Herefordshire

Take a journey into Herefordshire's past by visiting its varied museums and galleries. 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. Iconic 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 its 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 refurbished Cafe Mundi, located in the atmospheric 15th century Bishop's Cloister adjoining the beautiful Chapter House Garden. 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 In Hereford you will find the Canwood Gallery a contemporary art space set in the Herefordshire countryside, offering a unique visitor experience with indoor exhibitions and an open-air sculpture park Showcasing both world-renowned and local artists. 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.