Herefordshire + Worcestershire

Take a journey into Herefordshire's past by visiting it's museums.

Hereford has a handful of excellent museums to visit. You can pay homage to the apple at the Museum of Cider, housed in the original Bulmer's factory, and travel back to the bygone era of steam at the Waterworks Museum.

Herefordshire is the home of the apple and cider, with orchards dotted all around and artisan producers inviting you to try their tipples. If your acquaintance with cider is the odd glass in a pub prepare to have your taste perceptions challenged! Take a tour of the Museum of Cider, housed in the original 1888 factory where Bulmers began, to uncover the story of the county's preferred drink.

There's the world's largest medieval map, the Mappa Mundi, and immaculate Chained Library on view at Hereford Cathedral.

Hereford Cathedral is built on a place of worship used since Saxon times. It contains some of the finest examples of art and architecture from Norman times to the present day, including the famous Mappa Mundi, the medieval Chained Library and the Hereford Magna Carta.

Hereford's elegantly restored Cathedral Close sits at the heart of our historic city and diocese, with new social spaces, artworks and interpretation for you to enjoy.

The Mappa Mundi is a unique medieval treasure, recording how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago. More than a thousand drawings and inscriptions show cities and towns, Biblical events, plants, animals, birds, strange creatures and monstrous races.

Enjoy hot and cold lunches and warming soups, homemade cakes, biscuits, and fair-trade and locally sourced products in the newly refurbished Cafe Mundi, located in the atmospheric 15th century Bishop's Cloister adjoining the beautiful Chapter House Garden.

Cathedral Tours
Explore history and treasures from Saxon times to the present day with our Cathedral Guides at 11.05am and 2:15pm daily (Monday - Saturday) and 12pm on selected Saturdays. Tours with refreshments can be booked at other times for groups (contact 01432 374202).

Herefordshire's historic market towns also have museums, telling the tale of life in these parts - from hop picking to market day. You will often find them housed in traditional timber-framed buildings

Many artists and artisans have been drawn to Herefordshire as an inspiring place to live and work. You'll discover contemporary galleries in and around Hereford and its pretty market towns as well as in the black and white villages.

If you're looking to explore fascinating history and architectural treasures, to discover contemporary arts and creative people, Herefordshire has very rich pickings.