Herefordshire - the Green County

Herefordshire, England's most rural county, is a county of unspoilt countryside, rich red soil, bountiful farmland, wooded hills and meandering river valleys leading to distinctive Market towns, quaint villages, gardens, churches, history and beauty at every bend in the road.

Hereford lies in the West Midlands, bordered by the breathtaking Black Mountains to the west, to the north the Clee Hills forms a natural boundary to Shropshire, in the East the majestic Malverns forms our border with Worcester and the Wye and Severn rivers our the borders to the South and Gloucestershire.

The County town of Hereford is the home for a fine sandstone Cathedral which houses an exhibition containing the Mappa Mundi, the famous medieval map of the world and the unique Chained Library with manuscript dating back to the eight century and an early copy of the Magna Carter. The city dates back to Saxon times and parts of the city wall and early Castle is still visible.

The market towns of Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Bromyard, Leominster and Kington, are so different, hold annual festivals from Poetry to Steam Fares and warmly welcome visitors throughout the seasons.The Black and White village trail takes you through wonderful countryside visiting villages with Tudor origins, winding streets, village pubs, market squares and treasured churches.

The gardens of Herefordshire are a treat, Hampton Court is the largest, two huge red bricked walled gardens, first a vegetable garden, a riot of colour, then water features, canals, rose beds linked with a maze and sensational wisteria walk way. Stoktonbury near Leominster is a delight, Abbeydore lies by the Dore River, so many, just waiting for you plus village open gardens through the summer and the wonderful National Gardens.

Fine churches and castles doted around the County, Dore Abbey set below the Black Mountains, Kilpeck, a Norman gem, Brockhampton a riot of Arts and Crafts, Shobdon, a breathtaking sea of blue and white icing!Goodrich castle surveys the Wye, Grosmont, Skenthrith and White Castle form a triangle to expel the Welsh or English depending on the storyteller.

The County is a showcase for many craftsmen, art and craft galleries in each Market town, displays at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford and each September, during H-Art, local craftsmen open their homes to show their crafts. The whole county is just GREEN, we are so proud of the food produced and served; the Flavours of Herefordshire is one of the very first to recognise the importance of fresh local produce.

Award winning establishments will offer you great meals using local produce.Tourism business is now actively taking part in the Green Tourism awards, from recycling, saving energy and preserving and encouraging wild life in gardens.

There is plenty to do from walking the Offa's Dyke to sampling local Cider and Perry or just enjoying the more leisurely way of life breathing in pure country air and recharging flat batteries!. Why not stay here for a while . . . . ?!

Photo above: Apple Bough and Cider Press Cottages

Jennie Layton, Grafton Villa©

Grafton Villa is listed in Cottage Holidays