When you’re planning trips and places to visit in the UK, Herefordshire might not necessarily be the first place that comes to mind. But nestled on the border with Wales, there are so many things to do in Herefordshire that it is absolutely an underrated place to visit in the UK.
Use this weekend in Herefordshire itinerary to plan your trip so you can experience what this amazing county has to offer.
Please note the following blog post has been written as part of a collaboration with Herefordshire’s Tourism Centre - Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire. All opinions are my own.
Where is Herefordshire?
Hereford Black and White House Museum
Herefordshire is classed as part of the West Midlands region in England, it is bordered by the Welsh counties of Powys and Monmouthshire to the west. As well as bordering the other two of the Three Counties, it also borders Shropshire.
Herefordshire is part of the Three Counties of England. The Three Counties are traditionally known as the agricultural and landowning counties and are made up of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
How to get to Herefordshire?
The M5 motorway runs along the east of the county, making Herefordshire easily accessible from several points along this main north to south artery, the main road into Herefordshire is the M50 from the M5 and car travel is definitely the easiest way to reach and explore Herefordshire.
If you are planning to visit the county by public transport, that’s also very doable. Hereford has direct train links to Birmingham New Street station so you can easily reach Herefordshire via train from the Birmingham hub.
There are also direct trains with GWR from London Paddington if you’re travelling from the capital. As well as direct trains from Cardiff if you’re travelling from the Welsh capital.
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Where to stay in Herefordshire
Of course, there are countless options for Herefordshire places to stay and they really depend on what you’re looking for and the kind of places you prefer to stay.
Hereford or Ledbury are great if you prefer to stay in a bigger town or city, close to plenty of restaurants and Hereford attractions. Here are a couple of the most popular hotel options in Hereford.
Ross on Wye is a great option if you’re looking for a smaller town that’s extremely picturesque. Check out The Whitehouse which is centrally located in Ross on Wye. Or a little further out is the beautiful Glewstone Court Countryhouse Hotel.
Cwtch Cabins
I stayed at the most beautiful glamping cabins at Cwtch Cabins which is just a short drive from Ledbury and Ross on Wye. The cabins were the perfect option for a unique stay in Herefordshire if you’re looking for alternatives to hotels but don’t fancy full-on camping. I stayed in the Zena cabin. Each cabin is unique and absolutely beautiful, you’ll be supplied with firewood to use in your own firepit and there’s also cooking utensils and supplies available. You’ll just need to bring your own bedding, Toilet facilities are shared and extremely well-cleaned and maintained. There are also pitches available if you’d prefer to camp and bring your own gear.
For us, this was the perfect option for somewhere unique to stay and experience Herefordshire and we loved coming back each evening to our own cabin in the middle of the peaceful Herefordshire countryside. The owners were absolutely lovely and so welcoming too! Plus you’re close to plenty of Herefordshire places to visit, such as Ledbury, Ross on Wye, Hellens Manor, numerous cider mills and more.
Weekend in Herefordshire: Things to do
Day 1: Herefordshire itinerary
Kick off your 2 days in Herefordshire with Breakfast in Ledbury
Ledbury is such a picturesque little town and it was only 10 minutes from our glamping site so it was perfect to get caffeinated before we started our day.
Check out the Market House Cafe for some great budget breakfast options and great coffee! Another option is Cameron & Swan, although if you’re visiting on a weekend you’ll probably need to book a table in advance as it’s very popular!
Snap some photos of Ledbury’s famous black and white timber houses
While you’re in Ledbury, don’t miss the historic Ledbury Market House or the picturesque Church Lane. You’ll see timber frame structures throughout Herefordshire and there are some of the most famous. With the higgledy-piggledy fronts, the historic architecture really is charming and well worth snapping a few photos here and as you wander along the High Street and explore things to do in Ledbury such as the marketplace, The Master’s House Museum and the Heritage Centre.
I also recommend parking at St Katherine Car Park, it’s right behind the High Street, has great value and is a short walking distance between the breakfast locations and this beautiful historic architecture.
Learn how to throw pottery
Just a 7-minute drive outside Ledbury, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Eastnor which is home to Eastnor Pottery, part of the Eastnor Estate.
I had never used a pottery wheel, thrown pottery or even used clay before this trip, but doing something so unique and out of my comfort zone was so so fun and the husband and wife team who run the business were absolutely incredible at making me feel comfortable and confident to try my hand at it. I ended up making an awesome pot and I didn’t even mess it up like you see in the movies when it goes all floppy on the wheel!!
Eastnor Pottery offers introduction classes, weekend classes as well as group events for hen parties, school groups and more. You can find out more on their website.
Go on a cider tasting tour
Until I visited Herefordshire I had no idea that the region was such a big fruit growing area! As you’re driving around the county you’ll see countless orchards for apples, pears, cherries, plums and more.
This also means you’ll see loads of signs for Cider Mills, tours and tastings. There are plenty to stop at and one of the biggest is Westons Cider Mill.
