A meander through Ross on Wye
A historic market town perched on a cliff overlooking the River Wye – Ross on Wye is something pretty special. Let us guide you around our favourite places in the town.
Just a 15-minute drive from our Roundhouse retreat is the market town of Ross on Wye. Known as the Birthplace of British Tourism, Ross was the starting point of the historic Wye Tour in the 18th century, when boat trips took visitors down the river from Ross to Chepstow to admire the beauty of the landscape. These tours reached their peak in the Napoleonic Wars, when taking the Grand Tour throughout Europe became too dangerous.
The Wye Tour attracted famous writers like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, and artists like JMW Turner, who painted a view of Ross's Market House as well as views along the Wye.
The town still attracts many visitors today, drawn to its sandstone architecture, its jumble of independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafes, and of course its proximity to the majestic Wye – the "nation's favourite river".
Below we've curated our favourite places to eat and drink, our favourite shops and somewhere you can have a cold plunge and sauna by the river.
Clifftop views and a hearty breakfast
If you've driven, park your car in the carpark on Wilton Road, near the skatepark. It's very cheap to park here all day. Follow the pretty riverside path then wind uphill to the town, admiring views from the mock-Gothic tower. Look around the 13th-century St Mary's Church, then head to Victoria's Coffee Shop on Broad Street for breakfast. This cosy, retro-vibe cafe (with a tattoo parlour upstairs) serves excellent coffee, cake and quality Full-English breakfasts and avocado-laden brunches. Never heard of a hash brown sandwich? You have now.
Antiques trail and a riverside picnic
Follow the Vintage & Design shopping trail to see the best of Ross's antiques, collectibles, bric-a-brac, vintage clothes, jewellery and arts & crafts. Our favourite antiques shop is Thompson Trading for its collection of vintage watches and tweed jackets. And don't miss the art gallery in the historic Market House, which has a gorgeous view of the town from the gallery window.
For lunch, either grab yourself some local delights from Truffles Delicatessen to enjoy a picnic by the river. Or go to Truffles Cafe on the High Street – it has a sweet little 'secret garden' down the side alley. The cafe serves generous sandwiches, sausages rolls and quiche served with colourful salads.
Messing about on the river
If the weather's lovely and you fancy a paddle - you'll find canoe and paddle board hire at the riverside pub The Hope & Anchor. There's also a pop-up sauna at the rowing club on select dates - keep an eye on the Ross on Wye Rowing Club Facebook page for more info.
Or if you're in the mood for more shopping, we recommend a short drive to Baileys Home Store, just outside the town. This impeccably curated collection of homewares in old farm buildings really is a feast for the eyes. There's a cafe on site too.
As the evening draws in
If you've worked up an appetite for dinner, we recommend the seasonal and locally sourced menu at The King's Head. Their homemade pies are particularly good. The pub also runs a music and comedy venue called the Corn Exchange, just around the corner. This unique venue serves real ales that are brewed on site.
For a nightcap, call in at the snazzy Plates&Shakers, which has the quirkiest cocktail menu we've ever seen.
We hope our guide makes for a wonderful day out in this historic clifftop town.
Our spa retreat, The Roundhouse, is just a 15 minute drive from Ross on Wye. Find out more here.