With its mediaeval bridge over the winding River Wye, the cathedral city of Hereford is the very image of picturesque England. Eclectic Hereford is a popular starting point for exploring the region because of its wide range of architectural styles and its proximity to the Black and White villages of the area, as well as Shropshire, Worcestershire, and The Cotswolds. Hereford is well-known for its cider, but it is also home to the Mappa Mundi, the largest and most elaborate pre-15th century map. It can be found in the cathedral alongside the Chained Library, which houses over 1500 rare books dating all the way back to the 8th century. Also close by are the mediaeval buildings of Leominster, which are often perched precariously above the street; and Symonds Yat, a rocky outcrop on a 5-mile bend in the River Wye with breath-taking views and protected peregrine falcon nests.
