It may be a city steeped in history, but Hereford manages to balance modern-day luxuries with the character of its market past. For newcomers to the area, it’s made even more attractive given the prime location among scenic West Midlands countryside.
Only a short distance from the Welsh border, Hereford sits on the banks of the River Wye between the Brecon Beacons and Malvern Hills. As such, it’s a playground for the adventurous, with endless walking trails and thrilling watersports.
Back on dry land, Hereford promises a more laid-back experience thanks to its pedestrianised shopping district. It gives all the charm of a traditional market town where independent businesses sit alongside historical sights. This includes the towering cathedral, which draws visitors from far and wide.
What is Hereford Like?
Hereford is a historic cathedral city in the county of Herefordshire. With a population of 60,800, Hereford is the most populous area of Herefordshire by some distance. Hereford sits on the River Wye and is just 16 miles east of the border with Wales.
Hereford combines modern-day living with a charming twist, not forgetting its market roots. It is a wonderful place for young families, working professionals and retirees alike to call home, with modern amenities, well-known and independent retailers, and a great selection of restaurants and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of being within easy reach of beautiful countryside and outdoor spaces too, including Weir Garden, the Brecon Beacons and the Malvern Hills.
Also, Hereford has a number of highly regarded schools at every level of education, many of which are rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Transport Links
Hereford offers excellent transport links to the rest of the UK. Situated close to the M5 corridor, Hereford offers impressive transport links to the rest of the UK. Both London and Manchester are within a three-hour drive, while Birmingham and Bristol can be reached in under one hour.
Hereford railway station serves the city of Hereford and is a 5-minute walk from the city centre. It lies on the Welsh Marches Lane between Leominster and Abergavenny. There are direct trains to Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester every hour from Hereford. You can also get a direct journey to London Paddington, with up to 60 services running every day.
Schools in the Area
Hereford is home to a great choice of both state and private schools, many of which have been deemed ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The following primary schools and academies are all rated as ‘outstanding’:
- Holmer CofE Academy (ages 4-11)
- Barrs Court School (ages 11-19 special)
- Hereford Sixth Form College (ages 16-19)
- Malbrook Primary School (ages 3-11)
- St Francis Xavier’s Primary School (ages 3-11)
- St Paul’s CofE Primary School (ages 4-11)
Hereford Cathedral School is an independent co-educational day school catering to children aged three to 18. This renowned establishment is part of the ancient Hereford Cathedral Foundation, which dates back to the 7th century.
Other institutes at secondary level include The Hereford Academy, which provides specialist teaching in sport and science. Alternatively, the Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School has been awarded status as a Technology College, boasting impressive facilities for both mathematics and the sciences.
The nearby University of Gloucestershire provides opportunities for those undertaking higher education, while other nearby institutes deliver specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These include the Hereford College of Arts, as well as the Herefordshire and Ludlow College.
Attractions in Hereford
There is plenty to keep you entertained in the town itself, with a lively independent shopping scene and vibrant cultural life to partake in.
The towering gothic golden-stone cathedral is Hereford’s most popular destination, attracting visitors from far and wide. At Hereford Cathedral you can view the Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval map in the world. The cathedral also has the world’s biggest chained library, dating back from a time when the books were so precious that they were locked away.
Hereford is home to a number of highly-regarded museums, including the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, the Museum of Cider, the Black and White House Museum and the Waterworks Museum.
The annual Three Choirs Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in the British Isles, takes place in Hereford every three years.
The lush woodland of the Weir Garden is just a short distance from the city centre too. Hereford residents are within easy reach of wonderful countryside and outdoor spaces, including the Malvern Hills and Brecon Beacons, offering endless walking opportunities as well as thrilling watersport adventures.
Shopping, Restaurants, Entertainment and Leisure
The Independent Quarter, tucked away near the cathedral, is centred around quirky Church Street and East Street. Art galleries and many lifestyle and fashion boutiques can be found in this delightful area of the city.
Hereford is a great place for foodies to call home. This passion for locally sourced produce is also evident in the many renowned restaurants, as well as the quaint pubs serving locally produced cider. Local produce is used in abundance in Hereford’s restaurants, providing customers with a true taste of the county. The Bookshop serves up tremendous steaks and you can feast on award-winning burgers at The Beefy Boys. For a taste of Italy, try the Cotto and Ponte Vecchio.
The Maylord Shopping Centre is a complex of chain retailers as well as local boutiques and a 24-hour fitness centre. The historic Hereford Butter Market is a terrific indoor market with a host of stalls including butchers, fishmongers and a range of locally sourced and produced fruits, vegetables, honey and other foodstuffs.
Hereford’s main theatre and cultural venue is The Courtyard, which is the cultural and creative hub of all of Herefordshire. It is located just outside of the city centre on Edgar Street.
The Halo Hereford Leisure Centre is extremely popular with the locals with a fantastic selection of activities. The centre has a gym, swimming pool, sauna, sports hall, golf course, athletic tracks, football, cricket and tennis pitches along with many other facilities.
Some other highlights in the area include:
- The Herefordshire Trail
- ODEON Cinema
- MFA Bowl Hereford
- Goodrich Castle
- Brockhampton Estate
Find out more about what it is like to live in Hereford.
History of Hereford
Hereford’s rich heritage can be seen on every street corner. With plenty of historic attractions, visitors are often fascinated to learn more about the area’s past. Dating back to the 7th century, it first began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement and fortified defence against the Welsh.
Following the Norman conquest of England, Hereford left behind its roots as a military stronghold and became an established market town. A leather and wool industry prospered, while the rebuilding of Hereford Cathedral brought pilgrims and friars to the area. Part of this original structure can still be enjoyed, although much of Hereford’s present-day cathedral was rebuilt again in the 18th century.
Although the wool industry eventually died out, cider-making flourished and Hereford still attracted nearby traders as a thriving agricultural centre. The opening of a county hospital and colleges during the 20th century brought modern-day amenities without damaging the rural charm which can still be enjoyed today.