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Bromyard is fortunate to be situated amongst not only beautiful
countryside but also near to many exciting and historic attractions.
In about half an hour, you could be shopping in historic cathedral
cities or pretty Victorian towns, wandering through ruined castles
or mansions, or just simply getting away from it all. Try one of
these routes for a day out from Bromyard:
LOWER ELGAR’S
THE DOWNS BROCKHAMPTON BIRTHPLACE WORCESTER
A44 WARREN FARM MUSEUM PORCELAIN FACTORY
BROMYARD GARDENS BRINGSTY COMMON CATHEDRAL
AT THE THE COMMANDERY
BANNUT
One mile east of the town are the Bromyard Downs, 280 acres of common
land and open to all visitors and commoners alike. This area has
had a long established use for recreational activities. A racecourse
was laid out in the early 1800s following the Napoleon war, traces
of which can still be observed. Many people come to picnic, walk
their dogs, and admire distant views of the Black Mountains on the
Welsh border, the Long Mynd and Clee Hills in Shropshire, and follow
the range of the Malvern Hills on the Worcestershire Herefordshire
border.
Nearby, a short walk away, is Warren Farm, a working farm with tours,
an excellent café and occasional exhibitions. Nestling in
unspoilt countryside is the moated Lower Brockhampton house owned
by the National Trust. There are different well-signposted walks
and tasty refreshments. The lovely Gardens at the Bannut have regular
open days which are advertised in the local press. Further towards
Worcester, the A44 road crosses Bringsty Common. Like the Downs,
it is open to visitors and offers peaceful walks amongst bluebells,
bracken or blackberry bushes depending on the time of year!
The Elgar Birthplace Museum tells the story of the composer’s
life and what inspired his music. The museum is an ideal introduction
to Worcester. With a growing and diverse range of shops, the famous
Worcester Porcelain Museum, a glorious cathedral and musical heritage,
the cricket ground, and a living testament to the Civil War at The
Commandery, Worcester has much to delight every visitor.
BROMYARD MALVERN
A44 B4420 OUT TO GRASS THE HILLS
THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND
THE THEATRES
SPLASH SWIMMING POOL
Taking the B4220 turning to Malvern, a pleasant drive takes you
past Out to Grass, an exciting outdoor pursuit centre that offers,
amongst a wide range, fantastic grass-boarding facilities. Looming
ahead in a purple haze are the Malvern Hills. They offer superb
views across the Severn plain to the east, and to the west a glorious
scene of mature trees, cultivated land, hills and vales stretching
to the Black Mountains on the Welsh border beyond. Sunset would
be an ideal time to visit, then back down the hill for a pint afterwards!
Malvern sits on the east side of the hill, and offers a splendid
example of early Victorian confidence in the ‘water cure’.
There are many springs from which you can happily ‘take the
water’. With a rich heritage of  music
and drama, and a fine showground, there are many reasons to visit
this area.
EASTNOR CASTLE &
A465 B4214 LEDBURY POTTERY (A438)
BROMYARD FROME VALLEY WINE HOP POCKET HELLENS HOUSE (A449)
WESTON’S CIDER (A449)
Just off the A465 road to Hereford is the turning towards Ledbury
(B4214). No visit is complete without stopping at the local Frome
Valley vineyard where there are fabulous wines at great value too.
The Hop Pocket at Bishops Frome is packed full with local gifts,
food and drink, art, antiques and garden plants. Ledbury, the poet
John Masefield’s home, is a town well worth looking at. With
a range of specialist shops, the delightful market hall and picturesque
Church Lane, Ledbury makes a good stopping point on a journey to
the attractive Eastnor Castle, or further on towards Much Marcle,
home of Weston’s Cider. In this small, family run factory,
tours are run daily and include a variety of tastings. Nearby, there
is the fascinating Hellens House, a building steeped in stories
from the Tudor period to the present day.
BROMYARD WYE VALLEY SHORTWOOD HAMPTON QUEENS HEREFORD
A465 BREWERY FARM COURT WOOD CATHEDRAL & MAPPA MUNDI
BULMERS & CIDER MUSEUM
WATERWORKS MUSEUM
It’s a 14 mile journey to Hereford, but one that offers a
variety of sights, smells and tastes! The Brewery at Stoke Lacy
offers guided tours and opportunities to sample before you buy.
Continue on the A465 to the roundabout just beyond Burley Gate,
turn right onto the A417 and follow the green signs to Shortwood
Farm – a lovely place for children and adults alike. There
are all sorts of animals to handle from guinea pigs to milking a
cow. Then return onto the A417, turn right skirting Bodenham village
and England’s Gate Inn and continue for another 2 miles. On
the left is the imposing Hampton Court, not a palace, but it does
possess a variety of beautiful gardens with a tower and maze to
intrigue the children.
Leaving Hampton Court turn left at the entrance onto the A417, proceed
1/2 a mile to the A49 junction, turn left up Dinmore Hill and visit
Queen’s Wood Country Park on the summit. Rejoin the A49 and
travel southwards for 6 miles to Hereford which straddles the river
Wye. From the medieval stone bridge there is a classic view of the
Cathedral, Bishop’s house and gardens. The famous Chained
Library and Mappa Mundi are housed nearby, and have much to offer.
Next to the bridge, the Left Bank serves a good view of the river
while relaxing with a cup of coffee. There are many pubs, cafes
and restaurants which offer anything from a sandwich to a five-course
meal. Hereford has some interesting  individual
shops, national chains and its own market with the Old House Museum
in the central pedestrian area. Dating from Tudor times and in its
original position, it gives a glimpse of what life was like 500
years ago.
There are year round reasons to visit the city. Around May Day,
the city centre is filled with the coloured lights and sounds of
the fair ground. The May Fair is a highlight for many young people.
Every third year, the city hosts the Three Choirs Festival, and
venues around the county are full of eager enthusiasts. In Autumn
the scent of pressed apples wafts through the streets of Hereford
from the Bulmers Cider factory. There is a fascinating museum that
shows how technology has changed how the local brew is made. Christmas
brings a festive spirit with twinkling lights and carols in the
streets.
Going west along the A44 opens up more of the Herefordshire countryside,
in what is one of the least populated areas of the country. Soon
Leominster is reached and deserves a wander through little alleys
and wide Georgian streets. The Priory stands well amongst grass
and fine houses; its growth through history reflected in its different
architectural additions. Continuing west will bring you to the charming
‘Black and White’ trail through some of Herefordshire’s
best kept secrets: picture-box black and white timbered cottages
in beautiful villages.
The A49 north of Leominster passes the grand Berrington Hall owned
by the National Trust, and well worth a visit in its stunning park
landscape. Ludlow is another historic town, and in half an hour
you could be savouring food and drink in several Michelin awarded
restaurants. The streets boast intricately carved timber houses
and hotels, an excellent array of shops, grand houses, and hidden
from view, a large Parish Church. The Castle, now famous for hosting
Shakespeare plays, stands proudly above the River Teme.
There are so many places that can be reached from Bromyard. Many
visitors return year after year to explore this part of the country.
The Tourist Information Office at the Bromyard Centre can supply
you with further information about these and more places nearby
and beyond.
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