Hereford

The lively city of Hereford is surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside close to the border with Wales where the River Wye meanders southwards. Famed for its majestic cathedral which houses the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world, dating from the 13th century, it is a fantastic place to work, live or explore at any time of the year. Hereford is one of only five Historic cities of Britain, originally founded in around 700 AD, the Saxon capital of West Mercia. Today the city is known mainly as a trading centre for a wider agricultural and rural area. For many years Hereford was the home of the British Special Air Service, although the Regiment relocated to nearby Credenhill in the late 1990s. Hereford is also home to the oldest inhabited building in Britain, the Bishops Palace, built in 1204 and continually used to the present day.

Attractions

The annual [http://www.3choirs.org/ Three Choirs Festival], originating in the eighteenth century and one of the oldest music festivals in Europe, is held in Hereford cathedral every third year, the other venues being the cathedrals of Gloucester and Worcester. The festival offers concert-goers an exciting mix of classical music across the centuries to suit all tastes, as well as maintaining its tradition of commissioning new work. The large-scale choral repertoire is now performed by the Festival Chorus but the festival also features other major ensembles and international soloists. The cathedral provides the perfect back-drop for this internationally famed festival

The classic rock band Mott The Hoople hail from Hereford as do the original lineup of The Pretenders, with the exception of lead singer Chrissie Hynde.

The Chained Library at Hereford Cathedral is a unique and fascinating insight into Britain's rich heritage of library history. There were books at Hereford Cathedral long before there was a library in the modern sense. The cathedral's earliest and most important book is the eighth century Hereford Gospels; one of 229 medieval manuscripts which now occupy two bays of the Chained Library.

The Courtyard Centre for the Arts offers theatre facilities comparable to the best in the country. Built on the site of the former municipal swimming baths, the centre houses two performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, dance studio, bar and restaurant, galleries, offices, meeting and conference facilities and a dedicated jewellery workshop.

A visit to Hereford is not complete without a trip to the [http://www.cidermuseum.co.uk/ Hereford Cider Museum]. Throughout the county of Herefordshire there is a strong tradition of cider-making. Farmers produced cider for the farm labourers to drink during the following year, particularly at busy times such as hay making and harvest. They would sell the cider to local pubs and cider merchants for re-sale in the towns. Hereford is home to the world's largest cider mill, Bulmers. Sadly, visitors are no longer able to tour the mill but every pub and country inn in Herefordshire offers a selection of Bulmers brands.

If it is peace and quiet you are after then Belmont Abbey is the place for you. Founded in 1859 the Abbey houses a community of Benedictine monks who lead a simple life of work, study and prayer under the guidance of the Abbot. They offer a warm welcome to visitors to their guest house, Hedley Lodge and to those on retreat.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Hereford balances the old with the new. All the latest high street names can be found here but you won't find them in ultra-modern, overgrown shopping centres. Most of the shops are dotted around the traditional cobbled centre of the city where you can wander down attractive alleyways and ancient courtyards looking for a bargain. Local trades people offer a wide variety of quality goods and a visit to one of the regular farmers markets is essential if you want to sample fresh, home-grown produce.

The pedestrianised central shopping area is compact, and Maylord is the city's only shopping centre. Its 46 shops are at the focus of Hereford, seamlessly integrated with the high street. With a focus on fashion, well known names include Next, New Look, Laura Ashley, Top Shop and Wallis.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Hereford has plenty to offer in the way of nightlife. Cuban Blue is a blues and jazz cafe renowned for excellent music evenings, superb food, drinks and good hospitality. You are assured of a great atmosphere here!

The Barrels on St.Owen's Street, known as 'Hereford's Local' is the flagship of the Wye Valley Brewery and offers an extensive range of their beers. Whether you want a quiet pint or to sit in the cobbled courtyard on a summer evening, The Barrels has something to offer everyone.

The New Priory Hotel is a small, friendly, family-run hotel, just three miles from the city centre. Situated in three acres of beautiful Herefordshire countryside the hotel offers a fully licensed restaurant, well stocked bars and great food and drinks at affordable prices.

Hereford boasts a wide variety of eating establishments to suit every taste and budget. For a special occasion the Three Crowns Inn at nearby Ullingswick is the perfect place to enjoy high quality award winning food amidst beautiful surroundings.

Floodgates Brasserie is a stylish little brasserie in a delightful riverside setting in the heart of Hereford, in the smart Left Bank Village. Friendly and informal, the menu here features bold modern dishes with international influences. The Stewing Pot restaurant and coffee bar on Church Street offers a good selection of classic and modern cuisine in a lively setting.

Tourist Information

Hereford Tourist Information Centre 1 King Street,Hereford HR4 9BW

Airport

Hereford does not have its own airport; the nearest major International airport is [http://birmingham-airport-guide.co.uk/ Birmingham], with daily scheduled flight from America and many European hubs. A greater choice of flights and destinations is available into [http://www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/ Heathrow Airport], 25 miles west of London on the M4 and M25 motorways. There is a railway station located at Hereford City with a regular service to Birmingham New Street and to Central London.

Popular car hire locations in United Kingdom

All car hire locations in United Kingdom