Discover Bishop's Frome

Bishop's Frome offers several specific points to consider when planning a stay: historic parts of the Church of St Mary, the village's former role in hop harvesting, routes with different features, and a seasonal programme of tours and tastings. When looking for a hotel, you might consider whether architectural history, village history or a particular activity is your priority.

Church of St Mary: surviving features

Only the chancel arch and south doorway survive from the original late-12th-century fabric of the Church of St Mary. The lower parts of the tower date from around 1300. This means that two building phases can be distinguished in specific parts of the church: the surviving elements from the late 12th century and the later date of the lower tower.

A chancel arch marks the transition to the chancel; a south doorway is on the south side of the church. Anyone interested in the history of the building's development can regard these features as two distinct time markers, rather than assigning a single date to the entire building. The specific details relate to the chancel arch, the doorway and the lower parts of the tower.

Hops in the village's history

Bishop's Frome once played an important role in hop harvesting. At the beginning of the previous century, the village's population rose from 700 to 5,000 during the harvest. These figures relate to this historical harvest context; they do not describe the present-day population. The difference between the two figures shows how greatly the village's population changed during the hop harvest at that time.

The “Year of the Hop” Museum is located in The Hop Pocket Shopping Village and is presented by the Bromyard and District Historical Society. This adds a named museum devoted to hops to the village's historical role in hop harvesting. Exhibitions and displays may change, so check what is currently on show before visiting.

Herefordshire Trail and circular walk

From Bishops Frome, the Herefordshire Trail crosses the River Frome and leads to steep Fromes Hill. The river crossing and climb characterise this section of the trail and help distinguish it as a route option in its own right.

A different circular walk starts at The Hop Pocket Shopping Village and follows a riverside footpath to the church in Bishops Frome and the village playground. Here, the starting point, riverside path and two named destinations provide the route's landmarks. This distinguishes it from the Herefordshire Trail, whose defining features are the crossing of the River Frome and steep Fromes Hill. Path conditions and local access may change; check both before setting out.

Seasonal tours and tastings

Frome Valley Vineyard is located in a bend of the River Frome. It is open for tours and tastings from April to September. Participation is by booking through the website or by prior arrangement by phone. If you plan to take part, arrange your visit around the stated season and booking requirement. Check the opening details again before your trip.

Bishops Frome also has a village shop. If you want to include a shopping trip in your day's plans, check locally in advance for the latest information.

Discover more destinations: Ross-On-Wye, Mathon, Bodenham, Clehonger, Whitney-On-Wye, Fownhope, Madley, Staunton On Wye.

For the wider travel overview: County Of Herefordshire.