Herefordshire

Unitary authority in England

Coordinates:	52.11, -2.73
OS grid ref:	SO 49 45

Herefordshire is a largely rural unitary authority on the England–Wales border within the West Midlands region, known for its rolling river valleys and patchwork of orchards and pastures. The landscape is shaped by the sinuous River Wye and pockets of limestone and sandstone hills, with stretches of the Wye Valley and quiet lanes that make it popular for walking and canoeing. Population density is low compared with much of England, giving a strong sense of countryside and small‑town life.

The cultural heart is the cathedral city of Hereford, home to the medieval Hereford Cathedral and the famed Mappa Mundi, while villages display the characteristic black‑and‑white timber framing and market‑town squares. A long tradition of cider and perry production from local apple and pear orchards remains central to local identity, alongside food festivals, agricultural shows and a lively arts scene. Historic routes and border lore give the area a layered, quietly storied feel rather than grand urban monuments.

Economically the area leans heavily on agriculture, food and drink production, small‑scale manufacturing and tourism, with many independent producers, cider makers and farmers’ markets. Rural services, community enterprises and heritage tourism help sustain villages, while younger people often move to bigger cities for work, creating demographic challenges that local councils and groups try to address. For visitors and residents alike, its mix of productive farmland, seasonal festivals and easy access to rivers and trails defines its appeal.

Herefordshire postcode districts

HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR5, HR6, HR7, HR8, HR9, WR13

Most populated places in Herefordshire

Places in Herefordshire

Belmont Rural Parish
Brimfield Built-up area
Bromyard Built-up area
Bromyard and Winslow Parish
Credenhill Built-up area
Dorstone Built-up area
Eardisley Built-up area
Ewyas Harold Parish
Ewyas Harold and Pontrilas Built-up area
Fownhope Built-up area
Hereford Built-up area
Holme Lacy Built-up area
Kingsland Built-up area
Kington Built-up area
Kington Rural Parish
Ledbury Built-up area
Leintwardine Built-up area
Leominster Built-up area
Longtown Parish
Lugwardine Built-up area
Luston Built-up area
Lyonshall Built-up area
Madley Built-up area
Moreton on Lugg Built-up area
Orleton Built-up area
Pembridge Built-up area
Peterchurch Parish
Ross-on-Wye Built-up area
Shobdon Built-up area
Weobley Built-up area
Weston under Penyard Built-up area
Wigmore Built-up area