Holiday Homes Hereford

Why are holiday homes in Hereford so popular for a countryside break?

Herefordshire sits on the Welsh border with a character all of its own. It is one of England's least populated counties and that is precisely why people keep coming back. Space, quiet lanes, ancient orchards and the River Wye running through the middle of it all.

Hereford city is the starting point for most visitors. Hereford Cathedral dates to 1079 and houses the Mappa Mundi — the largest surviving medieval map in the world. From the city you can head west towards Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountains or south along the Wye towards Ross-on-Wye and Symonds Yat.

Self-catering in Herefordshire means you set the pace. Cook with local produce. Walk out of the door and straight into open countryside. Come back when you want.

What makes Herefordshire holidays worth your time?

The county has a lot working in its favour. The Wye Valley is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Black Mountains on the Welsh border offer serious walking. Hay-on-Wye, just 19 miles west of Hereford, is famed for its second-hand bookshops and literary festival.

Ross-on-Wye sits 14 miles south of Hereford on a loop of the river. Symonds Yat Rock is 12 miles further on — a 120-metre limestone outcrop with panoramic views over the Wye Gorge. Ludlow, one of England's best-preserved market towns, is 23 miles to the north.

Things to do near your Herefordshire holiday cottage

• Canoe the River Wye from Hereford to Symonds Yat over two or three days.
• Walk Offa's Dyke national trail through the northwest of the county.
• Visit the Black and White villages — Weobley, Pembridge, Eardisland.
• Follow the Herefordshire Cider Route between Pembridge and Ledbury.
• Explore Hampton Court Castle and its 12-acre gardens north of Hereford.
• Cycle through Haugh Woods — over 850 acres of trails on the city doorstep.

Finding the right self-catering accommodation in Herefordshire

The county has a wide spread of properties. Cottages in the Golden Valley for those who want complete rural quiet. Townhouses in Ledbury for easy access to the high street and rail links. Properties near Hay-on-Wye for walkers heading into the Brecon Beacons National Park, 30 miles to the west.

Larger properties sleeping 8 to 16 guests suit family gatherings and milestone celebrations. Many Herefordshire holiday homes have enclosed gardens, open fires and private parking — useful if you are driving in from further afield.

Is self-catering in Herefordshire good value?

Yes. Herefordshire is quieter than the Cotswolds and Pembrokeshire and prices reflect that. You get more space for your money. A four-bedroom farmhouse with views over the Wye Valley costs considerably less here than in comparable areas.

The local food and drink is genuinely special. Hereford beef holds an international reputation. Herefordshire cider has Protected Geographical Indication status — the county has been making it for over 350 years. Buy direct from farms and cider mills along the Cider Route.

The Black and White villages of Herefordshire

A dozen or so timber-framed villages sit in the north and west of the county. Weobley, Pembridge, Eardisland and Eardisley are the best known. The buildings date largely from the 15th and 16th centuries. Most villages have a pub, a church and very little traffic.

The villages are linked by quiet lanes through apple orchards and hop yards. Walking between them is straightforward on footpaths and bridleways. It is a different kind of Herefordshire holiday — slower, quieter and away from the main tourist flow.

Hereford and the River Wye — at the heart of it all

The Wye is 134 miles long from its source on Plynlimon in mid-Wales to the Severn estuary. The Herefordshire section runs through water meadows, ancient woodland and past traditional orchards. The Wye Valley Walk long-distance trail follows the river south from Hereford all the way to Chepstow.

Canoeists, anglers and walkers all use the river heavily through summer and autumn. Spring brings wild garlic and bluebells to the riverside woodland. Winter is quiet but the valley is still worth visiting for the bare tree lines and low light.

Book a holiday home in Herefordshire and you have all of this on your doorstep. The county rewards visitors who take their time. There is more here than most people realise.