Rural Shopping Gems

Wellington Home & Gardens, English Salvage and Queenswood Park

Just off the A49, below Dinmore Hill, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise in Wellington Home & Gardens and its sister company, English Salvage. Their selection of plants is vast enough to keep even the greenest fingered entertained. Shrubs, succulents, saplings and seeds – it’s all here, alongside an equally grand offering of homewares, foodie treats, children’s gifts and festive decorations.

Dotted all around, find bewitchingly good pieces from sister company, English Salvage, one of the country’s finest reclamation yards. Ornate ironwork, oriental architectural pieces, classical sculptures, retro furnishings and vintage homely touches – you could while away hours viewing this glorious hoard of reclaimed treasure. We bet you won’t walk away empty-handed. 

Pause for a spot of lunch in the colourfully decked-out cafe, before winding up the road to Queenswood Park & Arboretum. All your purchases here go to support the Hereford Wildlife Trust. Choose from handmade soaps, posh socks, travel mugs and a host of other sustainable stocking fillers. Complete your day with a peaceful walk through the woods, followed by a cosy hot chocolate in the on-site cafe.

The Hop Pocket Shopping Village and Bringsty Vintage

Between Bromyard and Hereford, the quaintly named Hop Pocket beckons. There’s a fine food hall packed with magnificent local produce. Pick up a bottle of wine made with grapes from nearby Frome Valley Vineyard, or some of Penrhos’s cloudy rhubarb gin. Other goodies include gourmet Scotch eggs and decadent pastries, made on-site, as well as quality cheeses, fish, meat, and more.

To satisfy your shopping appetite, stop for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake  before taking a wander around the entire shopping village. Pick up homely touches and useful ceramics, cuddly toys and jolly accessories. There’s a lovely plant centre onsite as well, where you can browse all sorts of plants – many of which are grown nearby.

Head towards Bromyard to find Bringsty Vintage. An Aladdin’s cave of old furniture, homewares and garden additions, this is yet another spot where time slips away. Uncover timeless craftmanship and retro charm, taking in everything from vast hardwood dressers to exquisitely tarnished garden sculptures. You could just as easily walk away with a pair of terracotta dragons or a set of mid-century leather armchairs. Heaven!

The Shop @ Coo Corner, Camperdown Lane and Warehouse 701

The delightful Shop @ Coo Corner in Fownhope is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a hefty selection of sustainable wares. Stock up on vegan skincare, eco-friendly refills, and all sorts of useful touches, like reusable makeup wipes. They source much of their handmade stock from Herefordshire makers, so you know you’re supporting local businesses while you buy, whether that’s teeny tiny baby shoes or luxury bath bombs. There’s also a pre-loved boutique onsite, ideal for slow-fashion stalwarts.

At Camperdown Lane in Hampton Bishop nearby, refuel with proper coffee and a yummy toastie (or cake) before embarking on your second browsing stint of the day. Run by three sisters, all with a love of interior design, Camperdown Lane has an abundant collection of homewares and accessories to tempt you. Run your fingers through sumptuously soft sheepskins. Ponder over the perfect Christmas decorations. Sneak an extra loungewear set into your basket… and, perhaps, a pair of dainty earrings for good measure. There’s tempting choices for every taste and budget, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.

A short drive will bring you to Warehouse 701, on the very edge of Hereford city. Formerly a munitions factory in World War I, today it's a happy melange of stylish salvage, gardenalia and new homewares. It's an easy place to while awaythe afternonn and find something completely unique. It's also home to the brand new Jules Store, brought to you by local dweller and Escape to the Country favourite, Jules Hudson. Stop by to view his handmade furniture, as well as repurposed reclaim and original pieces which have had new life breathed into them. Take a break in the airy cafe, which also displays various goodies for sale, from candles to artwork.

Timothy & Birch and Oakchurch

Not far outside Hereford, Oakchurch Farm Shop holds the informal status as the ‘Harrods of Herefordshire’. And it’s easy to see why. Enormous, and packed with, a smashing butchery, a deli as well as crate upon crate of fresh fruit and veg, Oakchurch has almost any food you could need. If you’re hosting over the festive period and dread spending hours in the kitchen, swing by their freezer aisles for delicious, homemade ready meals and puddings. There’s also a restaurant on site if all the food shopping is making you rather too peckish. Continue with a tour around their gorgeous selection of homeware and gifts, including a trip to the garden centre which is home to over 10,000 plants and an array of accessories for pooches of all persuasions. 

Over in nearby Bridge Sollars, the recently opened Timothy & Birch packs a punch with a beautifully curated inventory of homewares, and a café that sells stellar coffee and a deliciously eclectic menu. Furniture and other homely bits and bobs, in earthy and seasonal hues, take centre stage in the shop. At this time of year, you can pick up tasteful Christmassy flourishes, alongside the usual year-round classics. They also sell their own branded tea-towel range, featuring delightful, vibrant designs that’ll brighten any kitchen. 

Old Chapel Gallery, Bloom & Grind and Townsend Farm Shop

Out in northwestern Herefordshire, you’ll find picture perfection in Pembridge. Almost entirely confined to a single, gently winding road, this little village is home to an enchanting throng of some of the region’s prettiest black-and-white cottages. The village’s Old Chapel Gallery holds contemporary art of every medium, for casual browsers and prolific collectors alike. Mesmerising, liquid-like glasswork and imposing sculpture sit alongside audacious textiles and dainty jewellery.

The florist-meets-café, Bloom & Grind, makes a reliable pit stop for coffee and cake. Think ahead, and you can order a bespoke Christmas wreath to pick up when you get there. They’re currently carrying some lovely gifting essentials, so now’s your chance to stock up on wrapping paper and rustic ribbons, too. 

For something a bit heartier, Teddy’s Café at Townsend Farm Shop does a royally good cooked breakfast and lunch, with veggie options available. Try their Herefordshire hot rock steak for an all-out, decadent lunchtime treat.

Edible gifts and tasty treats for your festive table

As you might expect from a county known for its superlative produce, our farm shops are something special. And then there's the hardly insignificant matter of our independent delis, wine shops and local artisan producers. It's incredibly easy to fill your basket with edible gifts and pick up treats for your own festive table.

Read the round up of our favourite foodie places to shop here