hereford cathedral

This is a lovely, very old building well worth popping in to. The history of the place and people is at times bloody and grusome with murder, plagues and large bits of the building falling off!! There are regular guided tours which are just the right length of time. A bewitching place of pagan and christian beliefs!! Map a mundi is suprisingly small!I live in Hereford and pop in quite often to look about.

The exterior of this ancient cathedral is incredibly impressive and truly awe-inspiring. The environs are well kempt and have a good deal of "olde-worlde" charm about them. The café and gardens are especially lovely. Unfortunately, the interior of the cathedral is frankly a bit of a mess. It seems to be run more as a tourist attraction and museum/mausoleum than as a place of worship. The body of the church is divided into a number of units, a fact which completely destroys any sense of scale. The walls are almost entirely covered in memorial plaques to the great and the good of Hereford, further detracting from the experience. On my visit, there were building works going on and the builders seemed to have very little respect for the fact that they were labouring in the house of God. Additionally, at every possible opportunity, one is reminded by noticeboards and custodians of the cost of upkeep and the need for donations. At times, this commercialism, which extends to the over-priced gift shop and the colossal charge to view the Mappa Mundi and the chained library, becomes oppressive. If I were in charge, I would be sweeping the moneychangers out of the Temple, opening up the space, and restoring some sense of solemnity to what is, after all, principally a place of worship, not a theme park.

Went on the guided tour. Very informative guide and the tour was packed full of interesting facts about the building, the people and the history. Very good shop with some excellent books and a nice cafe too.

This exhibition of the actual mappa mundi is a must. Superb in every way. The curator was very informative and the map itself is breathtaking. The cafe alongside is excellent too serving large slices of cake and a variety of lunchtime meals. The cathedral is stunning, very colourful stained glass and wonderful crown of thorns suspended above the altar in brass.

The Cathedral is a wonderful building. Some new parts have been added since our last visit 20 years ago ! The Chained library and Mappa Mundi are contained in a purpose built area which is very suitable for viewing the 'film' and explanation of Mappa Mundi. The chained library contains many more examples of early books, chiefly because of the extra space in which to exhibit. We enjoyed a jolly nice meal in the restaurant too. Memorable visit.( lavatories are within the grounds and are clearly indicated)

Magnificent piece of architecture, very well maintained, full of interesting history including the Mappi Mundi - possibly the oldest (if not the most accurate) map of the world. Hereford Cathedral is a must for all visitors to Herefordshire.

The Cathedral is magnificent architecturally and spiritually.The flower arrangements were beautiful and the stained glass in the chapel in the east end was breathtaking

This is a stunning catherdral and very big inside. it has some lovely stained glass windows and very interesting things to look at.

It was difficult to look around the whole place because they are undergoing a major rewire at the moment but what I did see is gorgeous. The volunteer staff are very welcoming and helpful.The cafe is in a lovely setting and the service is friendly and quick. The food was basic but tasty. I'd eat here again if the situation arose.

On a cold and dull afternoon last week I popped into the Cathderal to pray for my son-in-law. I asked the lady sitting by the entrance greeting people where the chapel reserved for prayer was. On my way back she asked me, very gently, if she could help me. I felt touched by her concern and real interest in giving succour. She said she would add her prayers to mine, very simply and with such a lovely smile. Thank you for this welcome to the city of Hereford, and thank you for be a caring Cathedral.

you need to visit the Cathedral if you come to Hereford. Its beautiful and a must see. Lovely little cafe, Lovely gardens and plenty of history

Map of Mundi was interesting and the cathedral was very impressive. Lots of staff to ask questions. chained library was interesting too

Historic Hereford really is worth a visit particularly its Cathedral as it houses the Mappa Mundi and has a chain library.

Lovely cathedral with a long history and interesting build.We were pleasantly surprised by the Organ and Choir practice taking place, free mini concert!

visit the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library well worth the fee to see one the wonder from the middle ages.. The stained glass windows well worth looking