Bus Packing: Tale of Two Towns & a Tiny City

Arrive by train in Leominster and walk to the Tourist Information Centre on pretty Corn Square. Find out more about this historic town and leave your bags while you go for a stroll.

There's plenty of places nearby to call for a coffee and a spot of lunch, including Drapers Lane Delicatessen  and The Merchants House.

Around the corner you'll find Grange Court, a superb example of the region's half-timbered architecture as well as Leominster Priory. Next, roam around the medieval streets which are lined with antiques and vintage dealers of all shapes and sizes, as well as excellent independent shops. 

At 16.50 catch the 495 to The Corners Inn in Kingsland, one of the area's famed black and white villages. Walk around the village or chill out in one of the stylish bedrooms before enjoying dinner. The Corners Inn and the nearby The Angel are both local favourite eateries.

Relax over a full English before jumping on the 496 at 9.47am. Ten minutes later you'll be back in Leominster, ready to catch the 10am 492 service to Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum.

This is the perfect place for a stroll, wander freestyle or follow one of the trails. Autumn is spectacular here as the trees explode into colour whilst the Lyrics, Leaves & Lives audio trail opens up new perspectives on this beautiful woodland. If you're lucky, you may spot deer quietly grazing amongst the trees.

Warm up with a hot chocolate at the cosy cafe or for a longer walk, ask at the visitor centre for the route to Bodenham Lake which is home to otters and many different birds. 

The 492 service from Queenswood to Hereford runs every two hours so take the 12.11 or 14.11 which will arrive in the county's tiny city 10 minutes later. Alight at the Old Market to explore the modern heart of Hereford, walking up Widemarsh Street onto High Town.

Fans of independent shops will want a mooch along Church Street, which takes you to Hereford Cathedral and the iconic Mappa Mundi. Other cultural options include the Black and White House Museum and the Museum of Cider. 

Stay the night at the stylishly relaxed Green Dragon Hotel, enjoying a cocktail before dinner at The Hereford or The Bookshop. 

In the morning, make time for a walk through the nearby Cathedral grounds, across Castle Green and over Victoria Bridge before returning to the city centre via the Old Bridge. 

Catch the 9.40am or 10.40am service from the train station to Ross-on-Wye (Stagecoach 33) for an hour's journey offering superb views of Garway Hill as well as the Skirrid and Sugar Loaf which lie over the border in Wales. Roll along past woods, cider orchards and parkland, travelling into the Wye Valley.

Stay on until you reach Ross, or hop off at Wilton to enjoy a short walk along the River Wye to the buzzy market town. Take in the historic Market House which is now home to contemporary designer-makers; pop into galleries such as Gallery 54, browse interiors boutiques, including Heavenly Homes & Gardens, and seek out sustainable fashion favourite Walker & Walker. Fans of vintage can follow the dedicated Vintage Trail to unearth every single shop. 

For a more adventurous afternoon, book a canoeing or paddleboarding trip along the River Wye. Launch from the riverside in Ross and paddle downstream to Kerne Bridge, savouring the tranquil surroundings.

In the evening, sip cocktails at Leonards and dine at No.3 Restaurant before enjoying a comfortable stay at The King's Head Hotel.

On Sunday, return home, picking up the National Express bus service from Ross or travelling to Hereford to catch the train.