Herefordshire is cider country and you needn't travel far to be reminded of it. Even as you approach this well-established campsite you find yourself flanked by orchards: the A438 is like an apple tree avenue at times, hemmed in by stripy lines of well organised fruit trees that present themselves in brief flashes through the hedgerows. When you finally reach the campsite its no surprise to find out that 'The Herefordshire Cider Route' is one of the top attractions in the nearby county town, eight miles away. No surprise either, to find the local tipple on tap at the nearest pub, a 15-minute stroll down the road.
It's not fruit trees, however, but beech, ash and alders that partially enclose Hereford Campsite, which is reached after skirting around a large fishing lake that is almost as big as the actual camping meadow itself. Known as the Mill Pond, campers are welcome to fish its waters, casting lines out towards the small island in its centre, and a space is mown around the entire pond's circumference.
While the campsite has been here for years and boasts ample facilities, including family shower rooms, a decent shop, ice-pack freezing and a dedicated space for ball games, it's the newly added Ready Camp safari tent that particularly catches the eye. The spacious abode is kitted out with everything you need: two proper beds in two proper bedrooms (the tent can sleep four adults in comfort, or a family of six), a kitchenette with hob, fridge, microwave and pots, pans and cutlery; and a living area that extends to a shady terrace. Guests also get free access to the campsite WiFi, which is available across the site.
Life here isn't about thumbing through Facebook and dawdling on the internet though. A quick drive west takes you into Hereford, with its famous cathedral dating back to 1079. Today, it also houses the ancient Mappa Mundi – the largest medieval map known to exist – a fascinating exhibit that reveals how 13th-century scholars interpreted the geography of the world. Beyond that, meanwhile, it is walkers and cyclists that can really capitalise on Hereford Campsite's location. To the south, the Wye Valley stretches away, while to the east, the Malvern Hills are a treasure trove of footpaths. Take a packed lunch and head out for the day. And don't forget to include some apples.
