Should you be seeking a picturesque place to visit, then
Ross-on-Wye could be the answer. This small but unique Herefordshire town, at the end of the M50, is a popular destination with tourists but still manages to convey an unhurried feel, making it the ideal place for a relaxing break.
Situated on the Welsh borders and known simply as Ross until its official name change in 1931,
Ross-on-Wye rises from the banks of the River Wye. This ancient but flourishing market town has plenty to offer, not least its history and the beauty of its setting. The small and often unique shops are an added bonus.
A familiar landmark is
St Mary's Church, which stands at one of the highest points; its tall spire, stretching up over 200 feet, towers over the town and can be seen from miles around. A sad but interesting feature in the churchyard is the Plague Cross. It marks the graves of around 300 local people who are said to have been buried by night and without coffins during the plague in 1637.
Close to the church is a public garden designed by John Kyrle, called The Prospect. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the bend in the River Wye known as the 'horseshoe'. You are also able to see the Black Mountains in the distance as well as, to the west, the remains of Wilton Castle. One, among many, beautiful features of The Prospect, is a carved stone gateway known as 'Kyrle's Gateway' which was built in 1700 and joins the garden to the churchyard.
Ross-on-Wye's
Market Hall, built from red sandstone in the mid 1600s, is located at the centre of the town. Markets have been held in the town since the 12th century, having been granted permission by King Stephen. The Market Hall is now home to a Visitor Centre detailing the story of the town and the surrounding Wye Valley using both exhibits and audio. The exhibits here change quite a bit and there are usually a few hands-on displays - the best part is that there is no entry fee!
A building known as
Tudor House is one of the impressive black and white half-timbered houses in
Ross-on-Wye. Another is the
Man of Ross House where the town's benefactor, John Kyrle, once lived. The Rudhall Almshouses, next to the church, are also Tudor-fronted.
A curious feature of historic
Ross-on-Wye is a round Gothic-style tower set into what looks like ancient town walls in St Mary's Street. Known locally now as the
Gazebo Tower, it was actually built - along with the mock town walls - in 1833.
Recommended towns and villages near Ross-on-Wye;
Hampton Bishop > Kilpeck > Ledbury > Symonds Yat > Walford
