Luxury self-catering cottages in Hereford

Between higgledy-piggledy squares and historic timber-framed buildings, there’s a trove of independent boutiques and homeware stores curated with an expert eye. Admire the renowned Mappa Mundi – one of the world’s oldest medieval maps – in the grandeur of the cathedral, before stopping for a Hereford beef sandwich in a cosy Church Street café. If the great outdoors calls, the River Wye is the city’s artery, with the Forest of Dean just a hop, skip and a jump away. Glide along the river by canoe, go wild swimming, or try rock climbing and abseiling. For a gentler pace, make a pilgrimage to Hay-on-Wye, home to the world-famous literary festival.

Whatever draws you to this pretty patch of the UK, our collection of unique holiday homes lies just a short drive from Hereford. For celebratory gatherings, there’s a house in a quaint riverside village with a history dating back to medieval times. Surrounded by a maze of secret gardens with fruit trees, topiary pyramids and an orangery complete with a William Holland spa bath, this is an idyllic spot to recharge. Further afield, in Dark Sky territory at the foothills of the Black Mountains, a Victorian cider mill has been reimagined as a rural escape. Here, couples can soak in an outdoor Swedish tub beneath a blanket of stars before dining al fresco.