Embark on a journey to the heart of the English countryside with our exploration of Herefordshire’s major visitor attractions.
This enchanting corner of England, brimming with pastoral beauty and rich history, offers an array of experiences for every type of traveller.
From the lush trails along the River Wye to the historic streets of Hereford, each turn reveals a new adventure.
In this guide, we delve into the best outdoor activities in Herefordshire, showcasing the county’s natural splendor and inviting you to embrace the great outdoors.
We’ll also highlight key Herefordshire attractions including hidden historical treasures and high-adrenaline activities.
Join us as now as we uncover the top Herefordshire tourist spots, offering insights and tips to make your visit truly unforgettable.
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral stands as a beacon of heritage and spirituality and is one our most highly-recommended things to do in Herefordshire.
Dating back to 1079, its imposing Gothic architecture commands awe, while within its walls, the Mappa Mundi, a treasured medieval map, offers a glimpse into the medieval mindset and cosmology.
The cathedral’s Chained Library, a rare collection of ancient manuscripts, whispers tales of bygone scholarly pursuits, secured in iron chains that speak of their once-untold value.
A centre of musical excellence, the cathedral’s choir elevates the spiritual experience, with voices that weave through the intricate stonework.
Regular events and services invite contemplation and community, set against a backdrop of historical grandeur.
Hereford Cathedral is not just a structure of stone and glass; it is a living monument, enriching the present with its storied past.
Goodrich Castle, Goodrich
No Herefordshire travel guide would be complete without Goodrich Castle.
This impressive fortress is perched commandingly on a woodland hill, offering a striking window into England’s medieval past.
Its red sandstone ruins echo battles and royal intrigue, drawing visitors into a tapestry of history.
The castle, dating back to the 11th century, evolved through the Norman and Medieval periods, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of English power.
Visitors are captivated by its well-preserved keep, imposing gatehouse, and the evocative chapel, all telling tales of bygone eras.
The panoramic views from its towers stretch across the River Wye, framing the picturesque Herefordshire countryside.
Goodrich Castle is not just a relic but a narrative carved in stone, standing resilient against the march of time.
Eastnor Castle, Eastnor
Image: eastnorcastle.com
Eastnor Castle, a majestic family-owned estate in the Ledbury countryside, stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century mock-Gothic architecture.
Beyond its striking façade, the castle boasts sumptuous interiors. Lavishly decorated rooms display fine arts, ancestral portraits, and historic armour,
In particular, the Great Hall exudes a bygone opulence, perfect for the myriad of events hosted throughout the year.
The castle’s exterior is equally compelling, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, an expansive arboretum, and tranquil waters.
The grounds serve as a sanctuary for visitors seeking the calm of rural Herefordshire, as well as those looking for adventure, offering activities from tranquil walks to lively festivals.
Eastnor Castle is a treasure trove of heritage, offering a unique window into England’s noble past. Anyone looking to visit Hereforeshire should include this majestic estate as part of their itinerary.
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre, Kington
The Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is a delightful Herefordshire attraction that offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
This enchanting farm park specializes in the care and conservation of miniature, rare, and endearing species of animals and birds, with a particular emphasis on owls.
Upon entering the farm, visitors are greeted with a variety of small animals, from pygmy goats to miniature horses and rare breed sheep.
Each enclosure allows for an up-close encounter, where one can appreciate the charming characteristics of these smaller breeds.
The Owl Centre is a standout feature, showcasing an impressive array of owls from around the world.
Here, visitors can marvel at the silent flight of these majestic birds and learn about their habitats, behaviours, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
In every aspect, the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is a sanctuary that celebrates the beauty of nature’s diversity.
Berrington Hall, Leominster
Image: john millar, visitherefordshire.co.uk
Berrington Hall epitomises the grandeur of late 18th-century Georgian architecture. It was conceived and crafted by the esteemed architect Henry Holland between 1778 and 1781.
This exquisite National Trust estate is a magnificent representation of Georgian sophistication and style. Its architectural beauty and historical significance make Berrington Hall a distinguished landmark in the region.
The mansion’s neo-classical design is complemented by interiors boasting fine furnishings and an extensive collection of paintings and artefacts, providing a glimpse into the lives of the families who once called Berrington Hall home.
