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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:

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

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Events awarded Ross-on-Wye

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Dates:
5th Sept 2025 - 13th Sept 2025

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Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation | Accessible

Herefordshire Art Week

Dates:
6th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Immerse yourself in nine days of creative discovery across Herefordshire's most inspiring artistic…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
6th Sept 2025 - 6th Sept 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
10th Sept 2025 - 10th Sept 2025

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Foodies | Relaxation

End of Summer Feast Night at the Fernery

Event Dates:
11th Sept 2025 - 11th Sept 2025

Join us and celebrate the end of summer with this delicious feast night at…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
26th Sept 2025 - 26th Sept 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
27th Sept 2025 - 27th Sept 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
3rd Oct 2025 - 3rd Oct 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

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Foodies | Groups | Nature

Autumn Candle Making

Event Dates:
9th Oct 2025 - 9th Oct 2025

Join us and Time to Burn candles and create your very own warm Autumn…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
10th Oct 2025 - 10th Oct 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
11th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
15th Oct 2025 - 15th Oct 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Weekend Course

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25th Oct 2025 - 26th Oct 2025

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Experiences Awarded Ross-on-Wye

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Trails In Ross-on-Wye

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Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

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Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

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Offers From Ross-on-Wye

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Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature

Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…

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