The Mill has daily tours several times a day which are £12.50 per adult and include a tutored tasting at the end of your tour.
Explore Hereford
Church Street, Hereford
Hereford is of course the county town of Herefordshire and you could honestly spend a whole day there with the amount there is to do! Here are some things to do in Hereford and things to do around Hereford depending on how much time you have:
Visit the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
Check out the weekly street markets
Explore the indoor Hereford Butter Market
Visit or just photograph the Black and White House Museum
Take a walk along the River Wye
Do a spot of shopping at the Old Market complex
Just soaking in the town, its beautiful architecture and the sights is a great way to spend a few hours if you’re looking for free things to do in Herefordshire.
Have the best burgers in Herefordshire for dinner
If you’re looking for a fun and casual place for dinner with amazing food, Beefy Boys in the Old Market complex is amazing! They’re a local business with 100% Herefordshire beef burgers and they really are amazing burgers!
There’s a huge range to choose from and pick how you’d like your beef cooked. Don’t forget the fries on the side with one of their amazing milkshakes.
We visited here on a Friday night and it was THE place to be. The interior is huge with plenty of seating, a great outdoor area too and the staff were super helpful and friendly explaining the menu and how ordering worked.
I INHALED my burger, do not miss Beefy Boys if you’re in the Hereford area and looking for places to eat in Hereford.
Day 2: Herefordshire itinerary
Grab a caffeine boost at Hellens before your guided tour of the Hellens Manor House
The idyllic location of Hellens Manor, tucked back from the main road in Much Marcle village, makes it a perfect place to start your day.
The cafe is located in one of the outbuildings next to the house with a beautiful interior and tranquil outdoor seating in the gardens beside the trickling water feature. Don’t forget to try their amazing apple juice which is made on site. We loved it so much we bought 3 bottles to take home!
The house itself is a stunning Tudor Jacobean Manor, made even more eclectic and fascinating to explore by the fact that the family still lives in it!
The guided tours of the Manor are really worth doing, the tour guides are so informative and have so many interesting historical facts to share, as well as amusing facts about the houses' guests and the family that still occupy it. The history of the Manor is so entwined with the history of England and the area over the centuries, I was amazed I’d never heard of it before. Hellens is definitely an underrated but absolutely beautiful destination that has to make your list of places to visit in Herefordshire.
Stop at Wye Valley Brewery for refreshment
Anyone who knows me will know I’m a big craft beer fan so visiting the Wye Valley Brewery was a must-do in Herefordshire.
The brewery usually has tours available which you can book on to and learn more about the brewing process and the brewery itself.
Visit the stunning Westonbury Mill Water Gardens
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens in Herefordshire
This is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Herefordshire and I never would have discovered it if I hadn’t been recommended by our server at Beefy Boys the night before!
The stunning Westonbury Mill Water Gardens are an absolute oasis in the Herefordshire countryside. 50 years ago the land was purchased by Richard Pim when we returned from the Middle East. The land was a mess and he had no gardening experience. But over the decades he has created a stunning oasis of follies, vibrant flowering walkways, a tranquil waterway throughout the garden and a real escape for visitors.
The gardens recently passed to new owners but they’re just as spectacular to visit and enjoy. You could spend hours here getting lost in the walkways and unique features like a shelter made from 5000 wine bottles or a giant cuckoo clock.
There’s also a lovely tea room at the gardens which is worth a visit if you’re in need of some refreshment!
The gardens are only open in the spring and summer, usually until the end of September. Adult tickets cost £6.50 and children cost £2.50 at the time of writing.
Treat yourself to dinner at the Green Dragon Hereford
If you’re looking for a treat, the restaurant at the Green Dragon Hotel is a great option for your last evening in the area.
The chic interior, tall ceilings and beautiful decor of their Hereford Brasserie restaurant is all part of the experience. The food menu is local, seasonal and sustainable and the team here were so welcoming and helpful too.
Stop at Ross on Wye before your drive home
Known as the Gateway to the Wye, Ross on Wye is a beautiful market town to add to your trip. Explore the market streets, visit the independent stores and bookshops such as Rossiter Books or take a stroll along the river with views of the picturesque pastel houses on the hillside.
The River Walk is a great stroll to enjoy and you can take a picnic and park at the car park near the riverwalk so enjoy lunch on the grassy area here by the river.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Ross on Wye is also a great spot to try some canoeing or kayaking on the Wye - a well-loved activity for those looking for things to do in the Wye Valley.
Summary: A Weekend Guide of things to see in Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a very underrated county in England but it really should be on everyone’s radar with so much to see and do there. Whether you’re a family or a couple, there are activities to suit both and even if you’re a solo traveller, it’s an incredibly safe and welcoming area where I encountered nothing but helpful and welcoming people and small businesses who are greatly deserving of more support, especially during these challenging times.
Hopefully this Herefordshire travel guide gives you plenty of ideas to help you plan your 2 day trip to Herefordshire.
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