Roses are red, violets are blue, this Valentine’s Day is all about you! Although it might not be quite the romantic getaway we had in mind, local shops and restaurants throughout Ross-on-Wye are making things easy and accessible by bringing the special day right to you and your loved one. Here are just a few ideas on how to make the most of romance this February.

Cross Keys Inn

Love is in the air at The Cross Keys Inn as well as the divine smell of homemade Valentines chocolate cheesecake. The limited Valentines menu consists of 2 Welsh Black beef burgers, 2 loaded fries, a free bottle of Pinot and a Valentines chocolate cheesecake heart. Their famous cheesecakes are also available to buy separately for £20 and flavours include: lemon meringue, chocolate orange, raspberry and vanilla and white chocolate and strawberry. Call 07833016777 to order yours for delivery now.
Cross Keys Inn Goodrich | Facebook

Cellar Bar

The Cellar Bar has been working hard to perfect their Valentine’s Day menu for you this year. Starting from just £25pp this comes with a starter, main and dessert with a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from. Available on Saturday 13^th February too, it is a great wine and dine to share with your pals for a Zoom night in!
The Cellar Bar | Facebook

Designer Flowers

These roses are certainly a radiant red and their violets are a beautiful blue! Designer flowers has the flower power to brighten up anyone’s day.  They can create bespoke displays depending on your request. They are offering a collection and delivery service too.
Visit www.designerflowers.co.uk to place your order.

Ross Wines

Take your taste buds all the way to the romantic destination of Sicily by purchasing this fruity red from Ross Wines. The Baglio Gibellina, U. Passimiento is a Valentine’s Day favourite. It is full of intense flavours; the palate is warm and full-bodied with harmonious acidity and smooth and elegant tannins. The full range of wines are on offer at discount Valentine prices: red; white and rose; still and sparking.
Visit www.rosswines.co.uk or call 01 989 76 22 75 to order.

Plan ahead!

Surprise your loved one with some forward thinking and book this romantic overnight stay at The Old Barn House for the summer months ahead.  Located just 10 minutes from Ross-on-Wye, this accommodation offers a hot tub, beautiful country views, large private mature garden (with outside seating, outdoor games and gas BBQ) and is walking distance from a picturesque fishing lake (with complementary fishing for guests). The property has all the touches you would expect from a luxury cottage, including welcome basket of local produce on arrival and dogs are welcome. Full details of the property can be seen here: https://oldbarnhousehereford.co.uk/

Wharton Lodge

For something a little more private the two-person cottage at Wharton Lodge boasts parkland views from every room. The interior designed sitting room is stylish and comfortable with a dining area perfect for a romantic meal. A welcome hamper of provisions, fresh flowers, towels, bath robes, slippers, luxury toiletries, down pillows and luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen all add to the comfort of your stay. Visit www.whartonlodge.co.u to plan ahead and make your booking for this summer.

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates

Earlier this month, Ross-on-Wye was named one of the ‘Five places to buy that are better than the Cotswolds’ by The Sunday Times. Of course, we already knew that but now the secret is out. With mentions of the town’s famous rowing club, (www.rossrowingclub.co.uk) and our many independent antique shops, award winning butcher and cafés, the article also describes Ross-on-Wye as ‘the heart of the Herefordshire community’.
Read the whole article here: Five places to buy that are better than the Cotswolds | Home | The Sunday Times (thetimes.co.uk)

In other news, The Telegraph nominated Herefordshire as the number one hidden corner of Britain. Tell us something we don’t know. Also described as a ‘criminally overlooked destination’. With mentions of our lovely neighbours, Bromyard and Hereford, we couldn’t agree more with this super write up for our wonderful destination.

Read the full article here for satiation inspiration – get ready to book your 2021 trip before others get in there first: The hidden corners of Britain to escape the crowds this summer (telegraph.co.uk)

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates.

January marks the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs and explore the great outdoors. Breath in the fresh crisp air, take in the rolling hills and admire the frosty mornings. Ross-on-wye is the gateway to the Wye Valley and hosts an abundance of beautiful scenic trails and hikes, so to explore the local area and stay fit and healthy this January, here are some winter rambles to enjoy around Ross.

