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.
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.
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:
There’s always something happening in Ross!
Set in glorious Herefordshire countryside, Ross-on-Wye is perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding region. Nearby highlights include:
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.
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…
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…
Prices from:
£90.00
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.…
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.
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…
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…
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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£100.00
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!
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.
A back to basics campsite and accommodation. Nestled in a secluded part of the Wye Valley, the 18… A back to basics campsite and accommodation. Nestled in a secluded part of the Wye Valley, the 18 acre site hugs the river and is surrounded by acres of ancient woodland.
Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands,… Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands, meadows and ponds. With only 2 fully set-up and furnished bell tents,…
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…
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Dates:
30th Aug 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll… Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll get to throw, trim, assemble and decorate your pottery to an extremely high…
Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 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.…
Dates:
13th Aug 2025 - 13th Aug 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.…
Dates:
2nd Aug 2025 - 2nd Aug 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.…
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2025 - 2nd Aug 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2025 - 2nd Aug 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Prices from:
£41.00
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…
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.
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…
Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut
EXCLUSIVE JUNE OFFER - 10 % OFF Remaining Glamping Breaks for stays until 25/7/2025. EXCLUSIVE JUNE OFFER - 10 % OFF Remaining Glamping Breaks for stays until 25/7/2025.
Discover six scenic parkruns, PB-friendly routes, and family-friendly trails in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - your next running weekend awaits.
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