At Goodrich Castle, visitors can descend deep into a pitch-dark dungeon or climb a steep staircase to the top of the keep. From there, the view stretches across the castle and its surroundings. Since its foundation in the late 11th century, Goodrich Castle has guarded a strategically important crossing over the River Wye. These two perspectives—the dark dungeon and the view from above—give a visit its own distinctive rhythm. As visitor activities may change, check the latest information in advance if you plan to visit the dungeon or keep.
Traces in Stone and History
Arthur's Stone is a Neolithic burial chamber made of large stone slabs, in the hills above Herefordshire's Golden Valley. Here, the structure itself takes centre stage: the massive slabs form the burial chamber. You can reach the monument on foot or by car.
The Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Museum displays Hereford's medieval world map, the largest surviving medieval world map. The Chained Library contains 225 illuminated manuscripts, the oldest dating from the 8th century. There are also more than 1,200 early printed books. The collection thus brings together a world map, manuscripts and early printed works from different centuries.
Dore Abbey and Kilpeck Church also offer insights into different chapters of architectural history. Dore Abbey was founded in 1147; its medieval presbytery is among the most significant surviving Cistercian buildings in the west of Britain. Kilpeck Church was built in the early 12th century in the Romanesque style. Several carvings frame its outer south portal. An audio tour app explores possible background stories, theories and legends surrounding the building.
In the heart of Herefordshire, the Museum of Cider preserves the history of cider. Its story runs from the apple pip to the finished drink. The museum is housed in Bulmers' former cider factory, bringing the history of the drink face to face with the county's industrial heritage.
Forests, Gorges and Trails
Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum combines an arboretum of national importance with extensive semi-natural ancient woodland designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Facilities mentioned there include marked trails, a viewpoint, a playground and a Gruffalo sculpture trail. Croft Castle's parkland covers 1,500 acres of woodland, farmland and parkland. Ancient trees, archaeological remains and an Iron Age hillfort shape the grounds; five marked walks lead through the parkland and Herefordshire countryside.
The trails also differ in how they are laid out. Gillian's Wood is open to the public and has marked trails, as well as a footpath network with shorter circular walks and more challenging routes. Flits National Nature Reserve offers the public access to peaceful recreation and nature watching, but currently has neither public rights of way nor marked trails. In Downton Gorge, an ancient woodland along a limestone gorge, Natural England runs a limited number of guided walks in April and May. Check the dates in advance if you plan to join one.
For longer distances, the Herefordshire Trail offers a clearly defined circular route: it is 154 miles long, connects five historic market towns and passes through rolling meadows, ancient orchards, steep hills and river valleys. Herefordshire's entire footpath network covers 2,100 miles and includes nine long-distance trails, among them the Herefordshire Trail and the Twin Valley Ley Line Trail. The Watkins Way is a 106-mile scenic route through the county's wild, ancient landscapes. It starts in Woolhope and passes through the Golden Valley and the Black-and-White Villages before reaching Hereford.
Cycling and cider routes offer their own highlights, too. The 42-mile cycling route through the Black-and-White Villages is designed for exploring over one or two days. The Cider Circuits consist of three circular routes in the north, south and west, which can be travelled by bike or car. Another 48.5-mile circular route starts in Dorstone and leads to artisan cider makers and historic pubs. Together, the routes offer different scales: a cycling trip designed to take several days, regional circuits and a specific route starting in Dorstone.
The Wye Valley in Herefordshire is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More than 100 miles of the River Wye can be travelled by canoe or kayak, including the stretch from Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat. River operators offer training, taster sessions and guided wildlife safaris. For planning public transport, the picture is different: trains run between Hereford and some market towns, while bus services cross Herefordshire. Check the latest timetables if you plan to use these connections.
Choose the Right Focus
Herefordshire offers a range of options, from individual buildings and marked walks to long-distance trails and circular routes.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Whitney-on-Wye, Moreton on Lugg, Leominster, Titley, Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Hereford, Fownhope, Bromyard, Whitchurch, Burley Gate, Eardisley, Leintwardine, Bodenham, Staunton on Wye, Ledbury, Pontrilas, Bishop's Frome, Kinnersley, Bringsty, Much Cowarne, Mathon, Eardisland, Burghill, Whitestone, Weston under Penyard, Almeley, Clehonger, Lugwardine, Middleton on the Hill, Madley, Letton, Upper Sapey and Eaton Bishop.
For the overview of the wider region, see West Midlands.
