Once Upon A Time In Herefordshire

Hamnet-hype is here

As Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling book is immortalised on the big screen using Herefordshire as its backdrop, we wanted to explore our literary ties a little deeper. After all, with the world-class Ledbury Poetry Festival and Hay-on-Wye (the world’s first Town of Books and host of the renowned annual literary festival) right on our doorstep, our County has long been a dream destination for those who love to read.

Ready for the pages of your next book to whisk you away to quaint villages, ancient orchards, and lush landscapes? Here are a dozen top titles with a Herefordshire connection.

Pop the kettle on, curl up, and be inspired to plan your next real-life adventure here!

1. On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin

The Herefordshire connection: Set on an isolated farm in the borderlands

In three words: Evocative. Moving. Timeless.

For fans of: Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

Read it: Before a hike across the Cat’s Back (the from view which inspired the setting)

2. Meadowland by John Lewis-Stempel

The Herefordshire connection: Set in a Herefordshire field, across the seasons

In three words: Lyrical. Intimate. Addictive.

For fans of: The Old Ways by Robert Macfarane

Read it: During a picnic on the banks of the River Wye

3. Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman (the first in the Merrily Watkins series)

The Herefordshire connection: The story of a Herefordshire exorcist

In three words: Dark. Gripping. Historic.

For fans of: Pine by Francine Toon

Read it: After a visit to one of Herefordshire's many medieval churches

4. New Roots, Ancient Lands by Joseph Emmett

The Herefordshire connection: It weaves a journey right across the County

In three words: Personal. Uplifting. Thought-provoking.

For fans of: The Postal Path by Alan Cleaver

Read it: Whilst hiking The Pilgrims Way

5. Resistance by Owen Sheers

The Herefordshire connection: Set in a remote village in the Olchon Valley

In three words: Intense. Atmospheric. Moving.

For fans of: Dominion by C.J. Sansom

Read it: With a glass of red by a warming pub fire

6. A Home For All Seasons by Gavin Plumley

The Herefordshire connection: The story of a Pembridge Black & White house

In three words: Charming. Tender. Illuminating.

For fans of: A Month in the Country by J L Carr

Read it: Sleeping under the beams in one of Herefordshire many Tudor-era B&Bs

7. The Box Of Delights by John Masefield

The Herefordshire connection: Set in a fictional Ledbury

In three words: Magical. Fantastical. Vivid.

For fans of: Harry Potter by JK Rowling

Read it: Before a stroll around the cobbled streets of Ledbury

8. Herefordshire Folk Tales by David Phelps

The Herefordshire connection: Bringing to life tales of the County’s past

In three words: Enchanting. Haunting. Fascinating.

For fans of: A Treasury of British Folklore by Dee Dee Chainey

Read it: Sat in an ancient orchard, bottle of cider in-hand

9. Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine

The Herefordshire connection: Deeply rooted in the County’s medieval past

In three words: Masterful. Spell-binding. Compelling.

For fans of: Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver

Read it: With over tea and cake at the Hay Castle Cafe

10. Conquering Knight, Captive Lady by Anne O-Brien

The Herefordshire connection: Inspired by the ruins of Clifford Castle

In three words: Tumultuous. Gripping. Dramatic.

For fans of: The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

Read it: On the train home from a historical getaway to Herefordshire

11. The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S Lewis

The Herefordshire connection: Aslan’s table is said to be inspired by Arthur’s Stone, a Neolithic burial chamber in The Golden Valley

In three words: Spell-binding. Epic. Adventurous.

For fans of: The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

Read it: At sunset, with a flask full of tea (or wine), on Merbach Hill

12. Kilvert’s Diary by Francis Kilvert

The Herefordshire connection: These fascinatingly detailed journals depict life in the village live of a country curate from Bredwardine in the Victorian times

In three words: Authentic. Poignant. Romantic.

For fans of: Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village by Ronald Blythe

Read it: Stretched out on a rug on the banks of the River Wye below Bredwardine Bridge

Browse Bountiful Bookshops

Books. In real life. Not much beats them. In the charming market towns of Herefordshire you'll find independent bookshops a plenty, whether you're after the latest titles or hunting for a vintage treasure, they offer the perfect opportunity to while away an hour or two.