For our first night, we booked into the Hayloft, one of three accommodation options at Wall End Farm in Monkland. The farm has been in the family for generations but has recently diversified to offer B&B in the main house for up to two guests and two self-catering options, the Hayloft, where we stayed, which again sleeps two, and the more recently refurbished Hop Kiln which accommodates four people. Beautifully and stylishly decorated, guests’ every need were catered for and on arrival we found our fridge loaded with local eggs, jam and apple juice and an artisan loaf of bread perfect for a self-catering breakfast. Equidistant from Ludlow and Hereford, it’s a great base for sight-seeing but for those looking to stay closer to home the farm is surrounded by gorgeous countryside cross-crossed with public footpaths and a short walk away is the Monkland Cheese Dairy which offers cheese tours as well as a shop and café.
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After recharging our batteries in the peace of the Hayloft, the next morning we headed to Hereford city, where we had booked a city walking tour. It’s easy to visit or even live in a place without fully appreciating all it has to offer but our tour guide Linda really knew her stuff when it came to the history of Hereford, pointing out interesting architecture (Hereford really does have some beautiful buildings) and telling us fascinating facts about events which formed the city’s historical, social and political landscape. Organised by Hereford Guild of Guides, these tours are a great way to really understand the city. In the summer there are daily tours but outside of those months they are available on a pre-booked basis only and at just £5 per person for around 90 minutes it’s excellent value.
Of course the Cathedral is the real jewel of the city, dominating its skyline and no visit to Hereford would be complete without venturing inside. A place of continuous worship for more than 1300 years, the Cathedral boasts a colourful history through the ages with beheadings, miracles and pilgrimages all part of its narrative. History aside, it is a truly beautiful place to visit, not as large or grand as other cathedrals perhaps, but with stunning
stained glass windows, fascinating shrines and curious tombs. And of course it has some very special additional treasures always worth a visit – the world famous Mappa Mundi, the Chained Library and a 1217 version of the Magna Carta now all housed in a new purpose-built library building.
After a lunch in a charmingly quirky café in Church Street, known as the independent quarter, where the autumnal weather allowed us to sit outside, we checked into our hotel for the night, the Green Dragon. Perfectly, centrally positioned for a city break, the hotel is one of the oldest in Hereford and has been trading under its current name since the early 1700s. Under new ownership since 2018, the hotel has recently undergone major refurbishment and in addition to its 80-plus comfortable bedrooms, it offers stylish and contemporary dining in its Hereford brasserie with a focus on local produce as well as drinks and cocktails in its choice of bar or lounge areas.
Castle House Hotel is another stylish choice for overnight accommodation or even just drinks and dinner. Family owned, this boutique hotel aims to provide much of its beef, fruit, salad and veg from their own farm which now has an extensive kitchen garden. The hotel has just 24 rooms and has recently added a new bar area, welcoming guests who just fancy a drink or more casual dining overlooking the old castle moat alongside the hotel. The fine dining menu celebrates the best of local and seasonal produce and on Saturday evenings there is a five course tasting menu which really promises to tantalise the taste buds.
For more casual dining, another great choice is the renowned Saxtys, which offers dining, drinking and dancing. Again, recently refurbished in a contemporary style, with lots of outdoor seating at the rear for warmer days, the speciality here is ‘hot rocks’ cooking.
The menu offers small plates for starters or sharing, tapas style,
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