Stunning town regularly voted one of Britain's most underrated mini-breaks

14 January 2024 , 07:17

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Many of Hereford's shops and restaurants are housed within beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings (Image: Getty Images)

Taking a visit to a picturesque English town tends to bring to mind historic buildings, cosy pubs, ancient landmarks and a plethora of independent shops to enjoy, amid beautiful countryside walks.

There are several towns across the UK that fit the bill. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten experience, at the same time as relishing in the delights of a countryside retreat, Hereford is worth checking out. This historic town is situated on the banks of the River Wye, and visitors can enjoy views of its splendid cathedral which rises from the heart of Hereford, The Daily Express reports.

When you cross the ancient Wye Bridge, you're taken back to medieval Britain, and can retake the footsteps of tired travellers who flocked to this town. Nowadays, however, there are plenty of shops and attractions which are available to visit.

Visitors can enjoy views of the splendid cathedral which rises from the heart of Hereford (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The town was even branded one of Britain's most underrated city breaks by Stylist magazine. One recommendation from the website reads: "We spent a 3-day weekend in Hereford in June 2021 and loved how vibrant it was.

"There are streets devoted to independent shops and restaurants that give the city real character. Only a 10-minute drive out of the centre and you reach rolling green countryside complete with farm shops and country pubs."

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Plenty of Hereford's restaurants and shops are situated within beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings that have plenty of character and history. For example, the astounding Old House, is an early 15th century structure which serves as a museum and is open to visitors.

Hereford has multiple shopping areas to explore, such as the Cathedral Quarter which is a must-visit, alongside its local jewellers, independent stationers, and the famous Mousetrap Cheese shop. The Old Market has some much loved chains, whereas the High Street is full of independent gift shops and homeware shops.

Cider enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the cider-making process, should visit the King Offa Cider distillery museum. You can learn about the techniques of historic cider production, with some of the finest ciders available in the town. There are regular cider festivals which Hereford hosts, where you can try a variety of ciders.

Cider aside, Hereford has a wide range of culinary offerings to try. There's obviously plenty of traditional pub food, but the city boasts hidden gems for East Asian cuisine. One review of the city read: “The city has a number of hidden gems, especially for East Asian cuisine. Try Simply Thai Kitchen or Fujisan for authentic Thai or Japanese [food].”

Try The Lichfield Tavern, one of Hereford's top-rated pubs on TripAdvisor. It has a traditional look with dark wooden interiors, but this pub provides a Mediterranean twist on its menu, offering halloumi kebabs, and dolma alongside your favourite beverages.

Additionally, nature lovers can try out the many trails and walks closeby to Hereford. The hike to Leys Hill is two miles and rewards visitors with stunning views of the neighbouring valleys.

Charlie Duffield