An overview of: Herefordshire

Where is Herefordshire?
About the region
Transportation
Living in the area
Childcare and schooling
Leisure activities
Healthcare
Relocation support

Where is Herefordshire?

Herefordshire is a county in the West Midlands of England, UK. It’s bordered by Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east, Gloucestershire to the southeast, and the Welsh counties of Monmouthshire and Powys to the west and northwest, respectively.

The county town and largest city is Hereford.

Find Hereford here on Google Maps.

About the region

Hereford is located in the West Midlands region of England, which is named for its location on the western side of the country’s central part. This region comprises of several other counties including Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire, among others.

The West Midlands is an area of great diversity. It is home to large urban areas, such as Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, which are known for their industrial heritage, cultural activities, and shopping facilities. At the same time, the region also has many smaller towns and picturesque rural areas like the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills.

Transportation

Hereford is well-connected in terms of transport:

Car: Hereford has good transport links by car, with easy access to major roads, including the A49 and M50, connecting to Birmingham, Bristol, and Wales.

Train: Hereford’s railway station is connected to the rest of the UK through the national rail network. Direct services run to Birmingham, Manchester, and London, among other locations.

Air: For international and longer domestic journeys, the nearest major airports are Birmingham Airport and Bristol Airport. Smaller airports closer to Hereford include Gloucestershire Airport and Cardiff Airport, though these primarily serve a limited range of domestic and European flights.

Bus: Hereford is also connected by national coach services, such as those operated by National Express, which link it to cities across the country. Additionally, there are local bus services throughout Herefordshire and surrounding counties.

Living in the area

Herefordshire offers a variety of housing options ranging from apartments and terraced houses in the city of Hereford to detached houses, bungalows, and cottages in more rural areas. There are also a number of new build estates and developments in and around Hereford.

In general, the cost of living in Herefordshire is lower than the national average for the UK and significantly lower than in London and other major cities. This includes housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

Schooling

Primary Schools: Herefordshire has numerous primary schools, both state-funded and independent, catering to children aged 4 to 11 years. These schools follow the National Curriculum, providing a well-rounded education that includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, along with various other subjects. Parents can typically choose their child’s primary school based on their residential address, and there are various options available across the county.

Secondary Schools: At the secondary level, Herefordshire offers comprehensive schools and grammar schools. These schools continue to follow the National Curriculum and offer a diverse range of subjects, preparing students for their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. Grammar schools in the area require an entrance exam for admission and are known for their academic focus.

University Level: While Herefordshire doesn’t have its own university, it is within commuting distance of several higher education institutions. The University of Worcester and the University of Gloucestershire are two notable universities that are easily accessible from Herefordshire, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

Leisure

Hereford boasts historical attractions like Hereford Cathedral and scenic spots like the Wye Valley. The region is famous for its cider tradition, with orchard tours and tastings. The Midlands, with cities like Birmingham and Leicester, offers cultural experiences, theaters, galleries, and live music venues. Nature lovers can explore the Malvern Hills and enjoy leisurely walks along the River Wye. Throughout the year, various events and festivals celebrate the region’s heritage and traditions. With its mix of history, natural beauty, culture, and community spirit, leisure in Hereford and the Midlands provides something for everyone to enjoy.

Healthcare

Wye Valley NHS Trust is the organisation responsible for managing healthcare services in Herefordshire, England.

The trust provides a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and rehabilitation services to a population of around 186,000 people in Herefordshire, as well as to some residents of the surrounding counties and areas of Wales.

The trust runs several healthcare facilities, the largest of which is Hereford County Hospital, the main acute care facility serving the area.

Other facilities include community hospitals in Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, and Bromyard, which provide a mix of inpatient and outpatient services, including minor injuries units.

Relocation support

How do Doctors Relocate assist with your relocation?

In addition to providing personalised career guidance, facilitating interviews and managing negotiations to secure the right job opportunity for each individual, we offer ongoing relocation support to our candidates, helping with practical matters such as accommodation arrangements, banking, and setting up other essential services.

Our dedicated team is readily available to address any concerns or queries that you have along the way, ensuring that you feel supported and confident throughout your relocation.

With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the relocation journey, focusing on your professional and personal growth in the UK.