Hereford, Herefordshire

    Become a Host Family in Hereford

    Hereford is a peaceful cathedral city on the River Wye, close to the Welsh border. Families here can register free to host international students who want to experience life in the English countryside.

    Register free as a host family

    Photo: Fabian Musto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Why Hereford needs host families

    Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world, and one of the finest chained libraries anywhere. Around the city, the River Wye winds through farmland, orchards and small villages, and the Black Mountains are on the horizon.

    This is a smaller, quieter city than many students are used to, and that is part of its appeal. A homestay here means real everyday English, a family to share meals with and time to settle in at an easy pace. Bigger centres such as Worcester and Cheltenham are within reach.

    Hosting here is less about being busy and more about being welcoming. Even a few weeks a year with a student at your table can open up your home to new languages, recipes and stories.

    Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Hereford

    Who you could host in Hereford

    You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.

    Countryside summer stays
    Summer is a natural time for short homestays, with long evenings, riverside walks and trips across the border into Wales.
    Adults wanting full immersion
    Adults who want to speak English all day, every day may choose a quieter city where they spend more time with their hosts.
    Students at local colleges
    Some international students in the area need a family home during their studies. Schools and colleges explain their own requirements.
    Where you could host
    Schools look for homes within easy reach of their classes. These are some of the areas in and around Hereford.
    Hereford city centre
    Tupsley
    Hampton Park
    Holmer
    Bobblestock
    Whitecross
    Belmont
    Hunderton
    Credenhill
    Kingstone

    How it works

    1. Register for free

    Create your host profile in a few minutes. There are no fees or subscriptions.

    2. Get found by schools

    Language schools that place students in and around Hereford search for hosts by location, rooms and availability.

    3. Welcome your student

    A school contacts you directly to arrange a placement. You decide which students you accept.

    Earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free

    Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, income from hosting students in your Hereford home is tax-free up to £7,500 a year.

    • Applies whether you own or rent (with your landlord's permission)
    • Claim it with a single tick box on your tax return

    General guidance only. Read more on GOV.UK

    Hosting in Hereford: common questions

    Ready to host in Hereford?

    Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.

    Host families are also needed near Hereford