A picturesque county in the West Midlands, Herefordshire is famous for its beef and cider, its pleasant green pastures and its rich literary culture. Beautiful landscapes abound, dotted with heritage towns and villages, perfect for restorative rural weekends complete with terrific traditional pub feasts, and scenic rambles. Accommodation options range from lovely townhouses to country estates, but many of the best places to stay in Herefordshire are charming pubs-with-rooms, promising a very warm welcome.

Hereford, the county capital, is a striking small city and a lovely base for keen explorers. Admire the cathedral — which houses the legendary Mappa Mundi — stroll along lanes lined with half-timbered Tudor and Jacobean buildings, and tour the Cider Museum for a sense of the drink’s history. Herefordshire grows almost 50% of the apples in all UK ciders, and eager aficionados will be thrilled to follow the dedicated Cider Trail across the county.

Beyond Hereford are picturesque towns such as Ledbury and Leominster, also brimming with history. The Wye Valley is a favourite of walkers and avid historians, who will be delighted to discover the market town of Ross-on-Wye, with its independent boutiques and antique shops. Hay-on-Wye, which plays hosts to the acclaimed annual literary festival, is a nearby hub. With myriad outdoorsy activities, heaps of history and a reputation for excellent cuisine, you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do whilst at the best places to stay in Herefordshire.

The Best Places to Stay in Herefordshire

For a Riverside Townhouse

• The Bridge House is a simply and elegantly designed, Georgian era house on the riverbank in Ross-on-Wye. Decorated with a beautiful collection of antiques, it offers nine individually decorated rooms with plenty of natural light, and well-placed artworks. There's a conservatory breakfast room overlooking the three-acre garden, and an inviting sitting room with an honesty bar.
• Castle House, a Regency-era townhouse overlooking the remains of Hereford Castle's moat, has a wonderful classic feel. Rooms have upholstered headboards, antique furnishings and soothing colour schemes, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The restaurant is superb, sourcing much of its produce from the owner's own farm, just eight miles away. A gem.

For a Pub with Rooms

• The Baiting House, on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, is famed for its fantastic gastropub, which specialises in modern British cuisine. Flagstones and exposed brick offer an understated backdrop to contemporary art and farming tools in the restaurant. Guest rooms are simple and traditional, and the larger lodges scattered in the grounds are great for families or groups, with kitchens and sitting rooms.
• The Riverside at Aymestrey is a wonderfully characterful 17th-century building on the banks of the River Lugg. Think exposed beams, low ceilings, terracotta-tiled floors and candlelit tables, where you can feast on great gourmet fare. Rooms are charming, and there are three small lodges in the garden for groups. Well-placed for walkers.
• The Kilpeck Inn has a more contemporary feel, with white-and-cream guest rooms tucked within a simple, two-storey building. The inn's pub feels more traditional, with wooden stools at the bar and beamed ceilings. The food is famously fantastic, with ingredients locally sourced from small-scale farmers in the area.
• The Saracen's Head promises superb views across the stunning Symonds Yat. A modern take on the classic half-timbered country pub, this inn offers ten simple rooms with crisp white linens, white-washed walls and clean lines. Return from a day's hiking to tuck into hearty fare at the tables in the garden. Licenses to fish on the River Wye are available.
• New Inn, St Owens Cross oozes character. A 16th-century inn with slightly wonky oak beams, this half-timbered gem is a favourite with romantics and heritage buffs. The three rooms fuse old and new, with cosy beds, low ceilings and sleek modern bathrooms. Chef Michael Fowler cooks up a storm in the kitchen — it's worth booking a table well in advance.
• The Feathers Hotel, a Tudor coaching inn on Ledbury's pretty high street, has bold patterned fabrics and colourful wallpaper in recently renovated rooms, plus swish new bathrooms. The modern British restaurant is excellent, with upholstered chairs, parquet flooring and a superb selection of local ales and spirits. Very atmospheric.

For a Country House Hotel

• Verzon has been transformed from a red-brick country house into a wonderfully chic hotel. Smart, sophisicated rooms have mood lighting, minimalist decor and big rolltop tubs, whilst shared spaces offer armchairs by the fireplace and an attractive veranda for soaking up the sunshine. The blue-painted restaurant has a playful feel, and prides itself on using ingredients from its own farm — as well as Chase vodka and gin. Brilliant for a romantic weekend in the countryside.
• Burton Court is a beautifully maintained estate with two tastefully decorated traditional guest rooms. Primarily an imposing wedding venue, the house is also a fantastic choice for a quiet weekend away, with softly patterned wallpapers, big roll top tubs and spectacular garden views from the bedrooms. Generous breakfasts are served in the dining room.
• Glewstone Court, a stately home turned hotel near Ross-on-Wye, has nine guest rooms, the best of which have four-poster beds. The manicured gardens are splendid, as are the communal lounges, which feature crackling fireplaces, antique funiture and soft lighting. The award-winning restaurant is a destination in itself, ideal for keen foodies.

For a Great Value B&B

• Charades Guest House is a red-brick Victorian residence set within pretty private gardens in the heart of Hereford. The six guest roms are classic and comfortable, big breakfasts are served in the dining room, and you're jsut a short stroll from many of the city's restaurants. A quiet B&B offering very reasonable rates.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, or Cardiff Airport, depending on your destination in Herefordshire. There is a well-connected bus and rail network from each airport, making it easy to get to hubs such as Hereford, Leominster and Ledbury, as well as the county's smaller villages.
• Herefordshire is a wonderful region for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit during the spring or summer months (May to September) for long days, more chance of sunshine and temperatures averaging around 17°C. July and August are peak season; travel outside the school holidays for great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Hereford.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in nearby Gloucestershire.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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