If you’re craving a countryside escape that feels like stepping into a postcard, Herefordshire is the place to be. Tucked away on the western edge of England, hugging the Welsh border, this underrated county offers a dreamy blend of dramatic landscapes, medieval market towns, and local flavours (with a “u” because we’re in the UK 🇬🇧 of course) that make for a perfect weekend getaway.
In this article you’ll find cozy villages, stately homes, a castle, lots of timber-framed buildings, and the absolute kindest people in England. I hope you’ll give this off-the-beaten-path location (just 3 hours from London) a chance and fall in love with it like I did.
When you purchase items through links on our site, we earn a tiny commission at no cost to you.
Thank you for purchasing through me- you’re the best! 🤩
🏨 Looking for a place to stay? Booking.com has hotels, apartments, and more at all price points to plan your perfect trip.
The Villages of Herefordshire
The villages in this area reminded me a little of what I imagine the Cotswolds used to be before they were discovered. Instead, people here are just living their regular lives and are the absolute nicest people ever. The pace is slow and you’re just as likely to see tractors on the road as cars.
When we visited, a local couple was on the bus headed home and talking about what to eat for dinner. The bus driver insisted on dropping them at the local pub (where we were eating) because they had no groceries at home and he wasn’t about to let them go hungry.
We spent the night chatting away with the couple- until the bus driver came back to get them a couple hours later, well fed and happy. Herefordshire is the kind of place where people watch out for each other, and it’s just idyllic.
You can easily see the top sights on a weekend in Herefordshire and I’ve grouped them together to help you organize your trip.
Ledbury
I absolutely loved the pace of life in this small town. It was quiet and not centered on tourists. Instead, there was the poetry center took up a big space on the High Street. And there’s a community center with activities for everything from arts and crafts for preschoolers to a silent reading club (which the introvert in me loved.
But truly, it was the people who made it especially welcoming. They were kind and so incredibly proud to be from this place and you could tell they loved it.
The Market House isn’t branded for tourists- the upstairs isn’t even open. Instead, it’s used for the town band to practice for the big festival coming up. And the bottom area is still used for market days.
Eastnor Castle
This lovely place, located 7 minutes’ drive east of Ledbury, was unfortunately closed when I was there (only open certain dates May-Sept) but it’s a gorgeous castle and grounds nearby. The castle has lavish interiors and there are marvelous grounds to wander around. The family still lives there and has for the last 200 years.
Weston’s Cider Mill
This whole area of England is covered in apple orchards and cider is one of the biggest exports. You can take tours of this mill located just 10 minutes southwest of Ledbury. They also have a restaurant on site if you get hungry.
Where to eat in Ledbury
I loved Sitara Restaurant for Indian food and thought the salmon was delish- be sure to call ahead because we just lucked into a table. Prince of Wales (on Church St) is good for pub food and has a great atmosphere- there were more dogs there than people. Or you can head to Feathers Hotel for an upscale lunch or dinner. If you need to grab breakfast, Janey’s had some great blueberry pancakes and Gregg’s is the place to get a quick sausage roll on the go.
>> Market days in Ledbury are Tuesday and Saturday. 🍯 🧀
Hereford
Although I loved Ledbury, I could see myself spending a little more time in Hereford itself as well. Located just 30 minutes west of Ledbury, it’s a bit more lively and there are more things to do but it’s not too overwhelming (talking about you, London).
The main sight here is the Hereford Cathedral. A stunning example of Norman and Gothic architecture, it dates back over 1,300 years. It’s home to the Mappa Mundi (a wacky map of the world created in the Middle Ages) and the Chained Library (medieval books literally chained down so they wouldn’t get stolen).
Hereford is also home to a nice square bordered by cafés and that’s where you’ll find the museum called The Old House. Housed in a 17th century timber-framed house, it has period furnishings so you can see how people lived back then. And there’s a big bull statue outside that makes for a good photo op. 🐂
If you’re lucky enough to visit on market day (usually Wednesdays and Saturdays), the Hereford Butter Market and High Town stalls offer local produce, baked goods, crafts, and antiques.
If you have time and the weather’s good, take a leisurely stroll along the River Wye. You could grab something from the market and have a picnic on the Castle Green.
Where to Eat in Hereford
You have plenty of options in this town to grab a bite to eat. The square, where The Old House is, has lots of cafes to get something for breakfast, but I’d suggest heading east behind the museum to 2 Bridges for something less touristy for dinner.
North of the square is Cosy Club with British food in a comfy atmosphere.
If you head south, you can find The Yard with creative burgers and pizza and The Stables with traditional pub food.
>> Market days in Hereford are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. 🌷🍇
Leominster
Head 30 minutes north of Hereford (or 45 from Ledbury) and you’ll arrive at the entry to the Black & White Village Trail. It’s worth a stop to wander the streets and poke around the shops in this village first. You should also take a look at The Priory Church and the open green space next to it called The Grange.
Black & White Village Trail
This route that loops through picturesque half-timbered villages is one of the reasons I wanted to come to this area. These towns look like time forgot them — all crooked cottages, flower boxes, and ancient pubs.
From Leominster, you can start the loop in Eardisland, about 10 minutes’ drive, and make your way around. The furthest village is Eardisly which is about 25 minutes from Leominster so the whole loop takes about an hour if you do it without stopping. But please stop- these villages are delightful to wander around.
>> You can also explore this area at a more leisurely pace by foot or rent a bike in Leominster. 🚲
Each stop had its own charm, but Eardisland stole the show for us. I loved the stone bridges over the creek that meandered through town. I kept imagining Peter Rabbit might hop through any second. 🐰
Berrington Hall
If ever you’ve wanted to live in a Jane Austen novel, this is your chance. Yes, she’s associated more with the Bath area, but to me this place feels more real. There are nooks and crannies I can imagine she hid with her books or paper and pen so no one could bother her.
Even if you’re not an Austen fan, you’ll enjoy this tranquil place (10 minutes north of Leominster) for the welcoming rooms full of lavish furnishings. But it’s not just a walk around the house- this visit is more interactive. There is clothing you can try on which is lots of fun (no, I’m not showing you the photo of me in a giant skirt).
And you should definitely spend some time out on the grounds. The sheep baaa-ing in the lunch, green fields is truly like heaven. I was ready to just move in.
If you’d prefer to visit a castle, Croft Castle is about 15 minutes and has an 11th century castle to explore on 1,500 acres of land. So many beautiful places, so little time…
Where to Eat in Leominster
Chequers has pub food in a nice atmosphere or if you’re craving Indian, Taste of India has, well, Indian food. Go to The Merchants House for lunch or a cream tea in a cute atmosphere.
>> Market day in Leominster is Friday in Corn Square. 🍏
Ross-on-Wye
Ross-on-Wye is a picturesque market town perched above a scenic bend in the River Wye 30 minutes southwest of Ledbury. It’s known for its charming streets, independent shops, and sweeping countryside views.
While you’re here, take a peek at the Market House (there’s a nice view from the shop upstairs) and the hedgehog carvings at St. Mary’s Church. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the Wye Valley and nearby Forest of Dean if you’d like to see some of the countryside.
Restaurants in Ross-on-Wye
You’ll find Tweet Bar & Kitchen has a cheerful atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Or go to Man of Ross for traditional pub food. Caffee Eleganza is a great place to get breakfast.
>> Market days in Ross-on-Wye are Thursday and Saturday. 🥖🍇
Stay Longer in the UK
I was also dying to visit Hay-on-Wye but just ran out of time (there’s so much to see!). This village is located on the River Wye (obvi) and is known as a town full of bookshops and I’m a TOTAL book nerd. It was just in the wrong direction- about 1 hour west of Ledbury/ 40 from Hereford. If only I’d had one more day…
There are so many great places you could visit in the UK. My suggestion is that you combine your trip to Herefordshire with the Cotswolds, Wales and the Wye Valley, or London.
Where to Stay in Herefordshire
There are lovely villages scattered all across this area and they all have nice places to stay. I chose to stay in Ledbury because it was small (but big enough to have restaurants and shops) and pretty.
If you’d like to stay somewhere a little larger, Hereford is a wonderful city.
🏨 Check out Booking.com for more hotel options at all different price points
Hotels in the Villages:
If you want to stay somewhere that you can walk to restaurants and shops, here are some suggestions.
