Herefordshire Histories Festival
10th - 18th May 2025
A new, county-wide festival of Herefordshire History
This Spring, groups and individuals throughout the county have come together to organise events that celebrate the extraordinary history of Herefordshire.
Recognising that the county has many historic sites and stories which are not celebrated enough, the Herefordshire Histories Festival will host over 100 events, including talks, tours, exhibitions, and more.
Our Top Picks from the Herefordshire Histories Festival
Step into the stories of Herefordshire with a week-long celebration of our rich and remarkable past. From castle capers to hidden histories, we've handpicked seven fantastic events - one for each day of the festival - to spark your curiosity and bring the county’s heritage to life.
HCA: Herefordshire Together History Event
HR2 8BL | Sunday 18th May | 11am - 3pm
A free community event celebrating Herefordshire Histories Festival.
The Black Crow Vikings will be performing with their historic re-enactments.
Plus we will have family activities, campfire cooking, nature trail and a local history exhibition.
The event is funded by the Safer Communities project.
Herefordshire In The Second World War
Ross-on-Wye Library | Thursday 8th May - Saturday 31st May
It is 80 years since Victory Europe and Victory Over Japan Days marked the end of the deadliest conflict in history, World War 2.
Come along to Ross-on-Wye Library to see an exhibition of wartime photos from the Herefordshire History Archive and Herefordshire Lore.
This unique collection shows how the Second World War affected ordinary people in Herefordshire.
No booking needed.
Open during library opening times.
Launch on Thursday 8th May with afternoon tea and cake provided by the Friends of Ross Library (2-4pm).
The History of Wythall Estate
HR9 5SD | Sunday 11th, Wednesday 14th and Sunday 18th May | 12am - 6pm
Built in 1520 Wythall Manor has never been sold, remaining in the same family for over 500 years. Current custodians Jamie, his son Angus, sister Anthea and her husband Frank will be on hand throughout the day to talk you through Wythall’s remarkable history and the estate’s more recent diversification into English wine.
Additionally, Wythall’s new Wine Cellar visitor attraction will be launched over the course of the week offering free samples of the estate’s wine in an unparalleled setting. Angus will be on hand to talk visitors through the history of the cellar and its former uses, the sympathetic improvements which have been made recently and of course the wines.
On both Sunday 11th May and Sunday 18th May Wythall’s Wine Garden will be open offering light lunches in the form of cheese and charcuterie boards as well as all wines available by the glass. All are welcome to attend, admission cost is just £10 per person and there is no need to book.
Sellack War Memorial Plaque Trail - Idea To Reality
HR9 6QP | Saturday 10th May | 10:00am
Free talk followed by a free led walk (optional). Local historian, Bill Webb, will talk with John Marshall about researching the stories of the men on the Sellack War Memorial;
Mark Robinson will talk about why and how Sellack Parish Council created a circular walking trail of individual plaques to honour their memory; local resident, Claire, will talk about why she sponsored a plaque.
An optional led walk of the 3.5 mile plaque trail will follow the panel discussion, including the choice to finish back at the church after one mile. Organised by Sellack Parish Council.
A Guided Walk at Snodhill Castle
HR3 6BG | Friday 16th May | 10:30am - 3:00pm
Snodhill Text
Discover Snodhill Castle’s historic lands on a guided walk with a local historian. Uncover the rich stories of this remarkable estate.
Join us on a captivating 7-mile circular guided walk through the ancient lands of Snodhill Castle, as part of the Herefordshire Histories Festival in May 2025. Starting at the storied ruins of Snodhill Castle, this special walk will immerse you in the rich history and landscape of the Golden Valley in Herefordshire. Accompanied by a knowledgeable historian, we’ll explore paths once trodden by those who worked on the estate and hear stories of the castle’s past.
The route, led at an easy pace by a professional guide, takes us through the rolling landscape of what was once the castle’s estate. Midway, we’ll pause atop Vager Hill, where you can enjoy your packed lunch and soak in stunning views over the castle lands and beyond, with a panorama stretching toward the Black Mountains and into Wales.
This walk covers a hilly terrain of farmland, old lanes, and scenic footpaths. Tickets are £25 per person, with £10 of each ticket supporting the Snodhill charity’s research and restoration efforts.
The Castle, Snodhill, Dorstone, Herefordshire HR3 6BG, UK
Historic Building Myth Busting
HR7 4LL | Wednesday 14th May | 7pm
Historic Building Mythbusting – Go to any ancient building and there will be interesting, exciting, and romantic stories presented to the visitor.
They are commonly believed and widely repeated – but are they really true? These stories include those of secret passages linking ancient buildings, spiral staircases in castles giving advantage to right-handed defenders, ship timbers used in the construction of buildings on land, blocked doors in churches which are thought to keep the Devil out and claims to be the oldest pub in the city.
James will explain the development of such myths and investigate the underlying truths behind them. Sometimes the realities hiding behind the stories are even more interesting, romantic, and exciting than the myth itself…
Please book via the Conquest Theatre box office 01885 488575 or online.
Guided Walks of Historic Leominster
HR6 8YP | Saturday 10th, Wednesday 14th, Saturday 17th May | 11am
There will be three opportunities this week to join a 90 minute guided walk of Leominster Town Centre
Leominster Heritage Guides invite you to join one of their experienced volunteer guides on a fascinating walk through Leominster’s monastic precinct and mediaeval town centre. Tickets are £5.00. Under 16s go free. Available from the Information Centre in Corn Square, Leominster.
10th May at 11am; 14th May at 2pm; 17th May at 11am
Meet outside the Leominster Information Centre, Corn Square, HR6 8YP
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It is the ‘Hereford way’ to spread the news by word of mouth, so please tell others about the Festival. With your help we will get thousands of people out having a dose of local history, and hopefully with some sunshine too.