Notably, the mansion houses a unique collection of costumes from the Charles Paget Wade collection, offering insight into historical fashion trends.
Surrounding the hall are Capability Brown-designed gardens and parkland, characterized by their sweeping lawns, majestic trees, and a serene lake.
These grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls, where visitors can enjoy the harmony of Georgian landscape design and the changing English seasons.
One of the most popular Herefordshire tourist spots and a must-visit attraction.
Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibitions, Hereford
Image: herefordcathedral.org
The Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibitions, housed in the magnificent Hereford Cathedral, represent a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance.
The Mappa Mundi, renowned as one of the world’s most unique medieval maps, offers a fascinating glimpse into how 13th-century scholars viewed the world.
This intricate and symbolic map not only depicts geographical features but also illustrates biblical events and exotic creatures, blending the realms of knowledge, faith, and folklore.
Adjacent to the Mappa Mundi is the equally captivating Chained Library, a rare example of a surviving chained library.
Dating back to the 17th century, this collection includes over 1,500 books, ranging from early printed works to medieval manuscripts.
The books, still attached to their original chains, offer an authentic experience of how valuable texts were protected and accessed during a time when books were a rarity.
If you’re looking for world-renowned things to do in Herefordshire, then this visitor attractioin has to be seen to be believed.
Brockhampton Estate, Bromyard
Brockhampton Estate is a hidden gem Herefordshire attraction that belongs to the National Trust. This traditional farmed estate offers a glimpse into rural England’s past, with its medieval manor house at the heart.
Surrounded by a moat, the charming half-timbered manor, Lower Brockhampton House, dates back to the 14th century, evoking a sense of stepping back in time.
The estate spans 1,700 acres of varied landscapes, featuring ancient woodlands, verdant parkland, and tranquil orchards.
Visitors can explore a network of scenic walking trails, each offering unique views of the English countryside. The estate is home to diverse wildlife, with its wetlands and woods providing a haven for birds and other creatures.
Brockhampton Estate also embraces a sustainable approach to farming, showcasing traditional agricultural practices – the orchards are a particular delight, especially during apple blossom season.
Croft Castle and Parkland, Yarpole
Image: Chris Lacey, visitherefordshire.co.uk
Croft Castle and Parkland has been a family home for over a thousand years and boasts a remarkable legacy that spans the medieval era to the present day.
The castle itself, with its imposing stone facade and elegant interior, offers a glimpse into centuries of family life, with each room telling a part of the Croft family story.
Surrounding the castle, the expansive parkland is a haven for nature lovers. The estate features ancient woodlands and historic trees, including the 1,000-year-old Quarry Oak.
Visitors can explore a variety of walking trails, each leading to different picturesque parts of the estate, such as the atmospheric Fishpool Valley with its cascading ponds and rustic bridges.
Croft Castle’s walled garden is a tranquil retreat, brimming with colourful blooms and a traditional orchard.
For those seeking a blend of history, architecture and the great outdoors, Croft Castle and Parkland offers a truly enriching experience – it’s another worthy entry on our list of fantastic things to do in Herefordshire.
The Black and White House Museum, Hereford
The Black and White House Museum, an exquisite historical treasure located in the centre of Hereford, provides an immersive experience into the life of the 17th century.
Constructed in 1621, this beautifully maintained timber-framed structure, initially called the “Old House,” is a prime specimen of Jacobean architecture.
Its striking black and white façade is characteristic of the period, making it a visual highlight in the city.
The museum, located on High Town, Hereford, is easily accessible for visitors exploring the city’s rich heritage.
Upon entering, guests are transported back in time. Each room is meticulously furnished with period pieces, reflecting the domestic life of those who lived during the Stuart period.
The collection includes English oak furniture, intriguing household items, and a variety of paintings and tapestries, all adding to the authentic historical atmosphere.
This museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time making it one of the most memorable Herefordshire tourist spots.
Hampton Court Castle, Hope under Dinmore
Image: hamptoncourtcastle.co.uk
Hampton Court Castle was constructed in the early 1400s. It was initially established by Sir Rowland Lenthall, a notable figure in the court of King Henry IV.
This majestic castle is surrounded by a sprawling estate of 1,000 acres, encompassing beautifully manicured gardens, lush parkland, and dense woodlands, offering a quintessential slice of the English pastoral landscape.
