Hereford

In the summer of 2003 Hereford's mighty Norman cathedral took its turn in hosting the annual Three Choirs Festival – Europe's oldest music festival. Musicians from around the world graced Hereford's cathedral for this historic event. One of the composers most strongly associated with the festival is Sir Edward Elgar, who composed many of his greatest works while living in Hereford during the early years of the 20th century.

Festival-goers discovered that Hereford is a city that has grown with people in mind. There is a human scale to the city which emphasises the genial atmosphere in its spacious High Town and intriguing side streets.

The ancient and modern grace the banks of the beautiful River Wye – including the new Left Bank Village.

The city's talented craftsmen and women welcome visitors to their studios and galleries throughout the year and stage a major Contemporary Craft Fair every November.

Maylord Orchards is a modern shopping centre at the heart of a bustling and vibrant city. Hereford's High Town is a perfect place to take a break from shopping or just to sit and watch the world go by. The city holds a coveted 'Safer Shopping Award' and prides itself on the variety of its wares.

The cider museum tells the fascinating story of cider and bolsters Hereford's claim to being 'The Apple of England's Eye'.

Places close to Hereford

Airports near here

Attractions near here

  • Sudeley Castle(52.7 km)
    Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold Hills near the village of Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past.

Cities and towns near here

  • Blakemere(14.6 km)
  • Worcester(36.9 km)
  • Lydney(38.3 km)
  • Cheltenham(47.6 km)
    Located in the rolling countryside of the county of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham is a fascinating town boasting picturesque architecture and unique shops. Cheltenham is also known as the 'gateway to the Cotswolds' due to its convenient access to this picturesque region.
  • Evesham(52.6 km)
    Evesham is a pleasant town on the banks of the River Avon.
  • Winchcombe(52.7 km)
    Winchcombe is a traditional English village located in the heart of the Cotswolds.
  • Alcester(60.6 km)
    Alcester is the quintessential English market town, an architectural gem with a lively community feel set in the attractive, rolling 'Shakespeare's Countryside', just seven miles west of Stratford-on-Avon. Situated on the River Arrow, its medieval street pattern survives almost intact, along with many ancient properties including the wonderful church of St Nicholas with its 14th century tower and the early 17th century town hall.
  • Great Alne(63.9 km)
    Great Alne is a pretty village located just outside the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The village is made up of pretty cottages and a fantastic 400 year old pub. The village has easy access to Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, warwick and other towns.
  • Bristol(67.3 km)
  • Bourton-on-the-Water(68.4 km)
  • Bearley(70.3 km)
  • Stratford-upon-Avon(70.5 km)
    Situated on the River Avon in the Heart of England, the most well known Stratford-upon-Avon attractions include the most famous as the birthplace of England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, 5 historic houses linked to the Bard and a wealth of other great tourist attractions, Stratford-upon-Avon also has some great accommodation on offer. The thriving market town is a perfect combination of old and new, and with its beautiful surroundings, is a fine place to visit for a relaxing holiday.
  • Cardiff(71.6 km)
  • Birmingham(73.4 km)
    Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK. Birmingham is located in the central part of England and served by Birmingham airport, east Midlands airport and with a regular, fast direct train service to London. Birmingham is a culturally diverse city and an excellent city in which to learn English.
  • Wellesbourne(78.3 km)
  • Bath(78.9 km)
    The World Heritage Site of Bath and the stunning countryside surrounding it is one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath, England, is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Set in rolling Somerset countryside, just over 100 miles west of London, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.
  • Carterton(83.7 km)
  • Faringdon(89.4 km)

Famous People

  • William Shakespeare(70.5 km)
    Shakespeare's reputation as dramatist and poet actor is unique and he is considered by many to be the greatest playwright of all time, although many of the facts of his life remain mysterious. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and was baptised on 26 April 1564