The summer holidays are nearly upon us and visitors to the Wye Valley very often prefer to camp out in the beautiful countryside to take advantage of flexibility and keep costs to a minimum. This is very often a popular option for families as it allows more spend on activities in the area such as rowing, paddleboarding or cycling or enjoying what the town has on offer and eating out.
Ross-on-Wye has plenty of camping in and around the town, including Broadmeadow Touring Park, Ross Rowing Club and The White Lion pub located right on the banks of the River Wye. In the last few years we’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of glamping in the area, as holidaymakers sometimes opt for a slightly more comfortable camping option. Fast becoming the staycation of choice, glamping is more of a self-catering style of camping with comfy beds and often private shower facilities – with all the pleasure of dining around a camp fire and star gazing with a cold beer after a long day exploring the Wye Valley.
Find out more about our top spots for glamping in and around Ross-on-Wye:
1. White House Glamping
Around 7 miles north of Ross-on-Wye and tucked away on a farm next to the River Wye, you’ll find the beautiful dog-friendly White House Glamping site, named as one of the top glamping spaces in the UK by The Sunday Times, Condé Nast and Evening Standard. If you dream of waking up to the gentle sounds of birdsong and dairy cows enjoying their morning munch, this is for you! With 6 luxury tipis nestled in an apple orchard, each one with comfy mattresses, electricity, heating, lighting, fridge and kettle, this family friendly site is also perfect for couples or groups travelling together. Sit around the fire pit in the evening or put your feet up and enjoy a film at the outdoor cinema. In 2023, the team added a new log cabin to the mix, the Whitehouse Hideaway, perfect for couples, and completely off-grid with wood burner, kitchenette and bathroom.
- Location: White House Farm, How Caple, Herefordshire HR1 4SR
- Contact: 01432 233181 / glamping@whitehouseonwye.co.uk
2. Greenacres Glamping
This stunning, multi award-winning glampsite, located around 5 miles to the east of Ross-on-Wye, offers dog-friendly, luxury accommodation in domes, yurts, bell tents and a shepherd’s hut, fully equipped with king-sized beds, wood burning fires and underfloor-heated toilets and showers. If you’re lucky enough to book the largest of the domes, Kite, you’ll enjoy all the luxuries you’d find in an hotel including air conditioning, a king size bed, sofa, table, chairs and soft furnishings with an outside shed with fridge, cooker, outdoor seating and a canvas veranda.
- Location: Greenacres Campsite, Rock Lane, Lea, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7JZ
- Contact: 01989 750217 / info@greenacresglamping.com
3. Caplor Glamping & Lodges
Dating back to the 18th century, the super eco-friendly Caplor Farm, has transformed itself from an agricultural hub to one of renewable energy and sustainability, powered by air source heat pumps, wind turbines, solar panels, a borehole and biomass heating. Their environmentally friendly glamping pods and luxury lodges all draw from this power so you can enjoy a luxury stay with a guilt-free conscience, knowing you’re contributing to protecting the environment. There are five dog-friendly pods onsite, each with their own private bathroom, full size shower, toilet and kitchen and you can enjoy al fresco dining around the BBQ/firepit with outdoor seating. The two gorgeous luxury wooden lodges each sleep up to six guests in two bedrooms and make an ideal family break or a get-together with friends.
- Location: Caplor Farm, Fownhope, Herefordshire HR1 4PT
- Contact: 01432 860644 / caplorglamping@gmail.com
4. Cwtch Cabins & Camping
Also flying the green flag, Cwtch Cabins, located between Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury, is entirely off-grid and the site generates all of its own electricity using solar thermal, solar PV and biomass to heat the showers and provide lighting and charging points for electrical devices. Open from April to the end of September, the quirky designs and interiors are reflected in the cabins’ individual names such as Morgana, Zena, Knock Knock and Pendragon. With a variety of sleeping combinations including singles, doubles and bunk beds, there are plenty of options for couples, groups, families and friends looking for a getaway with a difference (plus there’s space for traditional camping onsite too if you prefer pitching up old-school style).
- Location: Cwtch Cabins & Camping, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2NN
- Contact: 07981 191961 / hello@cwtchcabins.com
5. Ryeford Ponds Glamping
A few miles south east of Ross-on-Wye, you’ll find Ryeford Ponds Glamping site, located on Wharton Farm in an idyllic, secluded spot surrounded by nature. Alongside the two off-grid camping pitches, there is a pretty shepherd’s hut and two spacious bell tents, with outdoor seating, showers, toilets, a hammock and fire pits for balmy evening barbeques. For larger group bookings, or if anyone in your party prefers a self-catering cottage, just around the corner you can also book into one of the three stunning gold award luxury five star self catering Wharton Lodge Cottages (contact Nicky on 01989 750140 / 07761 502674 or email cottages@whartonlodge.co.uk).
- Location: Ryeford Ponds Glamping, Wharton Farm, Ryeford, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7PY
- Contact: 07873 331796 / stay@ryefordponds.co.uk