Plan the Perfect Three Choirs Festival Getaway
Four themed trip ideas
Eight days of glorious music awaits as the Three Choirs Festival returns to Hereford from 26 July to 2 August, based at the Cathedral and nearby venues.
It's a gorgeous time of year to visit so combine your musical itinerary with some of the county's greatest hits, from inspiring landscapes and superlative eats to ancient heritage and fabulous gardens.
Tickets are on sale from 14 April 2025. Find your perfect place to stay in Hereford and surrounding villages at www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/stay.
Three Choirs Festival Concert Highlights
Base yourself in the historic, riverside city of Hereford. There's some superb options very close to the Cathedral, including Castle House and the Green Dragon Hotel.
We recommend making time for some of the fantastic daytime recitals taking place throughout the week, with performances from the Carducci Quartet and Emma Johnson, vocal ensemble and early-music masters Stile Antico, the Notre-Dame organist Olivier Latry, and the acclaimed King’s Singers.
Evening concerts in Hereford Cathedral start at 7.30pm each night and feature large-scale choirs and world-class orchestras (Three Choirs Festival Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales). This year’s concerts include much-loved choral favourites – Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Herbert Howells’ Hymnus Paradisi and Gabriel Fauré’s Reqiuem – and exciting world premieres of new works by Richard Blackford and Bob Chilcott.
If you’re ready for more music, unwind and close your evening with a late-night concert. Take your pick from concerts including Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Beethoven’s String Quartet No 14, and the ever-popular Lay Clerks in Concert.
Notes & Strolls
Pair breathtaking choral performances with invigorating walks. With two National Landscapes, Herefordshire has beautiful landscapes by the bucketload.
Tackle one of Herefordshire’s ‘easy peaks’ such as Garway Hill , Hergest Ridge or the Cat’s Back to soak up 360-views and maybe even meet wild ponies.
There's also a collection of 5-miles circular routes, each featuring a special feature as well as a great pub. These Roast and Rambles routes offer a short cut to getting to know the county and relaxing in the great outdoors before the next music event.
Melodies in Bloom
Our rich soil is glorious for growing, as amply demonstrated by TV's Monty Don, and it means there is plenty to delight the green-fingered. Drive north of the city to find Kenchester Water Gardens for a stroll around the landscaped pools and continue on to Stockton Bury Gardens near Leominster. This family run garden is praised for its unusual plants and inspiring design, as well as its Tithe Barn cafe. Garden writer and gardener Tamsin Westhorpe is based here. Meanwhile, Hergest Croft Garden near Kington extends to 70 acres with a magnificent collection of specimen trees, unusual shrubs and giant rhododendrons, as well as another excellent cake stop.
To the west of the city, garden lovers can enjoy the floral delights of the remarkable Laskett Gardens, established by Sir Roy Strong, or Brobury House Gardens which takes inspiration from its riverside setting. Return in the afternoon or evening for a recital in the grandeur of the cathedral.
A Taste of Harmony
Fabulous produce is right here on the doorstep, so be sure to feast! Herefordshire's premium beef and craft ciders are legendary whilst our contemporary food scene serves up even more gourmet adventures.
Between concerts, sample superlative afternoon tea at Castle House, which sources most of its produce from the kitchen garden or family farm, or explore the menu at the Green Dragon Hotel. There's also award-winning eateries in the city, such as The Beefy Boys and The Bookshop, both of which are within striking distance of the Festival's venues.
For a real taste of the county, be sure to taste our favourite thirst-quencher. From national names such as Westons Cider to artisan independent makers, there's a chance to meet the makers and enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Our terroir is also ideal for wine growing so spend an afternoon amongst the vines at Coddington, Frome Valley or Wythall Estate vineyards.
Alternatively, savour seasonal menus at one of our many Gastro Pubs which make for a lovely stop in the countryside for lunch, before heading back into the city for music and dinner.
Lyrical Landscapes & Legends
The local landscapes have inspired many artists and musicians, from Elgar to Turner, whilst also being rich in heritage and folklore.
Uncover our rich past with a roadtrip which traces Alfred Watkins Ley Lines - a Neolithic Sat Nav. Totalling 106 miles for the full route, Hereford's location at the heart of the county makes it easy to drive a shorter section. Take in wild, ancient landscapes; evocative castle ruins; and tiny country churches before returning to the city.
Or get to know the ‘dark’ side of Herefordshire with the self guided Hideous Histories guide. Beyond the pretty black and white houses and lush green fields, you’ll find ruined castles, spooky caves and centuries of bloody deeds, ghastly ghosts and fearsome folklore to learn about before returning for some incredible music.
