Roaming around Artists' Studios in & near Ross-on-Wye
Inspiration at every turn in the Wye Valley
Perched on a red sandstone and hugged by the river, Ross-on-Wye is the ideal place for a potter. Meander around town, meeting all manner of artists from painters to weavers, and wind your way around the many enticing independent shops and eateries. Then strike out into the surrounding countryside to discover more open studios and workshops. With a vineyard, a finely-preserved medieval fortress, and beautiful churches all within easy reach, Ross-on-Wye makes an excellent base for Wye Valley explorations.
Artistic Finds Around Town
Tucked along Trenchard Street, you'll find the entrance to Ann Johnson's studio where she creates her oil and acrylic paintings with views across to the River Wye. One of her drawings graces the front of this years h.Art programme too! See Ann at work and chat about her different processes.
Wander into the centre of town to find Freshwater Mosaics where Catherine Van Giap shows her colourful stained glass wall hangings. She runs weekly and one-day workshops, perfect for those who fancy trying their hand at something new.
Then on to Made in Ross, upstairs at the Corn Exchange, to see an eclectic selection of work from 12 local artists. Across the week there's lots happening including fused glass and crochet wire flower workshops as well as demos of stone carving demos and pewter casting.
Pop into St Mary's Church nearby to meet seventeen artists in splendid surroundings. Take in paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics, glass, carvings and sculpture.
Stay in the church for a coffee and homemade slice of cake or wind your way back to the High Street for a bite to eat at Truffles Deli (Psst! On a sunny day, head for their secret garden and sit under the vines).
More Makers, Vintage Shopping & Lunch
Next, it's on to Livinloom where weaver Gaby will show you her beautiful handwoven fabrics and curated selection of ceramics, paintings and lots more besides. Get up close with a free weaving workshop on 9 Sept at 1pm or watch a linocut demo on 11 Sept at 1pm.
Nip down to Urchins Gallery to see work from Tara Slater and Julie Sullivan, as well as arts and crafts from many artisan maker friends. It's especially popular with fans of birds and other wildlife.
Before moving on, have a mooch around the market town's independent shops, including Lizzy Bunting, Rossiter's Books and Heavenly Homes & Gardens. We recommend following the Vintage & Design Shopping Trail to unearth some real hidden gems such as Space/Inside, Dusty Drawers and Vintage Virtu. Copies of the trail are available at the Made in Ross venue.
And don't miss lunch! Caffe Eleganza, Victorias and Jacquelines are always a good shout. Alternatively, opt for a hearty pub lunch, either in town choosing from the Man of Ross, King's Head and The Royal Hotel, or by the river at the Hope & Anchor.
Take To The Road
A 30-minute walk (or short drive) will bring you to the Brunel Workshops where you will receive a warm welcome from Ali Tregaskes and Sharon Curtis. Ali will be sharing her nature inspired, etched and oxidised jewellery whilst Sharon shows her vivid lino prints and intricate paper art.
Leave Ross-on-Wye by car and head for Goodrich Cross to see the distinctive abstract paintings of Hazel Pickering. Her latest collection is informed by an interest in industrial landscapes.
Then make your way to the delightful Wobage Makers Gallery, collectively run by the makers who have workshops here. From beautiful basketry to fabulous pots, wood carving to furniture, there's so much to see. Afterwards, retreat to the courtyard for a drink and cake under the canopy.
Finally, travel on to the village of Much Birch to explore Clair Hodgson's drawings and paintings in the lovely setting of The Laskett. This autobiographical garden was created by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife Julia Trevalyan Oman CBE. Clair will be running demos every day that the garden is open, i.e. 9, 11 & 13 September.
Canoes, a Castle & Vineyard
Active adventurers will fail to resist the lure of the river. Take out a canoe and paddle downstream through the lush Wye Valley or hike the heights of Symonds Yat Rock with its resident peregrine falcons. Ancient churches dot the surrounding landscape with Hoarwithy Church particularly of note, whilst Goodrich Castle is a striking and well-preserved red sandstone fortress. For those who enjoy the finer things, book a tour and tasting at Wythall Estate Vineyard .
Stay Awhile
Curl up under the covers at The King's Head Hotel, an old coaching inn which bags of character or the Royal Hotel which offers iconic river views.
Symonds Yat is another beautiful place to spend the night, check out the Saracens Head Inn or Old Court Hotel. There's also a host of fantastic self-catering options on offer, from luxury barns to vintage vans.
