Britain is full of pretty little towns – with all four nations of the United Kingdom boasting more than their fair share of beautiful settlements.
Some of these lovely locales can be found in the border regions – with Ross-on-Wye being one such example.
Ross-on-Wye, as the name suggests, is nestled in the glorious Wye Valley. It’s just eight miles from England’s border with Wales – its name is an Anglicisation of the Welsh word for a promontory, Rhosan.
With a history that dates back to the Bronze Age, Ross-on-Wye was once home to Romans – and was even referenced in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Its Norman conquerors noted that the village was home to the Bishop of Hereford’s manor – the upgraded version of which, dating to the 12th century, survives to this day.
The rest of the town is a beguiling mix of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings – and some interesting modern ones. This rich history – and the beautiful countryside surrounding the town – has drawn visitors to Ross-on-Wye for centuries.
So much so, that it’s known as the birthplace of British tourism. In the 18th century, the Rector of Ross created the Wye Tour, which took tourists along the river from Ross to Chepstow.
The UK’s first guidebook, published by William Gilpin, was about Ross – and by the end of the 18th century, the package tour was well-established in this vibrant town. Indeed, the Wye Tour celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2020.
As for the Wye Valley, it’s been hailed as a dupe for the Cotswolds, but with fewer tourists. It’s also been named Europe’s best autumnal destinations’.
A protected landscape with more than 20 million trees, the Wye Valley has been named the best place in Europe to see leaves change colour in October.
CN Traveller said: “There are more than 20 million trees in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, the reason perhaps that it’s becoming known as the UK’s leading leaf-peeping destination….the autumn colours of oak, ash and beech trees will line the path in gold from October to early November.”
It’s little wonder then that Ross-on-Wye was named Britain’s best-loved market town by National Express earlier this year. The coach firm’s Managing Director Tom Stables said: “With its picturesque location and stunning Market House it’s hardly surprising Ross-on-Wye is regarded as one of the best towns in the UK.
“It’s tough to think of anything more quintessentially British than a market town, and we think that’s worth celebrating.”
As you’d expect with a market town, Ross-On-Wye is still renowned for its shopping experience. It even has a Vintage Shopping Trail which takes in 13 specialist shops selling vintage clothes, antiques, and collectables.
As for food and drink, TripAdvisor currently ranks the No 3 Restaurant as its number one restaurant.
One reviewer said: “On the pricier side, however my food was divine. I had a cheese soufflé for started and a fillet steak with prawns, garlic butter and seasonal greens.
“Decent portions and lovely service. Would recommend and visit again.”
