A South Herefordshire Food Safari
Explore The Heartlands of Cider Country
The market towns of Ross-on-Wye (perched on a hill above the banks of the River Wye) and Ledbury (filled with cobbled lanes and tiny alleys) serve as excellent basecamps for exploring all the foodie offerings of southern Herefordshire. Of course, there's also the thriving city of Hereford itself!
In between bites, you can browse all nature of independent shops, saunter the historic streets or, if you are feeling more active, launch a canoe.
1. The New Inn
Named Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards Pub of the Year 2024, this cosy local serves top notch nosh. As a former 16th-Century coaching inn, it exudes historical charm and offers a menu full of fabulous local flavours and seasonal ingredients. Expect a warm welcome, whatever the season.
2. Wythall Estate Vineyard Tours & Tastings
Nestled in the Wye Valley AONB, this tranquil English vineyard was planted back in 2010 and produces award-winning still and sparkling wines, thanks in part, to its unique micro-climate. The owners are committed to sustainability, meaning if you take a tasting tour, not only will you learn all about their growing processes but you’ll see meandering streams and hedgerows brimming with life along the way. Plus, it’s all set against the backdrop of a charming 16th-century manor.
3. Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company
This multi-award-winning cidery, established on a 130 year old family farm, is a must-visit for cider buffs. They offer over fifty handcrafted ciders and perries, made from more than 100 apple and 30 pear varieties all grown on-site. Enjoy an orchard tour, learn the ins and outs of cidery's rich history and indulge in extensive guided tastings (you might need a nap afterwards!).
4. The Kilpeck Inn
With accolades* galore to its name, this traditional country pub has it all - roaring open-fires, an exceptional seasonal menu brimming with local produce, luxurious rooms and charm in bucket loads. If you fancy walking off all the delicious food you've eaten, the 12th-century Norman church just down the road is well worth a visit.
*One of the Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Local Restaurants, Michelin Guide recommended and one of the Daily Telegraph’s ‘10 Perfect Country Pubs with Rooms'
5. The Ciderologist
If you like cider, you need to meet Gabe Cook - the UKs one and only official Ciderologist. With over 20 years under his belt as a cider maker, judge and advocate, he now runs bespoke tours for groups of all sizes. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to world-famous cideries and take a deep dive into the science, culture and heritage of cider through immersive drinking. If you’re lucky, there are often unreleased tastings on offer too. Wassail!
FARM SHOPS, DELIS & CAFES
The Nest at Little Verzons Farm, Ledbury
Best known for: Award-winning Scotch Eggs
Sensory & Rye, Hereford
Best known for: Epic brunches (including loaded waffles...)
PUBS & RESTAURANTS
Hope and Anchor, Ross-on-Wye
Best known for: Stunning riverside location
Ye Old Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye
Best known for: Stunning riverside location
Cottage of Content, the Wye Valley
Best known for: Its particularly tasty traditional Sunday roast
The Beefy Boys, Hereford
Best known for: Being World Burger Championship Finalists and winners of the National Burger Awards!
ART Restaurants - Leaven Pizza, The Bookshop, Burger Shop, Hereford
Best known for: Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
EXPERIENCES
The Evolution Winery, Ledbury
Best known for: Vines that are steeped in 750 years worth of history (well worth a tour!)
Museum of Cider, Hereford
Best known for: Being the world’s only museum dedicated to the County’s most famous tipple
CIDER, WINE & BEYOND
Ross Wines, Ross-on-Wye
Best known for: It's 17th-century cellar location
Westons Cider Mill, Much Marcle, Ledbury
Best known for: Producing traditional Herefordshire cider since 1880!
Coddington Vineyard, Ledbury
Best known for: Award-winning 'clean, crisp and dry' Bacchus White Wine
Hay Wines, Ledbury
Best known for: A truly unique selection from small, independent producers
Secret Bottle Shop, Hereford
Best known for: Not being known, shhh!
More Foodie Safaris
A North Herefordshire Food Safari
Surrounded by picturesque countryside and quaint black and white villages lie the charmingly down-to-earth and historic market towns of Leominster
A Golden Valley Food Safari
With its swathes of rolling green hills, smatterings of castle ruins, idyllic villages and sheep as far as the eye
Follow one of our curated routes or build your perfect itinerary by picking and mixing from our favourite Safari stops - we hope you're hungry!