John Kyrle Walk

John Kyrle, known as ‘The Man of Ross’, was a 17th Century philanthropist and this walk around Ross-on-Wye is believed to be a favourite of his. After his father’s death in the 1650’s he inherited the timber-framed house in Ross, opposite the Market House. Here he lived modestly as a bachelor on an income, it is said, of £500 per year. If you look up at the side of the Market House opposite John Kyrle’s house, you will notice the curious logogram on the wall representing ‘Faithful to Charles in heart’. This is traditionally associated with Kyrle showing his loyalty to the crown. To start this 3-mile loop, park in the Wilton Road car park, and set off from the Wye Valley Walk board behind the skateboard park. Cross the footbridge and head up the steep path, then at the junction turn right on the John Kyrle Walk path.
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/1755/john_kyrle_circular_walk

Weston-under-Penyard

Located three miles from Ross-on-Wye, walkers can start this walk at the Village Hall at School Lane in Weston-under- Penyard.  This leisurely 4.2-mile loop will lead you to Dancing Green encompassing stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills. This circular walk takes walkers through Pontshill and returns along the edge of Penyard woods. Download the PDF map here:

walk13_Weston Under Penyard to Dancing Green 200715 (wordpress.com)

Bridstow and back

The Bridstow Walk is a circular and mostly flat stile-free walk, crossing the River Wye at Wilton using footpaths and lanes to Bridstow Church. It includes a loop around Wilton Castle, views to Ross, May Hill, Penyard Hill and Chase Hill. It can be muddy in places after heavy rain! The walk is around 5.6 miles and starts from the riverside bandstand, in Wye Street. Walkers can park in the road at start or in the Wilton Road Car Park.
Download the full PDF loop here:

walk13_Weston Under Penyard to Dancing Green 200715 (wordpress.com

The Buggy Route 

Ross-on-Wye Buggy Route – A family and buggy friendly walk popular with users of electrically powered scooters and wheelchairs, as well as people with children’s buggies. Start at the Ross-on-Wye Bandstand, Wye Street or in the car park on Wilton Road. This easy walk is approximately 4 miles. Start by crossing the road from the bandstand to follow the tarmac path to the riverside footpath and turn right. Follow the path that was installed to provide access along the full length of the riverside towards the Rowing Club.
Download the full PDF loop here:
walk03 Buggy Route 200720 (wordpress.com)

Chase Wood Walk

Retrace the river courses, ancient and modern, around Ross before an exhilarating ascent to the top of Chase Wood on this 6.6 mile loop taking roughly 3-4 hours. The route will include Riverside paths, fields and steep slopes in Chase Wood. An ancient river meander south of Chase Wood suggests that millions of years ago the sandstone outcrop on which the town stands would have been almost surrounded by the river.Check out the full route here: Ross-on-Wye and Chase Wood Walk, Herefordshire, England | Ross-on-Wye (showmeengland.co.uk)

Wye Valley Walk

Stretched across 136-miles, the Wye Valley route runs through the heart of the Wye Valley, packed with natural beauty and rich in history.

With the Bristol Channel at your back, walkers can start from Chepstow, with its medieval castle remains guarding the lower reaches of the Wye, and travel up through the Forest of Dean via Monmouth, birthplace of King Henry V, and Ross-on-Wye, all the time enjoying spectacular views along the Wye Valley.

You can choose to do all or some of the Southern section of the Wye Valley Walk and Walklite Baggage Transfer is happy to discuss the route in detail to help you make up your mind.
Walklite Baggage Transfer can organise your bag transfers for the walk so you can enjoy the trail hands free! Walklite Baggage understand the needs of walkers and their local knowledge means that they can help make your trip go smoothly and enjoyably. They offer tailored services to any trip so start planning now for the Spring and visit the website to book now:

Walklite Baggage Transfer – Home Page (walkliteglos.co.uk)

For more walk ideas and inspiration visit the Walker are Welcome page, a small group of volunteers who comprise keen walkers from in and around Ross-on-Wye.
Walkers are Welcome – Welcome to Walking in Ross

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and gift ideas.

Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two met

It is time to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in the New Year! In Ross-on-Wye visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrating in style. This year there are plenty of seated fine dining options, so we have hand selected five of the finest ways to welcome in 2021. Be sure to make a booking with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious evening filled with food and wine.

