The charming market town of Ledbury is a gateway to the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Surrounded by woods, orchards, and rolling countryside, it’s the perfect base for exploring scenic footpaths. Stroll Ledbury’s picturesque streets lined with independent shops offering unique artwork, and books, and pause for coffee in its welcoming cafés.
At the heart of Big Apple Country, Ledbury celebrates its orchard heritage with biannual Big Apple Festivals. Year-round, visitors can enjoy Weston’s Cider tours and orchard walks or discover Coddington Vineyard, a haven for wine lovers in this flourishing wine region.
Nearby Eastnor Castle offers a fascinating step back in time with its historic state rooms, arboretum, and tranquil lake. Its surrounding Eastnor Deer Park, part of the Malvern Hills AONB, is home to red deer and crisscrossed by trails, including routes to the Eastnor Obelisk and Worcestershire Way.
Ledbury’s literary legacy shines during its annual Poetry Festival, the largest in the UK. The Barrett Browning Institute provides further insight into the area’s links to iconic writers like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
A visit to nearby Hereford completes the experience, with Hereford Cathedral, its SAS memorial, and the historic Black and White Museum revealing the area’s rich past.
The Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Herefordshire
Welcome to Herefordshire, a cool county in the heart of England, where rolling hills sit alongside verdant meadows and charming market towns throw the best countryside parties. This place is famous for its agricultural awesomeness, its stunning landmarks, its pretty valleys and rivers and its cider.
When you decide to level up your holiday game with a luxury Oliver’s Travels property, Herefordshire unveils its iconic attractions, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its gorgeous towns and villages.
Hereford Cathedral, the star of medieval architecture, boasts an intricate Gothic facade while the world-famous Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library make book and map enthusiasts smile widely. Hereford, the county town, is not just home to the Cathedral, it enjoys the Old House and High Town with the River Wye adding a fabulous backdrop. Hereford's market is the place to be, a buzzing hive of local produce and crafts where you can shop till you drop.
Nature enthusiasts adore the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a playground for river meandering, woodland exploring and Instagram-worthy landscapes. Symonds Yat Rock is the top spot for panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. This area is a walking, cycling and horse riding paradise. The Mortimer Trail takes you on a scenic journey through woodlands and the Herefordshire Trail is like a magical mystery tour through landscapes that make other counties jealous.
Market towns come with their own quirky charm. Ross-on-Wye, with its hill-perched awesomeness overlooking the River Wye, is all about timber-framed buildings and views, while Leominster brings the medieval market square vibe, where you can shop for antiques.
The Black and White Village Trail is like a treasure hunt for half-timbered houses. Weobley and Pembridge sit on the trail, showcasing Herefordshire's architectural game.
Ledbury adds an Elizabethan masterpiece, Eastnor Castle, to the mix, surrounded by lush grounds and a deer park where you might enjoy one of its many events. Bromyard is gorgeous with independent shops and a market that is a social event. Hay-on-Wye is the "Town of Books," where bookshops are sprinkled throughout the town and the Hay Festival draws writers and readers from all over.
Herefordshire is the cider capital, and you have not truly lived until you have toured an orchard, sampled local brews and gained insights into the ancient art of cider making.
Herefordshire is not just a place, it is an experience. Rich history, stunning landscapes and communities that are so welcoming. Whether you are into medieval landmarks, outdoor adventures, shopping or just soaking in the countryside's tranquillity, Herefordshire is waiting to captivate your soul.
