Famous for Hereford Cathedral, with the chained library and Mappa Mundi, Hereford has all the history of a Welsh Border market town, with modern developments for fantastic shopping and dining options in the Old Market. Watch the river run by at Die Koffe Pot, or sample the best of Herefordshire produce in the independent eateries, such as the much-celebrated Beefy Boys, Bookshop or Burgershop restaurants. There is plenty for everyone here … just check out the website.

Ross is a small market town, overlooking the Wye and within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As the “Gateway to the Wye Valley” it has an extensive history as a popular Victorian holiday desination steeped in natural beauty. Much of the town is designated a conservation area and at its heart is the historic Market House, a listed Ancient Monument, built of the Old Red Sandstone and housing an art and craft gallery. It has an exciting array of independent and specialist shops, galleries, eateries and hotels, as well as offering a pleasant walk alongside the River Wye.

It is market town steeped in history, and yet today hosts The Monmouth Festival, one of Europe’s largest free music festivals, as well as the Monmouthshire Show, the largest one-day show in Wales. As with many of the towns in this region it nestles along the picturesque Wye Valley, inviting an exploration of the rich variety that nature and history have to offer.

Nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the Victorian spa town of Malvern. It is an elegant Victorian town, with roots going back to the bronze age. Modernised in the 1800s as a popular destination for ‘taking the water’ travellers came from around the world to heal, relax and rejuvenate. As a gateway to the Malvern Hills themselves or simply to enjoy the beautiful shops and restaurants with extensive views, it is a memorable day out.

Hay-on-Wye is known worldwide for its extensive collection of second-hand bookshops, as well as the Literary Fesitival which runs in the early summer. Its unique position on the border between England and Wales makes it an ideal hub from which to explore The Marches border country, or even take a walk up Hay Bluff for the extensive views of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Ludlow is a bustling medieval market town with striking architecture, and the 11th century Ludlow Castle nearby on a cliff above the River Teme. It has a reputation for the quality of its food and drink with many excellent restaurants and cafes, all celebrated with a plethora of festivals throughout the year. .