Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a largely rural county in the West Midlands.
The county is famous for its fruit, for cider and for Herefordshire cattle.
The gentle landscape is bounded by the Black Mountains in the West and by the Malvern Hills in the East. The lovely River Wye flows through the county, which also features the famous Black and White Villages and the little known Golden Valley.
Hereford itself is has been a cathedral city since the 7th century. The present building dates back to Norman times, and contains a chained library and the celebrated Mappa Mundi. It is one of the cathedrals, along with Worcester and Gloucester, which feature in the Three Choirs Festival.
Leominster is a picturesque market town with some outstanding timber framed houses and the splendid Priory.
Ross-on-Wye stands on the River Wye and, with its graceful church spire, is one of the best loved towns in Middle England.
Ledbury is another picturesque old town. Its parish church has a detached bell tower.
Other interesting places in the county include Bromyard, Goodrich and Weobley.
Near Ross-on-Wye is the celebrated viewpoint of Symonds Yat.