Nature
Through The Local Lens: Richard Giles
Post date:
2nd October 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
- Locations
- Ross On Wye
Ross-on-Wye
Discover Ross-on-Wye
The Gateway to the Wye Valley
Ross-on-Wye is a friendly and welcoming market town perched high above a scenic bend in the River Wye, right in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ideally located midway between Hereford and Gloucester, it’s often known as the Gateway to the Wye Valley - and a wonderful place to start your adventure.
A Town Full of Character and History
Much of Ross is a designated conservation area, with the historic Market House at its centre. Built from Old Red Sandstone, this ancient monument now houses a vibrant art and craft gallery and one of the town’s two tourist information centres.
Ross is also renowned for its many independent shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and hotels - many of them are dog-friendly - offering a warm welcome to every visitor.
Overlooking the town is the spire of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, with its neighbouring Prospect Gardens, offering panoramic views of the horseshoe bend in the River Wye, the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, and the Malvern Hills.
The town’s rich history stretches back to the 16th century, and Ross-on-Wye is proudly recognised as the Birthplace of British Tourism. In the mid-18th century, Rev. John Egerton (c.1745) organised pleasure boat tours along the Wye, inspiring the 1782 publication of “Observations on the River Wye” by William Gilpin - Britain’s first illustrated tour guide. Ross-on-Wye became the starting point for the famous Wye Valley Tour.
Ross’s beautiful mock Gothic town walls and Gazebo Tower, built in 1833, are perfect examples of the picturesque style so popular with early visitors. Many of these historic highlights can be explored via the Ross-on-Wye Heritage Trail.
Explore the Riverside Arboretum
In 2019 a one-mile long linear arboretum was created along the banks of the River Wye, the first such arboretum in the UK. It consists of 163 trees, including many rare species, to attract visitors, contribute to the town's conservation agenda and add natural beauty to the riverside. An open air attraction with a fascinating collection of trees stretching right along the river bank provides a safe and educational experience for those who love trees, conservationists and casual visitors alike. It will be interesting to see this develop. Download the tree maps:
Arts, Events, and Festivals
There’s always something happening in Ross!
- Summer Bandstand Concerts: Free Sunday afternoon concerts by the river.
- Phoenix Theatre: A lively hub for local productions and film screenings.
- Festivals & Events: Ross is home to a busy calendar of festivals, with a lively music scene and events happening throughout the year. Find out more at Visit Ross-on-Wye's website linked here.
An Outdoor Adventure Hub
Set in glorious Herefordshire countryside, Ross-on-Wye is perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding region. Nearby highlights include:
- Forest of Dean and Symonds Yat
- Goodrich Castle
- Tintern Abbey
- Hereford Cathedral
- The Malvern Hills
- Cheltenham, Hereford, Gloucester, and Cardiff
Walking, canoeing, cycling, and fishing opportunities are abundant and Ross is proudly a Walkers are Welcome town.
Each autumn, the town hosts an annual walking festival, and there are 18 self-guided walks available to download, helping you explore the area's natural beauty at your own pace.
Businesses related to Ross-on-Wye
Foodies | Accessible | Dogs
The Forest Larder
The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley… The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and beyond.
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses,… Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses, baking workshops and inspiring food experiences.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Canoes
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat… We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing,… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley…
Adventure
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Adventures
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,… We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs
Canoe the Wye Ltd
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
Prices from:
£90.00
Families | Groups | Foodies
The King's Head Hotel
A family run hotel in the most picturesque street in Ross-on-Wye. All rooms are en-suite with tea &… A family run hotel in the most picturesque street in Ross-on-Wye. All rooms are en-suite with tea & coffee facilities and freeview flatscreen TV's.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We… As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in…
Arts | History
Wobage Maker's Gallery
Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by… Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by the makers. Ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, kitchenwood, basketry,…
Prices from:
£100.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Broom Hill Retreat
Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest… Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest of Dean. Enjoy nature with home comforts, hot tubs & more!
Arts | Families | Groups
Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of… Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits…
Families
Wythall Estate
Two cottages completely self-contained and situated in the west wing of 16th century half-timbered… Two cottages completely self-contained and situated in the west wing of 16th century half-timbered manor house in a secluded and idyllic setting with a garden, duck pond and…
Prices from:
£32.00
Families | Dogs
Ryeford Ponds Glamping and Camping
Ryeford Ponds - comfortable glamping and nearly-wild camping! A world away from hustle and bustle.… Ryeford Ponds - comfortable glamping and nearly-wild camping! A world away from hustle and bustle. Perfect for unwinding and slowing down the pace of life
Foodies
Wythall Estate Vineyard
Enjoy drinking award-winning English wine in our beautiful lakeside garden at Wythall Estate. Enjoy drinking award-winning English wine in our beautiful lakeside garden at Wythall Estate.
Events awarded Ross-on-Wye
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Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
10th Oct 2026
Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own wheel, lots of clay &… Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own wheel, lots of clay & expert tuition. £180 per person. Multiple dates available.
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 18th Dec 2027
Next Event Date:
16th Oct 2026
Try your hand at the potter's wheel with a 90-minute introduction class at Eastnor Pottery,… Try your hand at the potter's wheel with a 90-minute introduction class at Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. £60 per person. Multiple dates available, book now.
Foodies | Groups | Arts
Best of Grohl
Dates:
9th Oct 2026 - 9th Oct 2026
"The Best Of Grohl" is the UK's ultimate rock tribute show celebrating the legendary career of Dave "The Best Of Grohl" is the UK's ultimate rock tribute show celebrating the legendary career of Dave
Arts | History
Paul Coldwell – Ink Paper Chisel Grain
Event Dates:
12th Nov 2026 - 12th Nov 2026
Join Paul Coldwell for a dazzling journey through 500 years of art, ideas…
View EventExperiences Awarded Ross-on-Wye
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
Prices from:
£55.00
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Canoeing on the River Wye
Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife. Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife. Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips for any age or ability.
Prices from:
£0.00
History
Museum Without Walls
A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites. A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites.
Prices from:
£0.00
Experiences
Vintage and Design Shopping Trail
Ross-on-Wye’s Vintage & Design Shopping Trail is a fantastic selection of sixteen specialist… Ross-on-Wye’s Vintage & Design Shopping Trail is a fantastic selection of sixteen specialist independent shops who have formed a ‘trail’.
Itineraries Awarded Ross-on-Wye
A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations,… A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations, from Otis's house to Wintour's Leap and a river cruise.
Trails In Ross-on-Wye
A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with… A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with optional tour/tasting and stays.
History | Accessible
Thomas Blake Trail
Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake! Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake!
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Offers From Ross-on-Wye
Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu,… Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu, children's options and a warm Forest of Dean welcome.
Our latest Ross-on-Wye blogs
Through the Local Lens: with photographer and videographer Tristan Shipley. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
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Through the Local Lens: with photographer Philip Jarrett. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
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Find swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
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