Hereford?

[Leafy2018]

We are looking at Hereford as a potential place to move to this year. We are actually going there for a couple of days next week to have a look around but I was wondering whether there were any MNs who would share their opinions living there please?

We have four children and therfore need to cover a fair few bases! They are 1, 3, 12 and 15. We like walking in the countryside and the outdoors but I would like to be somewhere I can spend time out with the youngest two on my own during the week (I am not a fan of walking in remote plcaes by myself) so National Trust, farms, parks etc The oldest two would need to be able to go into town by themselves, swimming, cinema etc So I guess what I'm asking is -

If you have younger children what do you typically do with them and the same with teens?

School wise I know Hereford Sixth Form is well regarded and seems good for the arts (our eldest is a dancing/drama type) but I'm less sure on secondary as it seems a mixed bag. We could, possibly, look at private school for our 12 year old - she's a reader, likes art and singing. Primaries I know nothing about! Any information on schools would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Bumping! Anyone?

I’ve lived in Hereford for 15 years and I have a 4 year old and 15 year old.

id say check bus routes, a lot of villages do not have very regular buses for your teen. If you look at houses near to the centre it’s easy to walk in.

schools - primary’s fair better than secondary schools. You need to look at the admissions criteria, some are church places, some by distance, so you need to be in the catchment. Secondary are the same and a mix bag but there are less outstanding schools so not as much choice. Look at the feeder schools from primary to secondary.

things we do - swimming, soft play, farms, walks, cinema, we eat out a lot! We also travel for activities to Cardiff, Birmingham and the smaller towns around us. My teen generally hangs out at his friends houses, goes to the gym, or his fitness hobbies.

it’s very safe though and I’m glad we moved here.

I’m happy to help with some specific questions if you want to PM me.

Just be aware of the huge traffic issues in Hereford. Getting anywhere at any time of day in and around Hereford is absolutely horrendous. My MIL lives in the centre and it can take her 40 minutes to travel 2 miles. The town center feels tired and, sadly, a bit crappy. I can't comment on schools.

I prefer Worcester, Malvern, Ledbury, anywhere but Hereford!

Thanks so much for the heloful replies. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to acknowledge them. I've just been non stop and today is first nursery day so I can think!

We went to look at Hereford but it just didn't feel quite right for us. Although the cathedral was stunning. Thanks so much anyway though - advice much appre iated!