Itinerary idea: two days of cider, steak and secret treasures in Hereford

Hereford is at the centre of agriculturally-rich Herefordshire, famed for its cider production and world-renowned Hereford Cattle. Bordering Wales, it is almost equidistant to all of its five charming market towns at each compass point and is a city that loves to surprise you.

Here is what groups can pack into two days.

Day one:

10am: Arrive for brunch

Hereford does brunch so well with several exciting eateries that cater for groups. Sensory & Rye’s vibrant and nutritious dishes are anything but your average fare in their urban style premises. Or mellow in the modern yet atmospheric surroundings of Bill’s Kitchen located ingeniously in the beautiful interior of All Saints Church.

11am: Take a city walking tour

Meet the Mayor’s Guild of Guides for a gentle hour or so with a stroll through Hereford’s historic streets, taking in landmarks and the stories of this enchanting settlement. From its Saxon origins when it was a border trading place between England and Wales (the River Wye running through evoked its name of Here-Ford, where traders could cross) to the modern day.

12:30pm: Light lunch in Hereford Cathedral followed by a tour

Visit one the world’s unique medieval treasures, The Mappa Mundi. Created on calf skin in around 1300 it shows the history, geography and destiny of humanity as it was understood in Christian Europe in the late 13C and early 14C.

Continue to The Chained Library; the largest surviving chained library in the world. It contains about 1,500 books, dating from around 800AD and including 227 medieval manuscript books. Of course a general tour of the spectacular Cathedral and its stained glass windows is a must, as is a Tower Tour with panoramic views across the City.

3pm: Time for a tipple

Moments away from Hereford Train Station, Rockfield Distillery brings you its vibrantly branded collection of gins. Have fun with a Gin Making Experience to create your own bespoke bottle from your preferred botanicals and personalised label, or simply enjoy a Cocktail Making Masterclass.

Evening: Your steak experience awaits

Hereford Cattle is world famous and bred in over 120 countries, but Hereford is its origins and it is an emblem of the city. Enjoy real chargrilled steak, amongst many other dishes, at The Bookshop. Tucked away in Hereford’s Independent Quarter, it’s part of a vibey collective of eateries in indoor and outdoor spaces with inter-changing menus at The Yard, all under the innovative ART Hospitality brand. Don’t worry, there is always an excellent vegetarian selection too.

Perhaps continue your evening with a performance at The Courtyard centre for the arts, take in some live music and one of the many pubs and bars, or just chill ready for your next fun-packed day. 

Day 2:

10am: The Museum of Cider

The world’s largest cider museum is built on the original site of the Bulmers Cider Factory (which is still only ‘over-the-road’). Herefordshire produces over half of the UK’s cider and, aside from iconic brands like Bulmers and Westons, is also home to over 100 artisan producers.

Delve into the cider heritage and original manufacturing methods that some still use today and explore the amazing Champagne Cellars that were part of the Bulmer’s production dynasty. Refresh in the tearoom and discover local craft ciders in the shop.

11:30 Stroll back along the River Wye

Come back into the heart of the city via The Old Wye Bridge and walk along the Right Bank of the River Wye which divides the ‘north and south’ of Hereford. This public parkland is King George V playing fields with beautiful views of the Cathedral and properties opposite. Traverse the picturesque Grade II listed Victoria Footbridge, created to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

Wander the Castle Green; the bailey of Hereford Castle, and stop for lunch at the new Pavillion and C.Sons café.

Afternoon: A little shopping

Exit through Quay Street and walk through the Cathedral grounds into the charms of cobbled Church Street, with its plethora of independent boutiques, jewellers, home and lifestyle stores, cafés and delis.

Mooch further to emerge in High Town, the original and existing market hub of Hereford. With weekly market days and a constant al fresco café culture, surrounded by the fascinating architecture of Hereford through the ages, this is the essence of the city.

Discover the Old House – towering, photograph-ready, you’ll see the outstanding Old House. This original black and white Jacobean building has had many lives including as a butchers and a bank, and is now an interactive museum paying homage to its inhabitants of yesteryear.