Winter Delights: Indie Gems and Glorious Grub in Hereford
Fill your 'Bag of Delights' with prezzies for crafty folk and country lovers
This winter, we're taking inspiration from the Herefordshire poet John Masefield and his captivating Box of Delights. We’re inviting you to feel the magic of Christmas once more by delving into the county’s wealth of winter delights - enjoy stress-free shopping, unique experiences, relaxed rambles plus fantastic places to eat and stay.
And leave with your very own Christmas 'bag of delights', filled with well-considered presents for family and friends.
Hereford may be a little city, but it certainly has a big personality. With lovely boutiques lining the higgledy-piggledy Church Street, and a further sprinkle of gems beyond, the city brims with independent shops. Hunt down all sorts of treasures, from the unique and artsy to the robust and practical. And, when you're done shopping for the day, there's no end of glorious restaurants to try all around.
Beautiful Bijoux and Handmade Finds
Start your treasure hunt at the Craft Gallery, up on the first floor of the Old Mayor’s Parlour. View a lovely array of original artwork in a beautiful timber-framed setting, and make sure to peek at the intricately moulded ceilings while you’re there. On the same street, contemporary jewellers McKellars and C.V. Osborne both offer divine selections of ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces – perfect if you’re looking for a really special present.
Over on East Street, Mike Gell Gallery spoils you with gorgeous jewellery pieces made by Mike and his team, as well as curated works of over 50 British jewellery designer-makers. Just outside the city centre, on Edgar Street, The Courtyard’s shop shows off more of the county’s talented craftspeople. Browse everything from locally made children’s presents to candles, ceramics and textiles.
Dapper Threads and Country Clobber
Boutiques abound in Hereford. Cherry Savidge, Robes and View all offer deliciously eclectic womenswear ranges. Browse these shops to cover all your bases from perfectly chic and classic wardrobe staples to bold and colourful statement pieces. Complement your look with accessories and shoes from Hat Trick & Foot Note. There’s a solid choice for men across the city as well, with Calandras, Pritchards and Symonds each serving up a solid range of looks for all sartorial tastes. The natty gentleman is just as well catered for as the laidback chap.
Country, horsey and farming types are well served by Philip Morris & Son’s clothing store, where sturdy boots, waxed jackets and suede-trimmed gilets occupy nearly every shelf and rail. For the outdoorsy types needing technical attire and gear, try Trekkit for high-performance walking kit and adventure-proof accessories.
Gorgeous Little Things and Thoughtful Flourishes
Pop into Lunaria, Printer + Tailor, or indeed both, to pick up some wonderful home accessories. Each shop is home to a delightful range of quirky ceramics and glassware, handy storage, statement cushions, and all sorts more. Meanwhile, Dot. Homeware makes the perfect stop for fans of bright colours and bold prints, and head for nearby Löv Leaf for the best selection of houseplants. Nip into Faiths Ethical Living for sustainable smellies and make-up from Neal's Yard and the like.
In Philip Morris & Son’s department store (opposite the clothing shop), lose yourself among almost anything you could need for home and garden, including their gifting-ready home brewing and distillation kits and trappings. Got a creative person to buy for? Hereford Music Shop is especially good for musicians, with instruments and every gadget, gizmo and pedal under the sun. Track down useful sewing and craft-making items from Make It Happen.
Boozy Delights and Naughty Nibbles
Whether you’re buying a special bottle for an oenophile, or simply stocking up on variety cases for the festive season, visiting Tanners Wine Merchants is a must. Their range is huge, with wines from all over the world and prices starting under £10. Perfect for any taste and budget. Secret Bottle Shop also houses a superb wine range, as well as oodles of spirits, whiskies, ciders and perries.
For edible goodies and supplies, try The Hereford Deli, which does truly terrific Christmas hampers. Pick up a pre-curated basket of local produce, or have them make one to your specifications. And The Mousetrap Cheese Shop doesn’t just have a marvellous cheese counter for you to gaze hungrily into… they make spectacular ‘cheese cakes’ (read: a multi-tiered tower of cheese wheels) and ready-chosen cheeseboards that make hosting that bit easier.
Lunchtime
- Tuck into all sorts of Asian dishes at Bao to the Broth, on Saint Owen Street.
- Sample succulent Herefordshire beef at the new EN STEAK, in The Old Market.
Dinner & stay overnight
- Check into the Green Dragon Hotel, a true Hereford institution, for stylish digs and a famously good breakfast to look forward to. Sit down for supper at their on-site restaurant, or just relax with a cocktail or two in the luxe Offa Bar.
- The family-run, Grade II listed Castle House offers decadent rooms in a quiet spot, a short walk from the cathedral. Taste quality, seasonal produce from the owner family’s farm while you’re there.
- Try Beefy Boys, a seriously big local name, for an enormous menu of award-winning burgers, BBQ favourites, and other fast(ish) food staples.
- Alongside an unbeatable steak menu, The Bookshop offers a super selection of seasonal fish dishes, creative vegan and vegetarian fare, and some great gluten-free choices.
Delightful experiences
- Ever fancied having a go at leatherwork? Book a workshop at Williams Handmade Leather, a short drive away, and make your own accessories – from teeny card holders to gorgeous leather rucksacks.
- Try one of Löv Leaf’s workshops and learn to make macrame plant hangers, Christmas decorations, compostable wreaths, or your own terrarium.
- Learn all about the history of a truly rural drink at Hereford’s Museum of Cider, based in the old Bulmers factory.
- Visit the beautiful and perfectly preserved Black & White House Museum for a taste of 17th century life in Hereford.
- For a wintry walk straight from the city centre, follow this 5.5-mile circular route along the Wye, and through pretty orchards, to Breinton Springs and back.
2024 Diary Dates
- Night Market at The Yard, 16 Nov, 3 - 8pm – eat, drink, shop and dance in a pretty, riverside setting. Browse illustrations, ironwork and more, all to the sweet tunes of a live DJ set. Free entry. Hosted by The Yard.
- Christmas lights switch-on, 17 Nov – join in an afternoon of live music and festive shenanigans, including a set from 90s girl group Eternal and some great local acts, plus appearances from the Grinch, Olaf and Elf on the Shelf for kids. Free entry.
- The Courtyard’s Festive Artisan Market, 23 Nov, 11am - 4pm – Fuel up on mince pies and mulled wine before browsing the gorgeous creations of local artisans, from artwork and crafted pieces to unique clothing items. Free entry. Hosted by The Courtyard.
