4 Day Itinerary for a Short Break in Hereford
Planning a trip to Hereford? Below find suggestions for a 3 night stay in the town where you can enjoy local history, views of the breathtaking Herefordshire Countryside. Day 1 and 4 allow time for your arrival and departure journey.
Day 1- Visit Hereford town centre
Visit Hereford Cathedral which is most famous for its Mappa Mundi – which is a spectacular medieval map of the world dating back to the 13th Century. This usually reflected how 13th Century scholars interpreted the world – in both spiritual and geographical terms. There is also a Cathedral Town Walk.
Between the cathedral and Commercial Street you will find an amazing selection of independent shops and eateries. In Commercial Street you will also find the Old House, this building was built originally to serve as a home and shop for a local butcher. It has subsequently housed ironmongers and was once a Lloyd’s bank before being given to the city of Hereford and being turned into a public museum.
Day 2 – Visit Ledbury
If you have time be sure to browse through the unspoilt Ledbury High Street of independent shops, stocking ranges from Scandinavian house wares, handmade jewellery & chocolates and locally produce including cider.
Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle is in fact a mock castle due to it being completed in 1820. The castle was founded by John Cocks, 1st Earl Somers who’s family still inhabit the castle. As well as the stunning interior of the castle you can also wonder the grounds and picnic by the lake or visit the tea room, complete the maze and obstacle course and children’s play area. During high season the castle is home to events including it’s annual Chilli Festival and plenty family fun days.
Midsummer Hill Walk
The trail starts from the Eastnor Castle Car Park and is only 2.5 miles long. The route will take you past the Obelisk built in 1812 and is a memorial to the son of the first Earl Somers who was killed in the Peninsular War. On a clear day you can see up to 50 miles including the Black Mountains, Forest of Dean, Cotswolds and Clee Hill.
Hellens – Much Marcle
Visit the haunted manor house, which was originally a small castle home to monks before being converted into a manor house in the 15th Century. See the bedroom that Hetty was locked in for 30 years by her family and the window she use to pass the day gazing out of.
Day 3 – Visit Symonds Yat near Ross-on-Wye
From Symonds Yat West you can hire canoes or go on a river cruise and get some of the best views of the Wye Valley scenery. Also worth a visit is Ross-on-Wye town.
Symonds Yat Walk
This walk takes you through beautiful scenery along the River Wye. It is a circular walk of 2.75 miles on good surfaces, mainly level along the beautiful Wye Valley at Symonds Yat.
The River Wye seen from the world famous viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock forms an almost complete loop. This walk starts below Symonds Yat Rock in the wooded gorge at the rural village of Symonds Yat East.
King Arthur’s Cave
King Arthur’s Cave is a limestone cave at the foot of a low cliff at the north-western end of Lord’s Wood in The Doward, near Symonds Yat, Herefordshire. It is one of only five English caves known to have been used in both the Early and Late Upper Palaeolithic periods.
Amazing Hedge Puzzle
This is one of Herefordshire’s most popular private tourist attractions, and it’s no wonder! Labyrinths have always fascinated both young and old – we all love the challenge of a good puzzle. And one where we can physically do it, get lost and find our way back again is a challenge most wouldn’t turn down. Also don’t miss the Butterfly Zoo also found at the Visitors Centre.
Day 4 – Visit Hereford
Hereford Cider Museum
The Cider Museum is attached to King Offa Distillery, which produces a range of ciders and cider-based fruit liqueurs. Here you will learn how cider is made, tracing the process from growing apples, milling, pressing, fermenting, and bottling.
Waterworks Museum
There is no better place to become acquainted with how water was pumped from the River Wye to sustain and maintain the use of water in the town of Hereford. Here is a centre of immense education in the pumping and filtration of water. There’s hands on courses for young pupils who can get to spend the day learning all about the role of water in our lives.
For more activities, walking & cycle routes plus other local destinations across Hereford view more of our articles using the links below:
- Ledbury Tourism Articles
- Hereford Tourism Articles
- Ross-on-Wye Tourism Articles
- Leominster Tourism Articles