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Ross-on-wye Tourist Information


Herefordshire is known for its pretty villages and Ross-on-Wye surely tops the list. This small market town has just over 10,000 residents and the picturesque streets, shops and quaint market square draw many more thousands of tourists.

Ross-on-Wye was appropriately the birthplace of British tourism. It was started by the rector, Dr John Egerton, whose rectory overlooked the Wye Valley. He frequently took his friends out on boat trips to appreciate the scenic beauty.

This, coupled with the publication in 1782 of William Gilpin's book about the natural beauty of the Wye River, created a huge demand for boat trips and soon eight boats were plying the river. By 1850, Ross-on-Wye was officially a tourist area.

The 12th century remains of Wilton Castle mark the presence of the Normans in this area. The castle was associated with Wilton Manor, home of the Longchamps of Wilton who were originally Bailiffs of Normandy and later became Sheriffs of Hereford. Much of the castle was destroyed after the English Civil War.

Within the town itself, one of the oldest buildings is St Mary's Parish Church. It is over 700 years old and its spire can be seen from all directions. Note the 1530 alabaster sculpture on William Rudhall's tomb created by the highly-respected masons from Nottingham. In the churchyard, the Plague Cross was erected in 1637 to commemorate the 315 townsfolk who died of the plague and had to be buried in a plague pit.


Present Day Ross-on-Wye

With its straggle of Tudor timbered houses running down the main street, Ross-on-Wye is picture-postcard pretty. The arcaded sandstone market house in the centre of the town continues to hold markets on Thursday and Saturdays and the Visitor Centre is on the first floor. The building dates back to 1650 and replaced an older building which was known as Booth Hall.

Another building of note in Ross-on-Wye is the quaint Man of Ross Inn, named after John Kyrle, a local philanthropist. The castellated red brick building in the town was actually the former garage of the Valley Hotel.

You don't have to go far to enjoy some splendid views of the River Wye in the valley below the town. In the garden opposite the church there is a viewpoint overlooking the famous horseshoe bend in the river as well as to the distant Black Mountains.


Things to do in Ross-on-Wye

The Wye Valley begs to be explored on foot along the riverbank, by boat, bicycle or on a scenic drive. The serene natural beauty of the Wye Valley is deservedly highly acclaimed. It provides recreation for canoeists and kayakers, nature watchers, walkers, fishing enthusiasts and even hosts raft races from time to time.

Further downstream is the famous beauty spot of Symonds Yat, a dramatic gorge cut through the limestone cliffs. On either side of the river are the settlements of Symonds Yat East and Symonds Yat West, linked on calm river days by a man-powered rope ferry.

On the outskirts of the town are the remains of the Wilton Castle, now restored and open to the public. The remains of the much larger Goodrich Castle are also a great place to learn about Hereford's rich history.

 

Images of Ross-on-wye
View of Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
Riverside walk Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
View of river Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
View of river Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
View of river Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
View of river Ross-on-Wye © Dave Wilton
Weather: Ross-on-wye Weather Forecast

Here's a 5 day weather forecast for Ross-on-wye from the Met Office:



Directions
Show map of Ross-on-wye...


Attractions near Ross-on-wye
How Caple Court Gardens (4 Miles)*
The 11 acre gardens of How Caple Court date from Edwardian times and are set high above the River Wye with views towards the Forest of Dean and the Welsh Mountains.
Goodrich Castle (4 Miles)*
Goodrich Castle is the most complete medieval castle in Britain, despite its turbulent history. Built on a rocky outcrop with exhilarating views over the Wye Valley, it gives a fascinating insight into fortress life seven centuries ago.
International Centre for Birds of Prey (6 Miles)*
Once more under the direction of Jemima Parry-Jones, the Centre has undergone a substantial facelift and everything has been upgraded. Please come to visit.
more attractions in Ross-on-wye and things to do in Ross-on-wye ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Ross-on-wye

Attractions:
  How Caple Court Gardens  4 Miles
  Goodrich Castle  4 Miles
  International Centre for Birds of Prey  6 Miles
more attractions in Ross-on-wye...
 
Towns:
  Wilton  1 Mile
  Weston under Penyard  1 Mile
  Foy  2 Miles
more towns near Ross-on-wye...
 
Estate Agents:
  Bairstow Eves Countrywide  1 Mile
  Jonathan Preece and Co  1 Mile
  Parrys  1 Mile
Hotels:
  Chase Hotel  <1 Mile
  The Kings Head Hotel  1 Mile
  The Royal Hotel  1 Mile
more hotels in Ross-on-wye area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Raglan House  1 Mile
more bed and breakfasts near Ross-on-wye...
 
Self Catering:
  Garden Cottage & The Granary  1 Mile
  The Bothy  2 Miles
  The Barn - Forge House  4 Miles
more self catering near Ross-on-wye...
 
Campsites:
  Greenway Farm Caravan & Camping Site  4 Miles
  Elmsdale  5 Miles
  Doward Park Campsite  6 Miles
TIC: Ross-On-Wye Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01989 562768  1 Mile



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Towns near Ross-on-wye
Wilton Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Weston under Penyard Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Foy Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
more towns near Ross-on-wye...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Ross-on-wye
Chase Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
Chase Hotel - a member of Classic British Hotels, is set in private grounds in beautiful Ross-on-Wye. All bedrooms are individually appointed with some enjoying views of the surrounding grounds and gardens.
The Kings Head Hotel (1 Mile)*
Situated in the most picturesque street in the market town of Ross-on-Wye, this 14th century inn maintains many of its original features, including oak beams and a large stone fireplace.
The Royal Hotel (1 Mile)*
Standing high above the horseshoe bend of the River Wye, the Royal enjoys some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. Situated near the town centre the hotel is ideally located to explore Goodrich Castle, Monmouth and the Brecon Beacons.
more Ross-on-wye hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Ross-on-wye
Garden Cottage & The Granary (1 Mile)*
We offer superb accommodation in peaceful secluded countryside on a real working farm with milking cows, calves, sheep & during February/March Lambs.
'Pebbles' (2 Miles)*
Peter and Barbara will be pleased to welcome you to our recently refurbished Holiday Homes number 28,42,& 245 Freshwater Bay Holiday Village,(also known as Trewent Park).
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more self catering near Ross-on-wye ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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