Take the train from Manchester to the historic city of Hereford and you pass through some of the most glorious countryside in Great Britain.

Sweeping hills and dense dark forests line the railway embankments, so why not relax in comfort and watch it go by. Connect to our free on-board Wifi and create your own soundtrack to the journey. There’s no denying the charm and beauty of Hereford, which is apparent the moment you leave the station. Half timber buildings and quaint cobbled streets surround the main square, where the juxtaposition between medieval craftsmanship and contemporary coffee shop style is most obvious.

Live departures and arrivals

Rich with culture, Hereford sits right on the Welsh border and was originally considered to be Welsh, with King Richard I declaring it so in the 12th-century. The River Wye takes no notice of borders and neither does the popularity of the cider the region is famed for, or the curly forelocked, red and white Hereford cattle that graze the pastures along the riverbanks.

Hereford offers a great range of big name stores, perfect for shopaholics, while a surprising number of designer labels have outlets here. If you’re after something more unusual, head for the independent boutiques where you’ll find locally produced treasures galore. Lovely chunky knitwear, studio pottery, and handcrafted silver jewellery, or maybe delicious cakes and fudges perfect for the sweet toothed - whatever you’re hunting for, you’ll find it here.  

The cathedral watches over the town square and has done since the 11th-century. It’s home to a world famous treasure that brings visitors from far and wide. The Mappa Mundi is the oldest surviving map of the world as it was known in the 14th-century. Depicting the fearsome monsters and sea creatures that were believed to exist, this ancient manuscript was created by the most knowledgeable religious scholars, and is now on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Another treasure hidden away inside the cathedral is one of the largest remaining chained library. Easily recognised by fans of Podrick in Game of Thrones, the books were chained together for security. 

The adrenaline fuelled HS Activities is ideal for big and little kids alike. Offering laser tag, paintball, shooting, archery and more, learning a new skill has never been more exciting! When you need a break, there’s a pub nearby serving locally brewed beers and ciders. 
Hereford also has a number of award-winning restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal before relaxing on the train ride home to Manchester. 

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