Many people who are considering moving to this part of the West Midlands understandably ask themselves, “is Hereford a good place to live?” 

The short answer to that question is… yes! We can say this confidently given that, as providers of self storage facilities in Hereford at Now Self Storage, we have long known a thing or two about this loveable and fulfilling city. 

Below, however, we will go into further detail on this charming cathedral city’s amenities, lifestyle offerings, social spots, and the all-round feel of the locality and community here.  

Situated in the heart of Herefordshire – for which it serves as the county town – Hereford has long been admired due to its historical architecture, beautiful surrounding countryside, and overall welcoming vibe. 

So, let’s delve into some of the things that help to make Hereford such a rewarding place to live. 

What Are Some of The Best Things to Do in Hereford? 

Given its relatively small population of just over 53,100 people according to the 2021 Census, you might imagine that Hereford wouldn’t offer a huge amount in terms of attractions and activities, whether for adults or families. 

But that’s where you would be wrong! You might be interested in, for example: 

• Visiting Hereford Cathedral, where you can see the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world dating back to around 1300. 
• Exploring Brobury House Gardens in a tranquil setting on the banks of the River Wye. 
• Watching competitive grassroots Jump racing at Hereford Racecourse.
• Catching a film or theatrical performance at The Courtyard on Elgar Street. 
• Attending the Three Choirs Festival, which showcases outstanding music and is held once every three years in Hereford, rotating with Gloucester and Worcester. 

What Can Residents Expect from Hereford’s Restaurants and Dining Scene? 

With its gastronomic heritage that goes back centuries, Hereford knows how to tickle the taste buds with excellent food and drink. 

From fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, the cathedral city presents a variety of tempting dining options, encompassing the likes of: 

• A Taste of Italy Café, which provides stunning views of Hereford Cathedral itself. Located at 26 King Street, it’s the ideal place to tuck into some homemade lasagne or to sample freshly brewed coffee. 
• Cotto at 8 Broad Street, a family-run restaurant and cocktail bar that provides authentic Italian fine dining in an atmospheric setting. 
• Burger Shop, a relaxed joint on Aubrey Street that serves top-quality burgers and sides drawing upon locally sourced ingredients. 
• Church Street Deli, a homely café in the Independent Quarter that provides a pleasant spot to pick up a coffee and a cake. 

Parks And Outdoor Spaces Are Also in Abundance Around Hereford 

One of the great things about residing in Herefordshire is that there isn’t a shortage of “green lungs” – picturesque rural scenes and verdant parks are easy to find. 

Below are a few of the popular parks and green spaces where you might relax or enjoy recreational activities during your time living in Hereford: 

• Queenswood Country Park, which is Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s most visited nature reserve and offers waymarked trails, a visitor centre and gift shop, and the much-loved Gruffalo sculpture trail. 
• Lugg Meadow, which is one of the UK’s most important surviving Lammas meadows. This term refers to common meadows where animals are not allowed to graze until after Lammas Day, which is on 1st August. 
• Breinton Springs, which encompasses nearly 15 acres of beautiful and peaceful landscape just outside of Hereford. It is home to a cider orchard, woodland, and floodplain. Indeed, the Herefordshire area is well-known as an epicentre of cider production, to such an extent that there is even a Museum of Cider in the county town.

Hereford Also Presents Various Educational Opportunities 

Many of those who ask, “is Hereford a good place to live?”, are students considering a creative career. This is largely because of Hereford College of Arts, an art school that offers both further education (FE) and higher education (HE) courses, as well as short courses, in such fields as fine art, artist blacksmithing, digital content creation, graphic design, and games design. 

Another FE college in the city, Herefordshire College on Folly Lane, presents a range of education and training options from apprenticeships and short courses to degree-level courses. 

So, whether you are a solo mature adult, a young student, or coming to Hereford with your whole family, you can count on being able to access quality education nearby. 

Is Hereford A Good Place To Live For Shoppers And Fans Of All Things Retail?

Most of us feel the need for a spot of “retail therapy” from time to time. The great news is that if you’re thinking of relocating to Hereford, this enchanting city has you covered in this regard. 

From independent stores like Calandras Menswear on Church Street and the womenswear boutique Cherry Savidge on East Street, right through to nationally recognised high-street brands like Bonmarché, H&M, TK Maxx, and Waterstones, Hereford offers a bit of everything for those who love to “shop ‘til they drop”. 

So, in response to that all-important question, “is Hereford a good place to live?”, we can reiterate… yes, it most certainly is. To learn more about our self storage facilities in the city or other aspects of our service, please don’t hesitate to contact the Now Self Storage team.