Ledbury
- The Feathers Hotel 4✩
Built in 1564, this is the largest hotel in Ledbury and offers a very nice restaurant and bar. - The Talbot Hotel 4✩
This is where I stayed in Ledbury. It’s delightfully wonky and has a courtyard for grabbing a pint after sightseeing as well as a cozy dining room for breakfast.
Hereford
- The Green Dragon
This lovely coaching inn, located in the center of Hereford, is known for its afternoon tea. - The Castle House Hotel
This hotel in an old Georgian building has a terraced garden that leads down to the moat surrounding Hereford Castle.
Ross-on-Wye
- The King’s Head Hotel
Located on the prettiest street in Ross, this pleasant place has a restaurant popular with the locals that offers fresh and local options. - The Hope and Anchor
This hotel is located on the River Wye and offers an excellent restaurant and bar and easy access to boating that this area is known for.
Country Cottages to Rent:
If you’d prefer to rent a cottage in the country rather than stay in one of the villages, you have lots of options.
- Whites Farm Barn
Three bedrooms in an old farm just south of Ledbury. - The Cider Barn
Rustic charm in an old cider barn with one bedroom near Ledbury. - The Kiln
Between Ledbury and Hereford offering one bedroom in an old kiln building. - St. James House
And old church transformed into a two bedroom house- complete with stained glass window- just east of Hereford. - Pump Cottage
If you need three bedrooms, this lovely place is between Ledbury and Ross in an old pump house.
Where to Eat in Herefordshire
I put some suggestions in each of the village sections above. I thought that made more sense than bunching them together here. Use my suggestions or find a place on your own.
You can find pubs and restaurants in all the villages. A lot of the hotels have a restaurant in the bottom floor for both the people staying there and for anyone else who’s looking for a meal.
The food in Herefordshire is much like what’s on offer in the rest of England. Lots of meat and potatoes. And of course, the Full English Breakfast is on offer everywhere. English food gets a bad rap but I had some pretty good meals while I was there.
>> Check the market days for each of the villages. Then you can grab a little something local for a picnic or to take home as a souvenir. 🍏 🍯
Indian food is also popular in England and my favorite meal in this area was at Sitara in Ledbury.
And you should definitely try some cider while you’re in the center of cider-making in England! Weston’s is the best.
Transportation around Herefordshire
Getting to Herefordshire
If you’re flying, you’ll most likely fly into London and head over from there. It’s about 3 hours west of London.
✈️ Looking for flights? Check Booking.com for all your options!
If you arrive in Hereford or Ledbury by train, it’s about a 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk into the center of town.
Getting around Herefordshire
You can enjoy a relaxing day in the town where you choose to stay, but if you want to check out a variety of villages, the easiest way is with a car.
🚃 Use Rail Europe to figure out your best way to get from here to there
by train!
There are train stations in Hereford, Ledbury, and Leominster and buses that go between the villages if you aren’t driving.
What to Pack for Herefordshire
Pack some good waterproof shoes for exploring and a raincoat for when the skies open. This area is not particularly fancy so you don’t need to dress up. But if you do want to splash out on a fancy dinner or afternoon tea, there are places where you can toss on your best togs and do some fine dining.
My Favorite Travel Websites
When you purchase items through links on our site, we earn a tiny commission at no cost to you. Thank you for purchasing through me- you’re the best! 😍
Ready to plan your trip?
Here are my favorite travel websites to get you started.
✈️ Flights 🏨 Hotels 🚃 Trains
🚗 Car Rental 🤞 Insurance 🏰 Activities
Questions about Herefordshire
What is Herefordshire famous for?
It’s known as making the best cider in the country. Visit in spring to see the apple trees in bloom! 🍎
Is Herefordshire expensive?
England in general isn’t cheap. But this lovely part of the country is a little under the radar in terms of tourism so prices tend to be less than you’d see in other places like the Cotswolds and London.
Is Herefordshire safe?
It’s absolutely safe and home to the most welcoming people ever. I would 100% be comfortable here as a solo traveler.
Herefordshire is a place for slowing down, breathing fresh air, and reconnecting with the simple pleasures: good food, warm pubs, green hills, and friendly faces. If you’re looking for a weekend break that leaves you relaxed, full of good memories (and maybe a few bottles of cider), be sure to add this hidden gem to your list. Happy travels… 🚜 🐑 🇬🇧
Leave a Reply