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About Us
A friendly and welcoming small market town, overlooking the Wye and within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ross is located midway between the cities of Hereford and Gloucester and known as the “Gateway to the Wye Valley.” Much of the town is designated a conservation area and at its heart is the historic Market House, a listed Ancient Monument, built of the Old Red Sandstone and housing an art and craft gallery and one of the town’s two Tourist Information sites. Ross is well known for its many excellent independent and specialist shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and hotels, many of which are dog friendly. There is also a Vintage Shopping Trail.
Dominating the town is the spire of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church and next to it is the famous Prospect Gardens. From here you can take in wonderful views of the horseshoe bend in the Wye, the Black Mountains, Breacon Beacons and Malvern Hills. The town is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 16th century and has attracted visitors since the 18th century. It is known as the Birthplace of British Tourism following the pleasure boat tours organised by the Rev. John Egerton (c.1745) and publication in 1782 of the guidebook “Observations on the River Wye” by William Gilpin (the first illustrated tour guide of its kind in Britain). Ross-on-Wye became the starting point for the famous Wye Valley Tour. Its mock Gothic walls and Gazebo Tower were built in 1833 in the “Picturesque” style. All of these sights, and many more can be visited by following 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 is always something on in Ross. During the summer months Sunday afternoon concerts are held at the Bandstand by the river. There is the small but perfectly formed Phoenix Theatre with regular shows by local groups and film screenings and Ross is also known for its many festivals and lively music scene. For more information about these go to Play Ross.
Set in glorious Herefordshire countryside Ross is the perfect base for a visit to the area. Within easy reach are the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Symonds Yat, Goodrich Castle, Tintern Abbey, the Malverns, and several large centres such as Cheltenham, Hereford (Hereford Cathedral contains the Mappa Mundi and chained library), Gloucester and Cardiff. There are great opportunities to walk, canoe, cycle and fish as well as shop.
An annual walking festival is normally held in the autumn. There are also 18 self-guided walks that you can download and enjoy some of the fine walking around Ross-on-Wye:
Ross-on-Wye is a Walkers are Welcome Town.
