Nature
Through The Local Lens: James Kelly-Smith
Post date:
4th November 2025
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
- 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 | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
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…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
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…
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…
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Prices from:
£90.00
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.
Adventure | Dogs | Families
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…
Adventure | Nature | Arts | History
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
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…
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.
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.…
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…
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 | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature
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…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Miniature Golf
Indoor Adventure Golf and outdoor Mini Golf. Never mind the weather, you can always play together. Indoor Adventure Golf and outdoor Mini Golf. Never mind the weather, you can always play together.
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.
Prices from:
£110.00
Business Directory
Granton Coach House
4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat… 4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat in peaceful village setting. Many local walks here in the beautiful Wye…
Events awarded Ross-on-Wye
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Date From:
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Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our… Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award-winning wines in the historic setting of the Long Room at Wythall Manor.
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always… A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always wanted to do’ activities. This incredibly enjoyable 90-minute experience…
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 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.…
Families | Groups | Arts | Relaxation | Dogs
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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
View Event
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…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Foodies | Groups | History
Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…
View Event
Dogs | Families | Arts
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Dogs | Groups | Families
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Families | Foodies | Groups
Festive Baking
Event Dates:
14th Dec 2025 - 14th Dec 2025
Festive Baking- Cakes and biscuits
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Festive Breads
Event Dates:
14th Dec 2025 - 14th Dec 2025
Learn how to make delicious Festive Breads
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View EventExperiences Awarded Ross-on-Wye
Prices from:
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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.
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’.
Prices from:
£41.00
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
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.
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…
Offers From Ross-on-Wye
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature
Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…
Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
Our latest Ross-on-Wye blogs
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Dogs
Leaf Peeping in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley: Best Autumn Colours in the UK
Post date:
1st October 2025
Discover the best places for autumn colours in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with our leaf peeping guide, tips, and local highlights.
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