HEREFORDSHIRE is well-known for its abundant countryside, rolling hills and fragrant orchards but, sitting centrally in the county, the beautiful Saxon City of Hereford is packed full of culture, cuisine and curiosity.

That's why Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, the county’s leading destination marketing organisation, has created a list of the top 12 things to do in Hereford City right now, from museum hopping to spectacular riverside walks.

Here are the suggestions from the group.

Walking tour

One of the best ways to really discover the city’s past and present is via a fascinating walking tour, led by local experts from the Guild of Guides. After working up an appetite on foot, stop for a delicious afternoon tea at Castle House and relax in the stunning terraced garden, designed by Capability Brown, overlooking the waters of the original Castle Pool.

Museum

Hereford offers a wealth of history and culture packed into its museums. Marvel at the remarkable 17th century architecture of the Black & White House Museum, which features rare paintings and period pieces portraying life in Jacobean times, plus hands-on activities for children.

Learn about Hereford’s huge industry in traditional cider making at the Museum of Cider located on the site of the original Bulmer’s factory, or discover the story of drinking water at the enthralling Waterworks Museum, home to an acclaimed collection of working steam pumps and waterpark. The Heritage Suite at Hereford Town Hall is home to the City’s civic treasures, housing historic silver and incredible ancient charters, as well as many other interesting artifacts.

Castle Green and King George V playing fields

Enjoy a picturesque stroll through the Castle Green (Hereford’s original Castle bovy) and along the banks of the River Wye, taking in the extraordinary iron lacework of the Victoria Bridge and stop off for a picnic in the King George V Playing Fields and parkland.

Hereford Cathedral, Mappa Mundi and Chained Library

A visit to Hereford wouldn’t be complete without an experience at the magnificent Cathedral. Home to the Mappa Mundi; Hereford’s internationally famous medieval map depicting the world as interpreted by scholars over 700 year ago, and The Chained Library, a unique chained security system from the 17th century, featuring over 1,200 early printed books and 229 illuminated manuscripts.

Green Dragon Hotel

Stay at The Green Dragon hotel, one of Britain’s oldest hotels dating back over 900 years, featuring beautifully refurbished rooms, delicious dining and cool cocktail bar.

The Beefy Boys

Get a real taste of Hereford beef at The Beefy Boys, the awarding-winning ‘meat boutique’ cocktail and burger bar, where even in Las Vegas they were voted 2nd in the World’s Best Burger.

Saxtys

Enjoy a tipple and tapas at the City’s newly re-opened cocktail, cuisine and club venue Saxtys. From its brasserie menu to the cocktail and champagne bar, Caribbean grill terrace and rum shack, to the weekend nightclub, Saxtys has it all.

Heidi Chamberlain-Jones, founder of Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, said: “Hereford mixes modern with medieval, offering an abundance of history, heritage, family fun and is fast becoming a foodie haven too. There is so much to discover on a visit to the city!”

To find out more, visit eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk.