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Ross on Wye See Wikipedia Page

Ross-on-Wye, Gateway to the Wye valley The historic market town of Ross on Wye with its Tudor framed houses and panoramic views across the river Wye is often noted as the gateway to the Wye valley!

With its excellent an M5 link Ross is the ideal place for touring the Wye valley, golden valley, Symonds Yat and surrounding areas.

Ross on Wye a small market town with a population of 10,089 in southeastern Herefordshire, England, located on the River Wye, and on the northern edge of the Forest of Dean. The ancient town built high on a sandstone cliff in a country market town with a strong community spirit. First documented in 1016, with a 13th century church and the 17th century market house, it can be both busy with markets on a Thursday, and peaceful, with gardens offering panoramic views and walks by the river Wye.

Visitor attractions include the lost street museum of shops, the button museum, small craft workshops, as well as a varied and interesting shopping centre. For the more active there are tennis courts, putting greens, swimming pool, rowing club and other outdoor activities.

Ross-on-Wye was the birthplace of the British tourist industry. In 1745, the rector, Dr John Egerton, started taking friends on boat trips down the Valley from the rectory at Ross.

In 1782, William Gilpin's book "Observations on the River Wye" was published, the first illustrated tour guide to be published in Britain. Once it was published, demand grew so much that by 1808 there were eight boats making regular excursions down the Wye, most of them hired from inns in Ross and Monmouth. By 1850 more than 20 visitors had published their own accounts of the Wye Tour, and the area was established as a tourist area.

Once it was published, demand grew so much that by 1808 there were eight boats making regular excursions down the Wye, most of them hired from inns in Ross and Monmouth. By 1850 more than 20 visitors had published their own accounts of the Wye Tour, and the area was established as a tourist area.

The 700 year old parish church of St. Mary's is the town's most prominent landmark and its tall pointed spire is visible when approaching the town from all directions. The church holds several distinctive tombs, one of which- that of a certain William Rudhall (d.1530) - is one of the last great alabaster sculptures from the specialist masons of Nottingham, whose work was prized across medieval Europe. Another tomb is of John Kyrle, a prominent figure in 18th century Ross, whose name is now given to the town's secondary school.

Opposite the church, The Prospect is a neat public garden offering a view of the famous horseshoe bend in the River Wye as well as pleasant views as far as the Black Mountains. The ruins of Wilton Castle lie to the west of the town; the Castle has now been fully restored and is open to visitors as of 2008.