Overview
Introduction
Hereford, England, is located on the River Wye, 45 mi/70 km southwest of Birmingham. The city's main attraction is its 11th-century cathedral, which houses the Mappa Mundi, a world map drawn in the 13th century, and a fine example of a chained library. Hereford also has several interesting museums, including one about cider.
Short drives take you to Kilpeck (note the church with fascinating pagan carvings on its exterior), Goodrich (impressive ruins of a red sandstone castle), Hay-on-Wye (the antiquarian-book capital of England and the location of the famous literary festival) and Brockhampton (beautiful, rare thatch-roofed church). Hereford also makes a good base for exploring the picturesque Wye Valley, where the river snakes between steep wooded slopes.