Bromyard Downs

The Bromyard Downs covers 114 hectares of common land and has long been known locally as the Jewel of Herefordshire and with good reason. This vast expanse of land, which formed part of the ancient Manor of Bromyard, offers gentle climbs, ancient woods, impressive views and an abundance of nature. It’s easy to access all year round and is directly connected to both Bringsty Common and the Brockhampton Estate. And yet it still feels undiscovered. On any given day, watching the sunset from this spot can feel like a private show of nature’s best.

The Downs has long been associated with agriculture as well as leisure. You can still see the signs of the old drovers paths - the routes that drovers used throughout Britain to take their livestock to market. On the Downs, you’ll find the cobbled cart pond and ‘halfpenny field’ where drovers would have been charged half a penny per animal to let them graze or stay overnight.

There are even traces of the racecourse that was once here, along with a bowling green, rifle butts and two underground bunkers that were built in the adjoining Warren Wood in case of invasion during the Second World War.

As for refreshments, there are picnic benches along the minor road which cuts through the common land and next to the main car park is the Royal Oak pub with plenty of outdoor seating.