Activities in Hereford

The town’s most iconic attraction is Hereford Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. It’s famously the home of the Mappa Mundi, which is a medieval map of the world created by Richard of Holdingham around the turn of the 14th century. Artefacts like these, and the cathedral’s marvellous architecture, make it a must visit for any newcomer to Hereford. The Tower Tour is particularly popular if you want to find out more about the building’s history, just as long as you have a head for heights.

The Hereford Old House is a half-timbered Jacobean house in High Town dating back to 1621. It was originally part of Butchers’ Row, but it’s the last surviving house of the historic street. It’s since been transformed into a fascinating museum. For a more than reasonable entrance fee, you can take a step back in time thanks to the Old House’s Jacobean furniture and fantastic interactive exhibits that are especially great if you’re visiting with young family.

If you’re all about that ABV, the Chase Distillery is a family-owned British distillery with a field-to-bottle ethos that’s yielded them countless awards for their gin and vodka. These tipples are well and truly exceptional, and you basically get the cost of your tour paid back in tasters. They’re thinking outside the box as well, with creative flavours such as marmalade, rhubarb and smoked vodka.

Another one for the adults is a trip to the Hereford Cider Museum. You can learn all about the history of cider making in this fascinating museum dedicated to the delicious drink. Walking through the champagne cider cellars is really interesting, and there’s an extensive exhibit dedicated to the brothers behind the Bulmers empire. A word to the wise, the museum isn’t open all the time, so check before you make the trip.

If you’re a National Trust member it’s worth visiting the nearby Berrington Hall. It’s a 25-minute drive from our Hereford Holmer hotel. It’s an 18th-century neoclassical country house. While its exterior isn’t exactly ornate – in fact, it borders on austere – the interiors are a delight. You’ll find a fantastic collection of Elmar Digby furniture, along with myriad paintings, including the vivid naval pieces of Thomas Lunry. The below-stairs area has been brought to life and is open for exploration offering a fascinating insight into the life of the house’s servants. Be sure to leave some time to explore the Capability Brown-sculpted estate and its carefully manicured gardens.

Last but not least, the Waterworks Museum on the River Wye is a fully-working world of steam engines, pumps and turbines which tells the story of how clean drinking water was first provided en masse to the people of Britain. The museum’s main attraction is the triple-expansion steam engine, which stands a whopping two-storeys high and is the oldest engine of its kind still working in Britain. Even if you aren’t interested in the industrial side of things, the riverside grounds are beautiful, and there’s lots for kids to get involved with if you’re visiting with family.