Ross-on-Wye to Kerne Bridge

When the Reverend John Egerton began entertaining his guests on the river Wye at Ross, little did he know that he would start a fashion for travel down the Wye Valley that continues to this day. The Wye Tour became the height of fashion and by the 1770s the trip was firmly established as a two-day outing from Ross to Chepstow. This was a new type of travel, focusing on the appreciation of scenery. William Gilpin did much to popularise ‘the Tour’ when he published a best-selling guide book, ‘Observations on the River Wye’. Image: Nicholas Pocock, Norfolk Museum Service

Made in Ross is a co-operative of local arts and crafts producers living within 20 miles of the beautiful market town of Ross-on-Wye. ​The unique work created by these artists and makers is on display to view (and buy!) upstairs in the historic 16th century Market House, one of the oldest buildings in Ross, where you can also ​ meet the artists and makers behind these original works.

Ross-on-Wye has a rich and fascinating history and the ‘Museum without Walls’ project is using augmented reality to bring back lost aspects of the town’s past on a smart phone or tablet. See the Wye Tour boats and trows down at the town wharf. Discover how the centre piece of John Kyrle’s pleasure garden, The Prospect, looked in 1700 when a fountain flowed with water pumped up from the Wye and then provided the town with its first water supply.