Visit Herefordshire has launched a series of new food safaris and is inviting curious food lovers to take their taste buds off the beaten track this autumn. These hyperlocal trails offer a deep dive into the county's rich and varied culinary scene.

From authentic farm-to-table experiences and stunning vineyards to award-winning cheeses and farm shops – not to mention the plethora of gastro pubs and restaurants with local craft cider on tap – the new food safaris celebrate the region's producers, who are quietly redefining Herefordshire's foodie landscape. 

There are three distinct trails, focusing on the north, south and Golden Valley regions of the county. In addition, Visit Herefordshire has also worked with wild food chef Tait Miller to create a curated three-day 'Exceptional Eats' itinerary. This itinerary encourages visitors to combine elements from across all regions, whether staying at cosy pubs or cooking local produce over fire at glampsites for a longer, immersive break.  

The food safaris are available to download as a PDF, complete with maps for inspiration. Each region spotlights its BIG FIVE –five unmissable foodie favourites – alongside an 'extended field guide' offering recommendations on the best farm shops, delis, and cafés, plus even more great gastro pubs, experiences, and cider and wine tasting tours in each area.

“Now more than ever, understanding where our food comes from and the dedication behind it matters and, in Herefordshire, that story is told with pride, care and a whole lot of flavour. The safari itinerary I've created with Visit Herefordshire is just one chapter of that story, which I hope inspires you to discover more of this wonderful county and visit the producers, taste small batch ciders and much more,” commented chef, Tait Miller

The North Herefordshire Food Safari

Linking the Market Towns of Leominster, Kington and Bromyard, the North Herefordshire Food Safari serves up food and drink experiences led by locals-in-the-know, some delicious dining options and an award-winning restaurant with rooms for a foodie focused stay.

Highlights include: a new e-biking tour at The White Heron Estate, eating Herefordshire's finest produce in a 400-year-old Grade II listed former cider barn on the site of Dunkertons Cider Mill; getting behind the scenes of the County's cider making credentials at Newton Court Cider; buying local cheeses at Monkland Cheese Dairy and gaining a fascinating insight organic dairy farming and the future of food at Wicton Farm.

Foodies in the know would enjoy this safari over three days, spending two nights at The Riverside at Aymestrey, a multi-award-winning restaurant with rooms known for its incredible food, commitment to sustainability and its warm welcome, as well as now offering a new wild spa.

The South Herefordshire Food Safari

Connecting the Market Towns of Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye with the Cathedral city of Hereford, the South Herefordshire Food Safari offers up a smorgasbord of culinary adventures with a rich menu of places to stay along the way.

Highlights include: wine tours at  Herefordshire's most exciting vineyards including Wythall Estate, Coddington Vineyardand the new Evolution Winery; spending time with Gabe Cook - the UK's one and only official Ciderologist; taking a tour of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company's 130 year old orchards before stocking up with local produce at the Pengethley Farm Shop or The Nest.

A great base for this safari would be The New Inn, Herefordshire Tourism Awards Pub of the Year 2024, a former 16th-Century coaching inn with just three luxurious rooms.

The Golden Valley Food Safari

The Golden Valley Food Safari unearths a whole host of artisan producers in and around a cluster of villages and the book-town of Hay-on-Wye.

Highlights include: a 'long, slow & smoky' dinner at supper club 'Under the Nut Tree'; making your own gin guided by a master distiller at Black Mountains Botanicals and Roastery; learning about the unique production process at Fair Oak Cider and meeting Tommy the mill horse, before indulging in a Rowlestone Farmhouse ice-cream whose motto is 'field to freezer in a day'.

Stay at the heart of the action in one of the new cabins at The Bull's Head in Craswall, an unassuming historic drovers inn which oozes low-key charm and is focused on seasonal, ingredient-led cooking, with most produce coming from their own regenerative farm just down the valley. From here it's easy to try foraging with Liz Knight of Forage by Fine Foods who lives locally.

Diane Mansell, CEO of Visit Herefordshire says:   

“Herefordshire has long held a reputation for being one of the UK's best producers of craft ciders. Now visitors are discovering our boutique wineries, Michelin Guide-featured restaurants, a vibrant supper club scene, fabulous farm shops, and gastro-pubs –  many with rooms – serving up delicious local produce.

These new food safaris help connect many of our hidden gems, inspiring foodies to take their taste buds off the beaten track and explore more of what Herefordshire has to offer. We know they'll be delighted, and we've even included our favourite delis and local foodie shops, perfect for self-caterers, as well as the most delicious stops for taking home a taste of Herefordshire !”  

The food safaris will continue to be developed and extended further to include more of the county's best food and drink experiences so be sure to check online for the latest version.