Holiday rentals and lettings in Herefordshire

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Herefordshire?
• Holiday rentals in Herefordshire: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Herefordshire: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Herefordshire?

• Historic timber-framed villages: Herefordshire's holiday rentals sit among black-and-white villages and cider orchards, from cosy cottages near Ross-on-Wye to farmhouses with gardens and space for the whole family.
• Where to base yourself: Stay in Hereford for the cathedral and city comforts, Ledbury for independent shops, or Ross-on-Wye for river views and countryside on your doorstep.
• Trusted by our guests: Travellers rate Herefordshire stays highly for their peace, comfortable interiors and welcoming hosts, with pet-friendly options and gardens among the most appreciated features.
• Best time to visit: Come in late spring for orchard blossom, summer for canoeing on the Wye, or autumn for the cider harvest and mellow countryside.
• Things to do: Explore Hereford Cathedral's Mappa Mundi, canoe at Symonds Yat, tour a cider farm and wander the black-and-white villages — plenty for a weekend or a week.

Herefordshire's self-catering choice is wonderfully varied, suiting couples, families and larger groups alike. You'll find character-filled holiday cottages in Herefordshire in black-and-white villages, spacious holiday homes with gardens for summer barbecues, cosy log cabins tucked into the countryside, and relaxed glamping in Herefordshire sites close to the River Wye. Whichever you choose, most come well equipped for a comfortable stay:

• Free Wi-Fi
• A private garden or terrace
• Barbecue facilities
• A fully-equipped kitchen

Many properties welcome pets, with some offering special dog-friendly facilities to ensure the whole family can have a great holiday.

What are the best areas to stay in Herefordshire?

The best area depends on your plans, but Hereford makes a convenient first choice thanks to its cathedral, shops and central location. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Herefordshire consistently earns warm reviews from Holidu guests. Time and again, travellers highlight the peace and quiet of the countryside, the comfort and cleanliness of the cottages, and the genuine warmth of local hosts. Families appreciate the gardens and the space to spread out, whilst couples love the cosy, character-filled interiors. Whether you're after a romantic weekend away or a family week in the country, the county's self-catering homes rarely disappoint.

Herefordshire sits in the West Midlands on the English–Welsh border: a rural county of orchards, cider farms and timber-framed villages, threaded by the meandering River Wye.

✈️What is the best way to get to Herefordshire?

Getting to Herefordshire is easiest by car or train, with the county well connected to Birmingham, Cardiff and South Wales. Here are the most common ways to get to the county:

• By car: Herefordshire is reached via the M50 motorway, which spurs off the M5 near Tewkesbury, then the A449, A40 and A49 into Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster.
• By train: Hereford and Leominster both have direct rail links, with regular services from Birmingham New Street, Cardiff Central and London Paddington (changing at Newport or Worcester). The journey takes roughly three hours from London. From the station you can flag a taxi or hire a car.

🥗Where to eat in Herefordshire?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Stagg Inn in Titley is the best-rated restaurant in Herefordshire. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend Verzon House in Ledbury: a handsome roadside inn serving confident modern British cooking with Herefordshire beef and orchard fruit, plus a sunny terrace for relaxed lunches.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Herefordshire is late spring to early autumn. May brings orchard blossom and mild walking weather, summer is ideal for canoeing on the Wye, whilst September and October deliver the cider harvest and golden countryside. Winter is quieter and cosy, well suited to fireside cottage stays.

Spring

• Best for: Orchard blossom, gardens and quieter lanes
• Weather: Mild days with occasional showers, so pack a waterproof
• Atmosphere: Fresh and peaceful, before the summer visitors arrive

Summer

• Best for: Canoeing on the Wye, walking and outdoor dining
• Weather: Warm and generally dry, the county's sunniest spell
• Atmosphere: Lively, with village fêtes and open gardens

Autumn

• Best for: The cider harvest, food festivals and woodland colour
• Weather: Crisp, cooler days with beautiful light
• Atmosphere: Mellow and rural, at its most characterful

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Herefordshire hosts suggest setting aside a morning for Symonds Yat Rock, where the viewpoint high above the River Wye looks out over a dramatic wooded gorge and, if you're lucky, nesting peregrine falcons. It's an easy detour from Ross-on-Wye and a firm favourite with returning guests.

1. Marvel at the Mappa Mundi in Hereford
2. Canoe the River Wye at Symonds Yat
3. Tour a traditional Herefordshire cider farm
4. Walk the Black and White Village Trail
5. Explore Goodrich Castle and the Wye Valley

1. Marvel at the Mappa Mundi in Hereford

   Begin in the county town at Hereford Cathedral, whose treasures include the medieval Mappa Mundi and the world's largest surviving chained library. Afterwards, stroll along the River Wye, browse the independent shops and pause for lunch in a riverside café. The cathedral close is a peaceful spot to soak up nearly a thousand years of history.

2. Canoe the River Wye at Symonds Yat

   For a day on the water, head to Symonds Yat, where the River Wye loops through a steep, wooded gorge. Local centres hire out canoes and kayaks, and gentle paddles suit families and first-timers. Landlubbers can climb to Symonds Yat Rock for one of the finest views in the county, or take the hand-pulled ferry across the river to a waterside pub.

3. Tour a traditional Herefordshire cider farm

   Herefordshire is the heart of English cider country. Visit a working farm such as Westons Cider in Much Marcle to tour the orchards, learn how apples become cider and perry, and enjoy a tasting. Many farms have shops and cafés selling bottles, chutneys and local produce to take home.

4. Walk the Black and White Village Trail

   Discover the county's famous black-and-white villages on the trail linking timber-framed gems such as Weobley, Pembridge and Eardisland. These beautifully preserved settlements, with their crooked beams and flower-filled gardens, feel wonderfully timeless.

5. Explore Goodrich Castle and the Wye Valley

   History lovers should explore Goodrich Castle, a dramatic red-sandstone ruin overlooking the Wye near Ross-on-Wye. Climb the towers for sweeping valley views, then continue into the Wye Valley for riverside walks and picnics. Keen golfers can also book golf breaks near Clun in the neighbouring Shropshire hills, an easy drive from north Herefordshire.