Bromyard is fortunate to be situated amongst not only beautiful countryside but also near to many exciting and interesting 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:

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 followed. Many people come now 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 as it marks the Worcestershire boundary.

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 blackberries 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 its musical heritage, the cricket ground, and a living testament to the Civil War at The Commandery, Worcester has much to delight every visitor.

Taking the B4420 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 beyond. Sunset would be an ideal time to visit, then back down the hill for a pint afterwards! Great 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.

Just off the road to Hereford, is the turning towards Ledbury. 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.

It’s 14 miles to Hereford, but a journey that offers a variety of sights, smells and tastesS! The local brewery at Stoke Lacy offers guided tours and opportunities to try before you buy. Continue on the A465 to the roundabout just beyond Burley Gate, turn right onto the A417 and follow the signs for 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 two 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 half a mile to the A49 junction and turn left. Go up Dinmore Hill and visit the Queenswood Country Park on the summit. Rejoin the A49 and travel southwards for six 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, many of the central shopping streets are 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 Bulmer’s Cider factory. There is a fascinating museum which shows how the local brew has been created. 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 destination, 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 outdoor 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.