No 3 Restaurant

Relax into the New Year in this rustic-chic eatery where the owners will take care of your evening ahead. No 3 has an intimate and easy-going dining atmosphere that offers a memorable experience. For those with pure food indulgence in mind, they offer a modern, European menu plus a tasty bespoke cocktail menu to try too. Book for New Year’s now to avoid disappointment.
N03 Restaurant Ross-on-Wye (no3rossonwye.com)

Leonards at 39

If you are looking for an elegant but casual drinking and dining experience accompanied by the rattle of cocktails freshly shaken by the bar team, then look no further. Leonards at 39 caters for a vibrate and buzzy evening with an extensive drinks list where you can choose from amazing cocktails, a variety of wines by the glass, draft beers/ciders and large selection of spirits – there is something for everyone. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the varied menu that offers a selection of tapas style dishes and a stunning choice of worldwide main dishes as well as burgers, flatbread and sandwiches.
About – Leonards at 39

Orles Barn

Orles Barn is nestled in the picturesque Wye Valley and one of the only surviving parts of the original structure is a former apple store. The low wall that edges the front lawn is the remains of a long building in which wooden clogs were once made for locals and passing workers. Enjoy a relaxing evening with the special New Year’s Eve menu priced at £45. Drink in the cosy Lounge before indulging in the contemporary dinner menu using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.
www.orlesbarnhotel.co.uk

Old Court Hotel

The Old Court Hotel retains the feel of an authentic and inviting Old English Inn, full of 16th Century character. The hotel has two well stocked bars, a beautiful Tudor Dining Room restaurant, a cosy lounge, an all-weather conservatory which leads on to a large patio area and beautifully kept gardens. The New Year’s Eve package includes a 2-night stay, a special dinner, plus breakfast. Hotel accommodation features many period rooms including three with Four Poster beds. As well bed & breakfast they also offer self-catering accommodation in holiday apartments and 3-bedroom holiday cottage.
For more details on price and how to book visit Herefordshire – Old Court Hotel

Glewstone Court

Get cosy by the cracking log fire and have a charming evening at Glewstone Court. Try the set New Year’s Eve menu from £75 and be surrounded by twinkling lights and the warmest of welcomes to ensure that you will enjoy a memorable  experience. Whether you are planning a quiet meal for two, private dining for six, or just enjoying your favourite tipple, the unique combination of excellent food, friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere will really get you in the spirit of the festive season.

If you would like to make a booking to celebrate New Year’s Eve call 01989 770 367 or visit www.glewstonecourt.com.

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and gift ideas.

Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two metres apart.

The shops are open, the decorations are up and there is a festive feeling in the air around Ross-on-Wye. All the local businesses have pulled out all the stops this year and created window displays with dazzling lights, frosted snowflakes, Rudolf’s and of course Santa’s little elves. Here are just a few of the impressive festive widows around town this year.

Crossfield Creations

Crossfield Creations sells a huge number of engraved wooden gifts from family trees to bowls and everything in between. The store owner hosts engraving demonstrations and also stocks other gifts for special occasions.
High Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5HL
www.crossfield-creations.co.uk

Crowsfeet

Step into an eclectic mix of gifts for ladies, gents & children, including artist cards and wrapping paper. Whatever you choose to buy will be wrapped for free in something special. This shop is packed with gifts, unusual cards and gift books – well worth browsing around. 
Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye Tel: 01989 763698 
www.crowsfeetgifts.co.uk

Designers Flowers

A bijou florist on Gloucester Road serving locals and tourists alike. Walk into the scented interior for a comprehensive selection of flowers and blooms.
31 Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5LE Tel: 01989 566560
www.designerflowersross.co.uk

Gallery 54

High calibre international contemporary abstract art displayed on several floors.
Gallery 54 is accessible to everyone who enjoys viewing paintings, ceramics and glassware.
54 High Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5HH Tel: 01989 567917 
www.gallery-54.com

Field Fayre

Ross-on-Wye’s award winning organic store includes fruit, vegetables and natural organic products. The little family run shop in the heart of Ross-on-Wye will create bespoke hampers for all your culinary requirements.
18-19 Broad Street, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7EA Tel: 01989 566683
www.field-fayre.co.uk


Truffles Delicatessen

Truffles Deli is a culinary haven, stocking the best local produce & foods from around the world. Stocking everything a deli should, and more. Truffles Deli will cater for all foodie fanatics from favourite cheeses to delicious chocolates.
17-19 Church St, Ross-on-Wye
www.facebook.com/trufflesdeli

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and gift ideas.

Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two metres apart.

If you can’t decide on one gift this festive season, then why not treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to a Christmas hamper. Ross-on-Wye is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, delicatessens, butchers and more, so to help with your Christmas shopping here is a selection of the special hampers available throughout the town.  

