Winter Delights: Vintage appeal & artistic style in Ross-on-Wye
Fill your Bag of Delights with arty finds
This winter, we're taking inspiration from the Herefordshire poet John Masefield and his captivating Box of Delights. We’re inviting you to feel the magic of Christmas once more by delving into the county’s wealth of winter delights - enjoy stress-free shopping, unique experiences, relaxed rambles plus fantastic places to eat and stay.
And leave with your very own Christmas 'bag of delights', filled with well-considered presents for family and friends.
Perched above the river, Ross-on-Wye is a picturesque place to potter and pick up vintage and arty finds, as well as perfect gifts for the home and garden.
Vintage appeal
There is an abundance of choice for aficionados of antiques, vintage and retro. At the top of town, browse Lot 47 and space/inside to find fantastic curios, collectables and vinyl or Samax for stunning jewllery. Discover colourful upcycled creations at Vintage Virtu as well as country furniture and antiques at Inside Outside. Wander down the hill to rifle through the rails at vintage clothes heaven OHHHS! and discover Now and Then Antiques as well as Relics, a favourite for jewellery and interiors. Step back in time with Thompson Trading next door to Gwalia for quirky vintage finds or head over to Ross Reclamation for a real treasure hunt.
Artistic style
Delight art fans with a special something from one of Ross' art galleries. Gallery 54 specialises in contemporary abstract paintings, ceramics and glassware, whilst whilst Urchin’s Gallery has beautiful original watercolours and unique gifts.. The town’s original sandstone market house is a wonderful creative arts cooperative, Made in Ross, where you can explore the work of diverse local artists and makers. Ceramicist Sarah D’Arcy’s studio is also open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays.
Yat Pottery is the place to try out a throwdown experience or pick up pottery pieces and art supplies. Sarah Morton’s Art Studio on the High Street runs delightful family arts & crafts workshops whilst KTS Craft Warehouse offers a huge supply of crafting materials.
Discover sustainable style at Walker & Walker, which makes and sells beautiful loungewear separates as well as a curated edit of homeware. Around the corner, find the work of local makers at Livinloom, plus their own gorgeous handwoven fabrics, available as lampshades, footstools and by the metre.The Architectural Store and Lizzie Bunting are fantastic spots for all things interiors from lighting to cushions. Mooch around Masons and Heavenly Homes & Gardens for more decorative homeware, including an impressive range of pots and candles at the latter, as well as the best house plants and gardenalia at Dor’s Garden.
A five-minute drive from the town centre will take you to Baileys, a timeless destination for all things home, located in a collection of historic farm buildings in Bridstow.
Cool clothes, jewellery & gifts
Head to Boutique at No.2 and Crows Feet for accessories and luxury gifts, plus womenswear and jewellery at Suzy C's and at broad street. Browse Lalena's Gift Emporium and The Crystal Tree for unique jewellery and gemstones. Pick up perfect reads at Rossiter Books, as well as gifts for budding musicians at River Music and for wannabe chefs at The Cook Shop.
Foodie gifts
For hyperlocal products such as James Gourmet Coffee and Peterstow Honey, head to Field Fayre, an organic store which is committed to reducing food miles. Truffles Deli stocks many local treats, including nearly 100 different ciders, and Ross Wines is the place to find your new favourite vino.
Out of town, book a winter wine tasting and pick up your favourite vintages at the award-winning Wythall Estate or take a tour & tasting at Ross on Wye Cider & Perry Co. Other great options include The Food Emporium at Labels and also Pengethley Farm Shop where you will easily fill a hamper with local delights.
Super stocking fillers
Shop for all sorts of goodies at Toy Box, an excellent independent toy shop, and be wowed by the range of car and farm machinery models at Andy Pack’s Car Care Centre. Treat babies and younger kids to clothes and toys at Little Chic and Little Saplings. And don’t miss the vintage sweetshop experience at Tudor Sweets.
Lunchtime
- Sample the fabulous sandwiches, soups and cakes at Truffles Deli.
- Choose tasty salads and quiches at Caffe Eleganza or savoury bakes and cakes at Victoria’s and The Ginger Nut Cafe.
- Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at cosy bistro Avellino
- Head to Ross-on-Wye’s friendly microbrewery, The Tap House for
excellent home cooked Sunday lunches.
Dinner & stay overnight
- For pub classics, book The King’s Head Hotel, which has fifteen cosy bedrooms, or The Royal which also offers rooms with fabulous river views.
- No 3 serves up delicious modern European food and cocktails.
- Stay over in one of the newly renovated ensuite bedrooms at The Hope & Anchor on the riverbank or try out their all-day menu next to the roaring wood burner.
- Sample delicious burgers, tapas and cocktails at Tweet Bar & Kitchen or fresh fish dishes at The Man of Ross Inn.
- A few minutes drive away find Orles Barn, a former apple store now converted into a lovely restaurant with rooms.
Delightful experiences
- Indulge in a winter wine-tasting: A vineyard tour followed by a tutored tasting in the manor house at Wythall Estate.
- Create your own gin: Craft a signature blend using local herbs, flowers and botanicals at Foxtail Gin Distillery.
- Get creative: Book a painting lesson or a pottery throw-down with Yat Pottery or design something unique at The Art Studio.
- Cocktail masterclasses: Grab your pals to shake or stir terrific tipples at The Pavilion.
- For a winter walk: Meander along the River Wye and see stunning churches on a tranquil 5-mile circular route starting in Hoarwithy village or try the accessible John Kyrle Buggy Route.
2023 Diary Dates
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Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre, Sunday 26 November, 11am - 5pm: This year’s festive extravaganza features over 80 arts and crafts stalls, street food and drink, live music, Santa’s Grotto, fair rides plus meet Floki the polar bear, Elf on the Shelf and his reindeer friend. Lights switch on at 4.30pm. Read more.
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Christmas Tree Festival, Saturday 25 to Tuesday 28 November, daily at St Mary’s Church with refreshments, cakes and bakes.
