Hereford
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Hereford is a Cathedral City of great antiquity and a busy business and market centre lying in the heart of the Wye Valley and at the centre of some of the most superb touring country in Britain. Despite the peace and tranquillity of the present day, much of Herefords history has been turbulent. The City lies at a strategic point along England’s border with Wales and was the site of one of the largest castles in England. Fragments of the Saxon and Medieval City Walls still remain.
Modern Hereford has grown with the fortunes of the surrounding countryside. It is one of England’s most unspoilt rural centres, famous for its white faced cattle, its hops, cider, Wye salmon and its rich red soil. Here the past is always present, with modern shopping blending harmoniously with historic buildings. The usual high street names are well represented alongside a wide range of independent retailers. There is a modern indoor shopping centre at Maylord Orchards and craft workers will be found in Capuchin Yard, just of the narrow Church Street, which also contains a good selection of interesting small shops and with much of the city centre pedestrianised, makes shopping relaxing and enjoying.
High town is the hub of the city and provides a central open space well suited to the various events that are staged here. It is used extensively during the May Fair, Summer Festival and International Organ Celebration, and also for street entertainment at Bank Holidays. On Wednesdays throughout August, top street entertainers perform here as part of “Live in High Town”. Divers performers entertain visitors and shoppers with hilarious acts, drawing large crowds with each performance.
The Hereford Leisure Centre has facilities for most indoor sports and activities, including gymnastics, trampoline, volleyball, tennis, basketball, squash, table tennis, snooker and pool. There is also a sauna and fitness suite, licensed bar with sun terrace. Also available on the Leisure Centre is a 9-hole public golf course, and international specification floodlit athletics track, an all weather multi-sport playing surface and grass pitches to cater for soccer and rugby. All outdoor facilities are open daily with the exception of race days. The Leisure Centre is also a venue for International Entertainment Events, is rarely closed and operates a non exclusive membership system.
Hereford Leisure Pool is one of the most comprehensive aquatic facilities in the country. Facilities include – main swimming pool, diving pool, learner pool, fitness suite, squash, sauna, sun bed, cafeteria, meeting room and child’s ball pool. A wide range of lessons and aqua aerobic sessions are also available.
Places to visit include the Hereford City Museum and Art Gallery, Natural history, archaeology and local history are featured in the Museum. In the Art Gallery there are occasionally displays of works from the permanent collection by local artists. The Old House, built in 1621, a fine specimen of Jacobean domestic architecture. Furnished in 17th century style on three floors, the house includes a kitchen, hall, and bedrooms,
Hereford Theatre and Arts Centre presents a varied and exciting programme of dance, drama and music performances in the 360 seater auditorium The venue also hosts a small gallery section that exhibits the work of local and regional artists, with exhibitions changing monthly. The Waterworks Museum, Herefords restored Victorian Pumping Station, housing the giant Broomy Hill steam pumping engines, including a Lancashire Boiler and unique Triple Expansion Engine.
Hereford Cathedral, The sea of Hereford is one of the oldest in England, Bishop Putta being appointed in 676 AD. The Cathedral is substantially Norman with a 13th Century Lady Chapel. The Crypt houses the unique Mappa Mundi, drawn around 1290, together with an interpretive exhibition. It also contains the Diocesan Treasury and the St Thomas Becket Reliquary. The famous Chained library contains over 1,400 chained books and 227 manuscripts dating from the 8th to the 15th century.
Hereford Market, Hereford’s large retail market is a vibrant part of the city life. Here traders sell a huge range of goods including food and dairy produce, clothing, household goods and plants . The retail market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year in the city’s busy livestock market, one of the largest stock markets in England.
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