Hereford Cathedral

History & Heritage
EMAIL: office@herefordcathedral.org

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral is a beautiful building is the home of a community which has worshipped and worked together here continuously for well over 1,300 years.

It is a place where the mission of the Church to proclaim Christ’s love is central, and therefore the community has always warmly welcomed visitors. We all hope that you enjoy your visit.

The Hereford Cathedral is home to the Chained Library, Mappa Mundi and Hereford Magna Carter.

Café Mundi
Located in the historic environment of the 15th-century Bishop’s Cloister, Cafe Mundi offers home-made hot and cold meals, seasonal soups, sandwiches and a tempting array of hand-crafted cakes.

The Cafe also stocks Fairtrade and locally-sourced produce. The cathedral can also cater for larger groups in the elegantly refurbished College Hall located within the College of the Vicars Choral.
Adjoining Cafe Mundi is the award-winning Chapter House Garden, described as ‘an area of outstanding beauty and solitude’ by Hereford City’s Conservation Area award committee.
This delightful area, redeveloped by the Friends of Hereford Cathedral, has become a major facility for the Cafe and its activities with a wide-ranging programme of free recitals, concerts and family events throughout the summer months.

Cathedral tours
Explore the rich history and treasures of the cathedral from its Saxon origins to the present day with our expert guides.

Garden tours
Hereford Cathedral’s horticultural significance is well reflected in six acres of RHS award-winning gardens, as featured in Country Life magazine and on BBC TV. The historic Chapter House Garden nestles amongst medieval ruins while the historic College of the Vicars Choral, Cloister and Chapter gardens illustrate pre-Reformation social and culinary lifestyles. Spring bulbs carpet lawns under ancient trees in the majestic Bishop’s Palace Garden and roses fill the air with the scent of summer in the secluded College Garden.

Garden tours, which last between 60 and 90 minutes and are available for booked groups throughout the year, enable the visitor to explore the cathedral’s most beautiful gardens with our experienced gardeners and guides. The gardens are easily accessible, with variations available for visitors with specific mobility requirements.

Tower tours
More adventurous visitors can climb the 218 steps for some of the finest views of the city and county of Herefordshire, and beyond. Tours include the Lantern Gallery and Ringing Chamber with a set of panoramic interpretation boards at the very top. Tours are limited to good weather and may not be suitable for all visitors. Children must be accompanied by an adult and we recommend that the climb is only suitable for children aged 8 or over. Certificates are issued to all who manage the climb to the top!

Group visits
Hereford Cathedral is built on a place of worship used since Saxon times and contains some of the finest examples of art and architecture from Norman times to the present day. It is the birthplace of the world renowned Three Choirs Festival and houses international treasures including the famous Mappa Mundi and the largest surviving medieval chained library.

The elegantly restored Cathedral Close sits at the heart of our historic city and diocese, with new social spaces, artworks and interpretation for you and your visitors to enjoy.

Reviews

Must see Herefordshire attraction

Rated 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic place to visit. Beautiful cathedral and the Mappa Mundi is a must. Lots to do, guided tour of the Cathedral, walk up to the Tower roof and or a garden tour. Spent most of the day and had a spot of lunch in the cafe.

Sidney

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Hereford HR1 2NG 5 College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2NG, UK
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Venue Features

Coffee Shop
Free Entry
Public Toilet
Open Gardens
Accept Credit Cards
Gift Shop
Disabled Access
Disabled Facilities
Outdoor Seating
Serves Alcohol

Great For

Groups
Child Friendly

Essentials

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