Ross-on-Wye

Riverside beauty. Vintage heaven. Neighbouring Symonds Yat.

Birthplace of tourism
Perched on a sandstone cliff above the River Wye
Set in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Close to Symonds Yat & Ledbury
Heart of the 'Land of Hedgehogs'!

Embraced by the River Wye, Ross-on-Wye is an inviting place to potter. When William Gilpin wrote Britain's first travel guidebook about the Wye Valley in 1782, he sparked a trend for 'picturesque tourism'. Today, as well as enjoying that same scenic beauty, you can browse independent shops, saunter alongside the town's 19th-century mock-Gothic walls and Gazebo Tower folly, and admire pastel-hued dwellings tumbling down the hillside to the river. The town is the centre of a region historically dubbed Archenfield or 'Land of Hedgehogs', and you'll find examples of the icon in St Mary's Church, dating back to the 17th century, and on more recent memorials to the Boer War and Second World War.

Love Your Ross-on-Wye Break

Meanders on the River Wye

Two centuries ago, taking a boat tour from Ross along the River Wye was the height of fashion. The draw? Viewing the valley's 'picturesque' landscape, beloved of artists and poets, from Turner to Coleridge. Today, canoe trips are more à la mode, but the countryside is just as dreamy. Embark at Ross-on-Wye, calling at the Inn on the Wye at Kerne Bridge for lunch, before meandering under Symonds Yat Rock where you might spot a peregrine falcon among the many birds thriving here.

The Man of Ross

The philanthropist John Kyrle (1637–1724) dedicated his wealth to improving Ross-on-Wye – he became known as the 'Man of Ross' – and his legacy is still strong today. Walk to The Prospect, public gardens laid out by Kyrle for the wellbeing of locals and still a superb lookout point providing views over the horseshoe bend of the Wye, 30m below. From here, walk under the stone-built Kyrle's Gateway into the churchyard.

Return to the front of St Mary's Church – call in to hunt the hedgehog, the emblem of Ross, which also appears on the Kyrle family crest. Then pass the almshouses and stroll along to the 17th-century arcaded Market House. At the east end you'll spot Kyrle's logogram, composed of the letters F and C, standing for 'Faithful to Charles in heart'. Directly opposite, you'll see Kyrle's timber-framed home, now housing shops. Finish with a pint of Herefordshire's finest Butty Bach ale at The Man of Ross Inn before descending through the fragrant, terraced public garden for a promenade along the river.

Slow Shopping

Ross boasts an abundance of shops selling antique, vintage and retro items . Follow the Vintage Shopping Trail to track down treasures ranging from curios and collectibles, to nostalgia and knick-knacks, jewellery and art. It's an ideal way to start shopping more sustainably. En route, mooch around gift and lifestyle shops, or take a ten-minute drive to Baileys, an interiors outlet housed in a series of farm buildings, espousing a mantra of plain, simple and useful.

Goodrich Castle

Standing in open countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles, boasting a fascinating history and spectacular views from the battlements. Learn about the Civil War Siege, spy the 'murder holes' built into the castle walls, and admire the beautiful stained-glass window in the 13th century chapel. Be sure to find the famous 'Roaring Meg' – the only surviving Civil War mortar – and cache of cannonballs.

Wythall Estate Vineyard Tour & Tasting

Planted in 2010, Wythall Estate produces award-winning still and sparkling English wines. Join a tour that begins with a walk through the vineyard, exploring the grape varieties grown here, along with pruning methods, harvesting and more. Then enjoy a tutored tasting session in the beamed dining room of the 16th-century manor house.

Canoe the Wye

Adventure along the river in a canoe, past Goodrich Castle and on to Symonds Yat. Keen eyes may spot kingfishers, otters and birds of prey.

Hoarwithy Church

A gem in rural Herefordshire, this captivating church will transport you to Tuscany with its Italianate style, including mosaics, marble columns and an altar with lapis lazuli.

Made In Ross

Set in the town's sandstone Market House, the Made in Ross cooperative displays and sells the work of local artists and makers.

River Loops Cycle Ride

Pedal a scenic 50km bike ride along the River Wye, visiting Hoarwithy, How Caple and Hole-in -the-Wall before returning to Ross. A series of ascents are rewarded with fabulous views – and visits to excellent country pubs including The New Harp Inn, The Cottage of Content and The Greenman.

Walk the Wye Valley

The 219km Wye Valley Walk passes through the centre of Ross-on-Wye. Take a short stroll or tackle the 28km leg to Hereford, enjoying relaxed strolling through riverside meadows and traditional orchards, plus some hilly scrambles, to finish at the city's magnificent cathedral.

Ross-on-Wye Directory

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