Hereford Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Hereford Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Hereford packs in loads of attractions despite being one of England's smallest cities. The 11th-century Hereford Cathedral (HR1 2NG) is open Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm and houses the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world from 1300. It gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the £6 entry as "excellent value".

The Black and White House Museum (HR4 9AA) showcases a perfectly preserved Jacobean timber-framed building from 1621. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. I love the hands-on exhibits where kids can try on period costumes.

Cider fans should head to Westons Cider Mill (HR8 1EA) for tours and tastings. It's a 25-minute drive from Hereford and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Tours run daily at 11am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm and cost £15 including samples. The shop sells limited editions you can't find elsewhere.

The Courtyard Theatre (HR4 9JR) offers performances year-round if the weather turns. Their café serves great local produce too. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with reviewers praising its "intimate atmosphere".

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Herefordshire's open spaces and many cottages welcome them too. The Offa's Dyke Path and Wye Valley Walk offer miles of walkies without needing to drive anywhere. We recommend downloading the AllTrails app for circular routes straight from your cottage door.

The Bunch of Carrots pub in Hampton Bishop (HR1 4JR) welcomes dogs inside and out. They provide water bowls and treats at the bar. Their Sunday roasts are fantastic after a morning walk.

Queenswood Country Park (HR6 0PY) has 123 acres of woodland with marked trails and is completely free to visit. The arboretum section has over 1,200 rare tree species and dogs can run off-lead in designated areas.

For rainy days, Hereford's Buttermarket (HR1 2LY) allows dogs in its indoor shopping area. Several stalls sell local pet treats and the café provides dog water bowls.

Remember to pack towels for muddy paws before they jump back in the hot tub with you!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Hereford

The Cider Museum (HR4 0LE) tells the story of Herefordshire's most famous export. It's housed in the original 1888 Bulmer's factory where the UK's biggest cider brand began. You'll see massive oak vats, glass collections and learn about the "champagne method" of making cider. The museum scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. One visitor wrote: "Fascinating history and the tasting at the end was generous!" Open Tues-Sat 10am-4:30pm, £7 adult entry.

Hereford Cathedral's Chained Library (HR1 2NG) is one of only four surviving examples in Europe. Dating from 1611, it contains books literally chained to the shelves to prevent theft. The oldest volume dates from 740AD. Combined tickets with the Mappa Mundi exhibition cost £8. A TripAdvisor reviewer (4.5/5) noted: "The guide brought medieval book production to life. Worth every penny."

Berrington Hall (HR6 0DW) is a National Trust property with stunning gardens designed by Capability Brown. The Georgian mansion houses period furniture and costumes. The walled garden restoration project reveals how kitchen gardens worked in the 1800s. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "knowledgeable volunteers" and "excellent cake in the tearoom." Open daily 10am-5pm, £14 adult entry.

Is Hereford good for walking holidays?

Yes! The Wye Valley and Black Mountains offer walks for all abilities. The Herefordshire Trail is a 154-mile circular route you can tackle in sections. Maps are available from the Tourist Information Centre (HR1 2DA). Most cottages with hot tubs are perfectly positioned for walkers.

When is the best time to visit Hereford?

May-September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. The Hereford Food Festival (August) and Cider Making Festival (October) are highlights. Christmas markets make December special too.

Can I go kayaking on the River Wye?

Absolutely! Wye Valley Canoes (01497 847213) offer hire from £35 per person. The stretch from Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye is perfect for beginners. Book in advance during summer months.

Are there good restaurants in Hereford?

The Bookshop (HR1 2NB) serves incredible locally-sourced food in a former Victorian book store. The Beefy Boys (HR1 2LY) won UK's best burger 2016. For fine dining, try Castle House Hotel (HR1 2NW) with its kitchen garden.

Is Hereford good for shopping?

The compact city centre has independent shops in Church Street and Widemarsh Street. The Butter Market (HR1 2LY) houses local producers selling cheeses, meats and crafts. Maylord Shopping Centre has high street names.

How far is Hay-on-Wye from Hereford?

The famous book town is 22 miles west of Hereford (about 40 minutes by car). Time your visit for the Hay Festival in May/June or explore its 20+ bookshops year-round.

Visit Herefordshire Official Site Wye Valley Walking Routes Berrington Hall National Trust Hereford Cathedral Visitor Information