Field Fayre

This thriving health food shop is situated in the centre of Ross-on-Wye. Owned by mother and son duo, their aim is to provide quality organic, natural and ethical health products from trusted brands. Not only do they deliver fruit and beg boxes weekly, but they also have some lovely hampers with an abundance of festive goods for foodie fanatics. Design your own hamper in store and include some of their most popular items such as the Organic Cocoa Loco Sloe Gin Truffles – hand made in Devon, Organic Authentic bread company luxury Christmas pudding and Organic Authentic Bread company vegan Mince pies. The above hamper costs £91 and they also create bespoke hampers to cater for any taste buds! Chocolate hampers start from £15.
For more information visit www.field-fayre.co.uk

Hanks Meat and Game

Hanks Meat and Game is a family run business with a simple ethos of providing good quality meats, from local suppliers always ensuring high consistency and quality. With a wide variety of meats available from – Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry and a vast range of Game, they also have a variety of homemade sausages, sausage rolls and pies. The team have Christmas cracked for you this year with the wide variety of hampers such as, The Luxury Hamper priced from £75.99 – this includes 10 lb tukry, 3 lb topside, 3 lb gammon, 3 lb park joint, 360gm cocktail sausage and 360gm streaky beacon. A smaller option is the Meat Hamper priced at £35.00 that includes 4 lb chicken, 3 lb gammon, 1 lb beacon, 1 lb pork chops, 1 lb mature cheddar, 1 bowl of pate and 1 lb pork pie. Check out more of the festive hampers on the website and remember to pre-order to avoid disappointment. www.meatandgame.co.uk

Crowsfeet

With a wide range and extensive mix of gifts for ladies, gents & children, Crowsfeet has beautiful gifts for all the family. You will be spoilt for choice with candles, beauty products and intricate pieces, so why not create a hamper and combine some of our favourite items. This hamper priced at £55 with FREE postage and it includes male grooming products such as the Lemongrass and Tea Tree Shaving soap and vegan shaving brush. Whichever you choose to buy will be wrapped for free in their beautiful gift wrap.
www.crowsfeetgifts.co.uk

Essential Sewing Services

Has a friend or family member taken up sewing during lockdown? These creative hampers have all the basic essentials to sew, including hand needles, pins, tape measures and more haberdashery. Starting from £30 there is a lovely selection of sewing baskets too, you can create bespoke hampers for any sewing needs. There is also an array of beautiful Christmas fabric & ribbons in stock, the friendly knowledgeable staff are always on hand to advise you with your requirements.
View the website for more ideas: www.esssewing.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and information. If your require more festive inspiration then check out the Ross-on-Wye gift guide here: Ross-on-Wye Christmas Gift Guide | Visit Ross-on-Wye

Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two metres apart.

If you are struggling to find inspiration for your Christmas gifts this year, then look no further. We have collated some of the town’s top stocking filler solutions for all the family. The local businesses have made it easy for you this year despite the lockdown restrictions, many are offering collection and delivery options to ensure you can get your Christmas shopping done in time.

#LoveLocalDuringLockdown

Toy Box Ross

For an early Christmas treat, surprise your little ones with one of the brand-new Lego Advent Calendars – choose from several designs such as, Star Wars, Pokémon and Harry Potter. The Toy Box has also launched an exclusive Christmas Club, where presents are chosen and paid for at the customers convenience which runs right through to 23^rd December. On top of this The Toy Box is also offering a gift-wrapping service for items purchased. Check out their Instagram for more gift inspiration:
www.instagram.com/toyboxross

At Broad Street

For those who love the outdoors, this Sterling silver and enamel welly boot pendant is £49 from At Broad Street. To make it extra special, add the matching stud earrings for £28. At Broad Street is a women’s clothing shop in Ross-on-Wye, specialising in ladies’ fashion using organic fabrics making you spoilt for choice when it comes to gift selecting. Click and collect plus delivery options available.
www.atbroadstreet.co.uk

Lainey’s Handbags

Roka bags are a cool, functional, funky well priced range of backpacks designed in London. They come in a range of colours and styles, are weather resistant with a waxed canvas base. The Finchley, orange backpack is recycled and vegan friendly, made from between 12 to 15 plastic bottles. The backpacks range from £59- £65. Collect in store or use the delivery services, free for local deliveries.
www.silverstoreonline.co.uk

Rossiter Books

Rossiter Books is a family run business that prides itself on being at the centre of the community. In usual circumstances visitors are welcomed inside with expert advice and a friendly smile, with encouragement to browse the wide array of books. Top stocking-filler suggestions include astronaut Tim Peake’s warm and inspiring book. Plus, local lady Kate Humble’s book, A Year of Living Simply, which gives an insight into living a balanced life. Click and collect service available.
www.rossiterbooks.co.uk

