Hereford City Guide

Food focuses on local beef and cider with a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Italian options. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are increasingly common. Late-night food is mostly fast food.

Nightlife mostly means pubs and bars. There are few late-night venues. It’s more about casual drinks than clubs.

Coffee culture is growing with independent cafes and chains offering good options.

Tipping is optional. Restaurants may add a service charge, or 10% tip is common for good service. Taxi tips are usually small or by rounding up.

Buy SIM cards at phone shops like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three or in supermarkets. Pay-as-you-go SIMs usually don't need ID. Coverage is best with EE, Vodafone, and O2.

The city is generally clean with regular waste collection and recycling.

Few 24/7 services. Some supermarkets have long hours but pharmacies and food options close early. Late-night options are mostly fast food.

Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Waitrose carry international items. Local shops and a traditional market offer more options. Stores open generally from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, shorter on Sundays.

Cards, including contactless, are widely accepted. You rarely need cash for daily purchases.

ATMs from Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest are common in the city center. UK cards usually avoid fees, but international cards may have charges from their banks.

Hereford offers local primary and secondary schools. Hereford Cathedral School is a notable independent option. All teach mainly in English. Admissions vary by school type.

The digital nomad scene is small with few events or meetups.

Green areas like Bishops Meadow and Castle Green are easily accessible for outdoor activities.

Good running routes follow the River Wye and city parks. Hereford is safe and has generally good air quality.

Gyms and sports centers cover most fitness needs, with 24/7 options available.

Tennis courts exist at leisure centers and local clubs; booking is mostly online or by phone.

Padel courts are rare but may be found at larger sports complexes.

Several studios offer various yoga styles and wellness services with English-speaking instructors.

Karate, Taekwondo, boxing, and kickboxing gyms operate here, usually with English-speaking staff.

No skiing near Hereford; UK skiing mostly in Scotland.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on the River Wye during warmer months with rental options available.

No surfing nearby. Welsh coast surf spots are over 1.5 hours away requiring wetsuits year-round.

No diving sites nearby.

Hereford County Hospital is the main NHS facility. Most staff speak English. Public healthcare is free for residents; private services are available. Pharmacies like Boots and Lloyds sell common meds during normal hours.

Tap water is safe to drink here as elsewhere in the UK.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are easy to find. Attractions include Hereford Cathedral and local museums. Baby supplies are widely available.

Hereford and the UK are accepting of LGBTQ+ people. Dedicated venues are fewer than in large cities. Legal protections exist.

Pet-friendly spaces are common. Many cafes and pubs allow dogs. Vet services and pet supplies are easy to find.