The archetecture of Hampton Court Castle is a harmonious blend of medieval foundations and Tudor refinements, showcasing an evolution of styles over several centuries.
Its formidable gatehouse and imposing tower are particularly striking, embodying the grandeur and strength of traditional English castles.
Inside, the castle’s rooms are a tapestry of history, adorned with period furnishings and décor that narrate the stories of its past inhabitants and their varied tastes.
The gardens of Hampton Court Castle are a spectacle in their own right. They feature a unique sunken garden, an intriguing maze crafted from ornamental grasses, and a Gothic tower that offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
The gardens are also home to a historic wisteria, over a century old, and a productive kitchen garden that provides fresh ingredients for the castle’s culinary needs.
Chase Distillery, Preston Wynne
Those looking for offbeat visitor attractions in Herefordshire should direct their attention to the Chase Distillery, set in the idyllic countryside of Preston Wynne.
Established in 2008 by entrepreneur William Chase, the distillery has carved a niche for itself in the world of premium spirits, especially with its acclaimed vodkas and gins.
Operating on a family farm, Chase Distillery is renowned for its ‘field to bottle’ philosophy, ensuring meticulous oversight from the cultivation of ingredients to the final distilling and bottling processes.
The distillery’s signature offering, Chase Vodka, is crafted from potatoes grown on-site, including varieties like King Edward and Lady Claire.
This unique method of using potatoes, rather than the more common grains, imparts a distinctive, smooth character and a luxuriously creamy texture to the vodka.
Building on the success of their vodka, Chase Distillery has also developed a diverse range of gins, with the Williams GB Gin being particularly celebrated for its vibrant and intricate flavour.
Visitors to Chase Distillery are treated to comprehensive tours that provide a deep dive into the art of spirit making. These tours encompass a stroll through the lush fields, an exploration of the distillation area, and a delightful tasting experience.
Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington
Image: hergest.co.uk
Hergest Croft Gardens offers a breathtaking exploration of botanical diversity across its expansive 70 acres.
Created by the Banks family over 120 years ago, this garden is a jewel in the English countryside.
It showcases an extraordinary range of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, including a remarkable array of Maples and Rhododendrons.
There’s an assortment of garden sections, each with its own character and charm. The Azalea Garden bursts with vivid colors, while the serene Kitchen Garden offers a more structured beauty.
Park Wood adds a touch of wilderness, contrasting with the manicured elegance of other areas. Beyond its botanical wonders, Hergest Croft is a testament to horticultural passion and expertise.
It’s a tranquil sanctuary that changes with the seasons, offering something new with each visit.
Its blend of natural beauty and horticultural excellence makes it an essential destination for those who cherish the peace and beauty of garden landscapes.
The Weir Garden, Hereford
The Weir Garden, a tranquil riverside haven in Swainshill, Herefordshire, is a historic landscape that seamlessly blends natural beauty with archaeological significance.
Managed by the National Trust, this 10-acre garden sits gracefully on the banks of the River Wye, offering visitors a unique mix of horticultural and historical experiences.
Dating back to Roman times, The Weir Garden is steeped in history, with remnants of its past still visible in the form of ancient ruins and artefacts.
These historical features add an intriguing dimension to the garden, inviting visitors to step back in time as they explore its paths.
The garden itself is a harmonious mix of formal and informal elements. It boasts well-manicured lawns and traditional flower beds alongside wilder, natural areas that encourage local wildlife.
The riverside setting is particularly striking, offering peaceful walks along the Wye with opportunities to spot a variety of birds and aquatic life.
Queenswood Country Park, Leominster
Queenswood Country Park, perched on Dinmore Hill covers 123 acres. This park, once a medieval hunting forest, now thrives as a haven for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Central to Queenswood is its renowned arboretum, boasting a remarkable collection of over 1,200 tree species from across the world.
This diverse array of trees forms a kaleidoscope of colours throughout the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic and ever-changing landscape to explore.
The springtime blossoms and the autumnal golden hues are particularly breathtaking.
Trails wind through the park, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its varied landscapes, from dense woodlands to open meadows.
