ll find plenty of canoe hire businesses where you can rent what you need. With many gentle sections, lots of people find that the River Wye is an ideal spot to learn how to canoe or kayak. Keep in mind that the weather is a major factor in availability, so try to make your plans as flexible as possible.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: In 1770, William Gilpin published Observations on the River Wye, which painted the location in such a flattering light that thousands of tourists began to arrive yearly. It’s considered the birthplace of modern tourism in Britain, and its popularity continues into today.
Built in the 19th century, Eastnor Castle is a beautiful venue available for weddings and other large-scale group activities. Across the road from the buildings, you’ll find the Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Watch the herd of Red Deer graze and frolic in the lush woodlands. You’re welcome to stroll through the park whenever it’s open, making this an excellent option for nature-lovers of all ages.
Depending on weather and events, both the park can close at times, so be sure to check availability when planning your trip.
Visit Hereford Cathedral, a historic cathedral dating back to the 8th century. It’s listed as a Grade I historic site, and is home to the world-famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world created in the year 1300. The Cathedral opens its doors at 9:15 am, and all are welcome to attend.
The stunning interior of the church features Norman architecture and two 14th century tombs of unknown ecclesiastics in effigy. Exploring the Cathedral is one of the best indoor activities in Herefordshire, making this a great option on its own or as an alternate day of fun if weather cancels your outdoor plans.
Amateur photographers flock to the Cathedral throughout the year. As long as you’re taking photographs for personal use (not commercial), you’re free to shoot as much as you like. No permit is required.
History buffs will love to see the Magna Carta. The Cathedral is home to one of only four surviving Magna Carta from 1217. It’s displayed in the Cathedral’s chained library. Note that the Magna Carta isn’t displayed year-round, so you’ll want to call ahead if viewing it is a key reason for your trip.
Take a trip back in time and visit Hampton Court Castle, a Grade I listed building in the parish of Hope under Dinmore. Dating back to 1510, it’s a beautiful castle and surrounding grounds rich with history.
Visiting the castle’s 12-acre gardens is one of the most popular things to do in Herefordshire. The gardens are open to the public throughout summer, where you can view the kitchen garden, Dutch garden, a 150-year-old wisteria arch, and even a maze with a secret tunnel. Check their calendar to find special concerts and theatre productions.
With a combination of natural beauty and interesting history, Herefordshire is an excellent getaway for families, couples, groups, and individuals. You can find plenty of Herefordshire places to stay, often even if you’re booking at the last minute. Plus, there are lots of half term activities in Herefordshire, if you’re looking for fun with friends.
You can find numerous free places to visit in Herefordshire, too. On nice days out in Herefordshire, you can canoe on the River Wye, hike through the Eastnor Castle Deer Park, or explore the gardens of Hampton Court. If you’re looking for indoor fun, tour Weston’s Cider Factory or the Hereford Cathedral.
As one of England’s most rural and sparsely populated areas, visiting Herefordshire can feel like stepping back to a simpler time. It’s a place to go when you need to recharge, relax, and leave the stresses of your daily life behind. For nature and history lovers alike, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Herefordshire.
