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Famed for its namesake breed of cattle, Hereford is a charming cathedral city on the banks of the River Wye. It boasts excellent museums showcasing its cider-making and Jacobean history and is home to the 13th-century Mappa Mundi.

Things to do

Learn about life in the 17th-century Jacobean era at the Old House, a historic black and white, half-timbered residence in the heart of Hereford. It once formed part of Butcher’s Row and features period furnishings and paintings depicting Hereford themes.

If you’re interested in the art of making cider, visit the Cider Museum, housed within the factory where Bulmer’s Cider was born. Join a tour through the original cider cellars and a cooper’s workshop, with highlights including a 300-year-old French Beam Press and a rare collection of 18th-century lead crystal cider glasses.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Hereford is its Gothic cathedral, which dates back to 1079. In addition to its ornate stone columns, beautiful stained-glass windows and marble tomb depicting the Knights Templar, it’s home to the medieval Mappa Mundi that illustrates the 13th-century world.

Learn what it takes to become a Special Operations Executive at the Violette Szabo GC Museum, which honours the first woman to have received the George Cross bravery award. It was in this small Herefordshire cottage that she recovered from parachuting injuries in World War II, before being captured by the Nazis during a mission to France.

Getting around

Hereford is around 1.5 hour’s drive from Birmingham Airport and is connected to London, Manchester and Cardiff by train. Buses travel throughout Hereford and link the city to surrounding towns, while the central area is compact enough to explore on foot.