Look up ‘English village’ and chances are you’ll find a picture lifted straight out of Herefordshire. This is a county that is truly rural, a haven of peace and tranquility filled with winding country lanes, quintessential English villages and village communities, old timber cottages with thatched roofs and classic English country gardens. The landscape is one of fertile fields and meadows, twisted old oak trees and bucolic leafy orchards.
Historically Herefordshire saw a lot of action in border warfare with the Welsh during the Middle Ages and as such has a vast selection of old historic castles, forts, ruins and ancient monuments, including the fantastic Offa’s Dyke, a massive linear earthwork dating back to the 8th century. Also worth visiting are the city of Hereford, one of 12 cities that were noted in the Doomsday Book and offering endless historical treasures. Inside the wonderful Hereford Cathedral are two of the UK’s most important historical treasures, the Chained Library and the Mappa Mundi. From the old bridge crossing the Wye (built in the 15th century) to the black and white old house that holds Hereford Museum and the Hereford Cider Museum, Hereford itself has much to see. Move further out and the charming town of Ledbury is filled with gorgeous 17th century buildings, as is the market town of Bromyard. Lastly, there is Leominster, a wool town sat on the River Lugg that attracts lots of visitors just to see the 11th century Priory Church.
Better still are the hours spent wandering around Herefordshire’s rural villages and trails, with the stunning views of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons as well as the gorgeous Malvern Hills and Wye Valley. Strolling, cycling or even driving around the agricultural landscape as well as stopping in villages for tea or cider is one of the highlights of this part of the UK. If you do feel energetic, jump onto Offa’s Dyke Footpath, the Mortimer Trail or the Wye Valley Walk to experience a beautiful and bucolic slice of old England.
Weobley Jubilee Bluegrass ConcertSaturday, 02 June 2012Doors open at 7pm Bar, snacks and raffle. Limited seating, so early booking recommended. Arthur Ebeling and Chris Quinn Likened by critics to a partnership of Les Paul and Chet Atkins with a touch of Django, they are a must for lovers of blue
Other concerts, music and gigs in Herefordshire are:
Seasons of the Heart (a Tribute to John Denver)22 Jun, Hereford
Hergest Croft GardensFour gardens for all seasons from spring bulbs to spectacular autumn colour including old fashioned kitchen garden growing unusual vegatables, with spring and summer borders and roses. Brilliantly coloured rhododendrons and azaleas up to 30ft grow in Park Wood. Over 60 champion trees in one of the…Location: Kington
Some other fun family days out in Herefordshire are:
Cider Museum and King Offa Distillery
The Weir GardensInformal 1920s riverside garden with fine views. A tranquil garden of 4 hectares (10 acres) on a steep slope above a bend in the River Wye, The Weir is most spectacular in spring with drifts of snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi. In summer the sheltered setting provides the perfect habitat for butte…Location: Swainshill
Some other notable historic attractions in Herefordshire are:
Hereford CathedralCider Museum and King Offa DistilleryAmazing Hedge PuzzleEastnor CastleHergest Croft GardensCroft CastleBerrington HallGoodrich Castle
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