The visitor centre, complete with a shop and café, provides a warm welcome to the park. It’s a place where guests can learn about Queenswood’s history, its ecological significance, and future conservation efforts.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat
The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, located in the picturesque area of Symonds Yat in Herefordshire, offers a unique and enchanting experience for those seeking outdoor activities in Herefordshire.
This indoor zoo is dedicated to the conservation and display of a diverse range of butterfly species, creating a tropical haven where visitors can observe these delicate creatures in a naturalistic habitat.
As you step into the zoo, you are greeted by the sight of vibrant butterflies fluttering freely in a carefully controlled environment that replicates their natural tropical surroundings.
The zoo is home to a variety of species, from the strikingly coloured Blue Morpho to the elegantly patterned Swallowtail. Each species is a living example of the incredible biodiversity of the butterfly world.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the life cycle of butterflies, from the egg stage to the caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally, the adult butterfly. This educational aspect makes the zoo an ideal destination for school trips and family outings.
The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction, Bromyard
The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction in Bromyard, Herefordshire, is a unique treasure trove for science fiction enthusiasts.
This specialised museum offers a nostalgic journey through the world of science fiction and television memorabilia.
It’s particularly renowned for its extensive collection of items related to the iconic British TV series “Doctor Who.“
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an array of memorabilia spanning decades of science fiction history.
The museum houses an impressive collection of original props, costumes, and models from various beloved TV shows and films.
Highlights include Daleks, Cybermen, and other artefacts from “Doctor Who,” capturing the imagination of fans of all ages.
In addition to “Doctor Who,” the museum features memorabilia from other classic science fiction series, offering a broad perspective on the genre’s evolution.
The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction is a must-visit destination in Bromyard, providing a unique and memorable experience that celebrates the enduring appeal of science fiction.
Oaker Wood Leisure, Kingsland
Another prime location for visitors looking for outdoor activities in Herefordshire -Oaker Wood Leisure, located near Kingsland in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, is an outdoor adventure paradise.
This family-run business offers a wide range of activities, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and groups looking for fun and adventure in a natural setting.
Set in a stunning woodland area, Oaker Wood provides a unique outdoor experience. Activities include paintballing, quad biking, high rope courses, and clay pigeon shooting, catering to all levels of thrill-seekers.
Their high ropes course, a particular highlight, offers an exhilarating challenge among the treetops.
For younger adventurers, Oaker Wood Leisure has junior quad biking and low ropes courses, ensuring safe yet exciting experiences.
Ralph Court Gardens, Bromyard
Image: facebook.com/ralphcourtgardens
Ralph Court Gardens, located in the picturesque market town of Bromyard, Herefordshire, is a unique and enchanting attraction.
This imaginative garden, set within the grounds of a Gothic rectory, offers visitors an extraordinary journey through 12 different countries across themed gardens.
Each garden at Ralph Court is meticulously designed to represent a different country or fantasy world, making it a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
From the tranquility of the Japanese garden to the whimsicality of the Alice in Wonderland area, there’s a sense of magic and discovery at every turn.
One of the standout features of Ralph Court Gardens is its creative use of sculptures and water features, which add to the immersive experience.
The gardens are not only a feast for the eyes but also a haven for wildlife, attracting a variety of birds and insects.
Ralph Court Gardens also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including theatrical performances and seasonal celebrations, adding to its appeal as a dynamic visitor destination.
With a charming tea room on site offering refreshments, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely day out, combining the beauty of nature with imaginative landscaping and artistry.
St Ethelbert’s Well, Hereford
Image: herefordtimes.com
St. Ethelbert’s Well, a hidden gem in Herefordshire, England, carries with it a tapestry of history and mystique.
Featuring a beautifully constructed stone canopy, the well is shrouded in the legend of King Ethelbert, the young Anglo-Saxon ruler of East Anglia.
The tale goes that Ethelbert, set to marry King Offa’s daughter, met a tragic fate in 794 AD, being murdered under mysterious circumstances.
It is said that this well emerged at the very spot where Ethelbert’s body was found, marking a poignant reminder of his story.
The well, over the ages, has evolved into a revered pilgrimage site. It’s believed to possess curative properties, attracting people seeking both physical and spiritual healing.
Visit the official Herefordshire tourism site for more ideas about things to do in Herefordshire.
