Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral is home to a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years and welcomes thousands of tourists and pilgrims annually.

The present building includes examples of architecture, stained glass and art from all periods which can be further explored by taking part in one of the cathedral tours, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens of the cathedral during the summer months.

Hereford Cathedral is also home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library which draws visitors and scholars from across the world. The Hereford Mappa Mundi is the largest medieval world map to survive and records how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago. Sitting alongside the Mappa Mundi is the fascinating Chained Library which holds over 1,500 rare books, including 229 medieval manuscripts. Alongside the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, the Library and Archive team curate special exhibitions throughout the year highlighting the historic treasures of the cathedral.

There are a range of concerts and musical events scheduled to take place in 2025 including the internationally renowned Three Choirs Festival which will take place in Hereford this year. Throughout the summer months a series of Lunchtime Organ Recitals take place on Tuesdays with organists travelling from across the world to play on the Father Willis Organ. For those wishing to find some peace and tranquillity after a busy day, Evensong is a wonderful opportunity to hear Hereford Cathedral Choir and experience worship within the cathedral.

Hereford Cathedral also serves a selection of homemade light and hearty lunches focussing on using local produce and suppliers in the Cathedral Café which is located in the 15th-century Bishop’s Cloister. The adjacent Chapter House Garden is often filled with visitors enjoying refreshments in the sunshine and is the perfect spot to stop for a cup of tea and slice of cake!

For more information on services, special events, exhibition prices and opening times please visit: www.herefordcathedral.org or call 01432 374202.

Hereford Cathedral endeavours to be as accessible as possible, to find out more please visit: www.herefordcathedral.org/accessibility

Twitter/X: @HFDCathedral

Facebook: @herefordcathedral

Getting to us

By road: The principal roads to Hereford are the A49 from Ludlow and Shrewsbury to the north and Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye to the south, the A465 from South Wales and the A4103 from Worcester to the east. The nearest motorway connection is Junction 4 on the M50 (14 miles), which connects to the M5.

By rail: Hereford is well connected by rail to Birmingham (journey time approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), Cardiff (1 hr), London Paddington (3 hrs) and Oxford (2 hrs 30 mins). For information about train times and prices please contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website.

By bus: Please visit the Herefordshire Council website or Stagecoach website for connecting bus services.