Hereford, England Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

Located in the west of England near the Welsh border, Hereford is a town of about 50,000 in the Hertfordshire County. It received a town charter as early as 1189 from King Richard and was one of the earliest towns in the country to have city status. Dating back to about 700 A.D., Hereford was the Saxon capital of West Mercia. Many famous people have spent time in this town throughout the centuries, including Nell Gwynne, the mistress of King Charles II and there is even a street in the town named after her - Gwynn Street.

Visit the famous Hereford Cathedral, which dates back to medieval times. Here you will see some of the most impressive examples of Norman architecture in such things as the Shrine of St. Thomas, the Early English Lady Chapel and the library housing many works from the earlier times. This is often the site of music recitals, concerts and exhibitions. You can browse through the souvenirs at the Cathedral Shop and visit the Stonemasons yard where you can see the artisans at work. Two of Britain's most important historical treasures are housed here - the Mappa Mundi, which is a medieval map of the world and the Chained Library.

Learn about the history of making cider when you visit the Hereford Cider Museum. You can see how apples are harvested and processed into juice and cider. There are many exhibits here related to this industry, such as the Truck Act and many books illustrating the process. Visit the original Champagne Cider cellars and sample the different types of cider.

The Howe Caple Court Gardens cover 11 acres and date back to Edwardian Times. In addition to the magnificent blooms, you can get wonderful views of the Forest of Dean and the mountains of Wales. There is a medieval church at this site and you can enjoy a delightful cup of tea in the courtyard tearoom.

You will have plenty of time to stroll about the town and stay for a while with the many types of accommodations that this city offers. There are also numerous restaurants, cafés and eateries as well as local pubs where you can get to know the local people.