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.

Try the self-guided walks

Businesses related to Ross-on-Wye

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Way2Go Adventures Ltd

Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…

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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…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Valley Miniature Golf

A twelve hole miniature golf course amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will… A twelve hole miniature golf course amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will you beat par?

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Families | Groups | Nature

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

See hundreds of free-flying butterflies at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat. Indoor… See hundreds of free-flying butterflies at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat. Indoor rainforest-tickets, opening hours and visitor tips.

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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.

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Families | Groups

The King's Head Hotel

A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee… A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee facilities, freeview flatscreen television, free Wi-Fi and car-park.

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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…

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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…

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Symonds Yat Canoe Hire

With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of… With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, we are in the perfect location for you to begin your…

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Arts | Nature | Groups

David Broadbent Photography

David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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Arts

Forest Of Dean & Wye Valley School Of Photography

Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…

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Harts Barn Cookery School

Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…

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Groups | History | Families

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a… Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it…

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Events awarded Ross-on-Wye

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Families | Foodies

Christmas Fayre

Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025

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…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
12th Nov 2025 - 12th Nov 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.…

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James Borland Quartet featuring George Crowley James Borland Trumpet George Crowley Saxophone Nick Manz Piano Ben Love Bass Kai Chareunsy Drums Double Sided Posters Portrait A4 4

Relaxation

Jazz Club Jay Riley Quartet

Dates:
13th Nov 2025 - 13th Nov 2025

Jay Riley Quartet Featuring Jay on Tenor Sax, Matt Ball on piano, Russ Sargeant on Bass and Tom… Jay Riley Quartet Featuring Jay on Tenor Sax, Matt Ball on piano, Russ Sargeant on Bass and Tom Voce on Drums

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025

Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop

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Dogs | Families | Arts

Christmas Decoration Making Workshop

Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025

Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop

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Families | Foodies | Groups

Christmas Macarons

Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025

Make your own delicious range of Christmas Macarons

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Foodies | History | Groups

Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings

Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025

Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…

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Experiences Awarded Ross-on-Wye

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Walking around Ross-on-Wye's Museum Without Walls route

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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.

ROSS VINTAGE TRAIL 2025 PROOF 2 page 0002

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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’.

Big group enjoying a stand up paddleboard SUP experience on the river wye with inspire2adventure

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Experience with…

Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers a Stand-up Paddleboard Experience! Suitable for… Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers a Stand-up Paddleboard Experience! Suitable for families, groups, and individuals where you can explore the River Wye on a…

Trails In Ross-on-Wye

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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!

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.

Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

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.

Dogs | Families | History | Accessible

Market Towns Trail

Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market… Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market towns with our self-guided Market Towns Trail. Each town on the trail offers…