No.18 The Basement

Locally handmade contemporary crafts can be purchased at No.18 The Basement. Items includebeautiful old furniture pieces, lighting, mirrors and more. With lots of options to choose from on the online shop, items can be ordered for local delivery, in-store collection or posted. Our personal festive favourites are the felt seals at £12 and the beautiful white felted birds at £6 – these make an excellent stocking filler.
www.18thebasement.co.uk

Little Chic

Cuteness alert! These latest organic clothes from Little Chic come in two designs: Frugi castles and fairy-tale. As well as the designer babies’ clothes, the store also has some great gift ideas for new-borns, from bath toys, music toys and educational toys. Despite lockdown closing the doors, you can still have a browse online and order for delivery.
www.littlechic.co.uk

Lizzie Bunting

Get the festive feeling with these St. Eval candles and enjoy these Christmassy scents include: Winter Thyme, Figgy-Pudding, Orange & Cinnamon and Inspiritus – priced at £11.50. To make your Christmas shopping even more stress-free Lizzie Bunting offers Christmas gift wrap on all your purchases free of charge too. Free delivery applies to customers within five miles and posting is available for nationwide customers.
www.lizziebunting.co.uk

Crowsfeet

Crowsfeet showcases an eclectic selection of gifts for ladies, gents & children, including artist cards & wrapping paper. Some of our recommendations include the men’s grooming products such as the Lemongrass +Teatree shaving soap (priced at £12) which smells divine, the brush is another lovely addition and helps to cleanse the skin, clearing away dead skin cells with a light exfoliation, also priced at £12. Every purchase will be wrapped for free and delivery and collection is available.
www.crowsfeetgifts.co.uk

Truffles Delicatessen

Incoming for Christmas and ideal for gin lovers,  these flavoured gins are available from Truffles Delicatessen in several tasty flavours, including Blackberry and apple crumble. For coffee fanatics, these colourful eco-friendly bamboo coffee cups make the perfect gift for busy people on the go. If you are instore, don’t forget to pick up one of their delicious chocolatey sweet treats.
www.facebook.com/trufflesdeli

Made in Ross

​Last but certainly not least is a selection of beautiful handmade crafts and art pieces from our friends at Made in Ross. Made in Ross is a co-operative of local arts and crafts producers living within 20 miles of Ross-on-Wye. With so many designers and artists there is lots to browse through on the website. These recycled reindeers, made from second-hand garments, are certainly on our Christmas list.
You can find out more and reach out to the artists directly by visiting www.madeinross.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and gift ideas.

Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two metres apart.

#LoveLocalDuringLockdown

The first ever ‘Ross Reinvented Festival’ was a massive success (March 15-17). With both main events a total sell out. The festival launched on with a tremendous toe tapping mega dance night. ‘The Mighty Pledge’ providing an irresistible call for the audience to get up and shake their collective funky stuff, which they did with gay abandon. Continue reading →

by Yolande Watson

If you’re wondering how to escape the heat of the day this summer, make your way up to St Mary’s church, Ross-on-Wye and explore the Hedgehog Trail.

Spike – an eight foot high hedgehog – is currently taking shelter in the church. He made his debut at this year’s Ross Carnival and joins many other hedgehogs that can be seen as part of the church’s ‘Archie’s Hedgehog Trail’.

The hedgehog is an ancient emblem of Ross-on-Wye, which dates back to 450 AD and links to an ancient kingdom called ‘Archenfield’ (Land of Urchins). Hedgehogs were called ‘urchins’ before the sixteenth century. The residents of Archenfield were excellent archers who were employed as mercenaries in various royal armies from the ninth century up to and including King Henry VIII’s reign.

In St Mary’s church, there are hedgehog icons that date back to the seventeenth century on old family crests (Kyrle and Abrahall) up to more recent memorials including the Boar War and WWII. The Hedgehog Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into Ross-on-Wye’s social history.

An annual Hedgehog Festival is held in September each year. This year, the Festival will be held on Sunday sixteenth September from 11am – 4pm down by the Hope & Anchor pub next to the River Wye. It is Ross-on-Wye’s ‘green’ festival – providing an opportunity to learn more about hedgehogs, buy plants, arts and crafts made from natural materials, find out how to entice bees, butterflies and hedgehogs into your garden as well as participate in lots of nature-based activities and for all age groups (including the grown-ups).

www.playross.com/hedgehog-festival.html