A journey through history in Ross-on-Wye: famous castles & historical sites

Goodrich Castle 

Goodrich Castle is an excellently preserved mediaeval fortress perched majestically above the River Wye. One famous historian called it “the most splendid in the country, and one of the best examples of English military architecture.” 

It was built in the late 11th century by Godric of Mappstone and underwent expansions and fortifications in the 12th and 13th centuries, playing a key role in the English Civil War. 

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Besides the fascinating architecture and amazing views on offer, the site is steeped in history and folklore, involving everything from famous battles to ghost stories. One such tale is that of Alice Birch, a noblewoman who fell in love with a soldier and was tragically killed in a siege. 

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Her ghost is said to haunt the castle grounds to this day, and several visitors claim to have seen her wandering the ruins…

Spooks aside, it’s a great place for a day out and the castle is only a 10 minute drive from Ross-on-Wye. It’s open 10am to 5pm daily and you can book tickets online or pay on arrival. 

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Eastnor Castle 

Eastnor Castle, a 19-century revival castle sitting at the base of the Malvern Hills, is a similarly magnificent attraction. Unlike Goodrich Castle, this site is still privately owned and fully functional, serving as a family home, tourist destination, event venue and even a filming location. 

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It was built between 1810 and 1824 by John Cocks, the first Earl Somers, and designed by architect Robert Smirke. The architecture is a blend of Gothic and Norman features, with imposing towers, battlements and a grand entrance. 

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The award-winning attraction has a history as rich and diverse as its beautiful surroundings, with everything from the typical ghost stories to hidden secrets. Some say there’s a treasure buried somewhere within the castle grounds, but it carries a curse to bring misfortune to whoever finds it. 

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There’s also a rumour of a hidden passageway leading to a nearby church, but it’s never been discovered. If you’re interested in paying a visit, check the official website for information. It’s usually open on Sundays and bank holidays from April to September, and is only a short drive from Ross-on-Wye. 

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Raglan Castle 

Raglan Castle, located about 25 minutes from Ross-on-Wye, is one of the best late mediaeval castles in the British Isles. Built somewhere between the 15th and 17th centuries, it’s known for its unique, elegant architecture and strategic importance during the First English Civil War. The castle was a symbol of wealth and power, as it offered luxurious living quarters as well as formidable defences. 

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During this war, the castle was occupied by Royalists, but was subsequently captured by Parliamentarian forces in 1646, when its walls were ‘slighted’, which means intentionally damaged to prevent future military use. Like many other castles of this kind, it comes with a slew of legends and mysteries. 

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One such tale involves the Phantom Hounds of Raglan, which are the ghostly dogs that supposedly haunt the grounds. They’re believed to be the spirits of the castle’s former lord’s hunting dogs, which you can apparently hear howling on stormy nights. 

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The castle is normally open year-round, and you can check their website for specific information. 

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Chepstow Castle 

Chepstow Castle, one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales, sits on a limestone cliff overlooking the River Wye in Monmouthshire. It’s one of the oldest stone castles in the country and has stood in a strategic location on the Welsh border for almost 1,000 years. 

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Chepstow has housed some of the most powerful people of the mediaeval and Tudor ages, including William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester). The site was also a major filming location for the 1980’s show ‘Robin of Sherwood’.

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Like some of the other sites mentioned, Chepstow is also rumoured to be hiding buried treasure somewhere within its grounds. It’s said that during the English Civil War, the castle’s defenders hid valuable gold and silver to keep it from falling into enemy hands. Despite numerous searches over the years, it’s never been discovered. 

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The castle is about 40 minutes from Ross-on-Wye by car and visitors can purchase tickets on arrival. 

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Tintern Abbey 

Tintern Abbey, which is nearing 900 years old and sits on the Welsh bank of the River Wye, is one of the UK’s most iconic and picturesque ruins. It was founded all the way back in 1131 by Walter De Clare, Lord of Chepstow, where it became a centre of monastic life and spiritual devotion for over 400 years. 

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Today, these stunning ruins attract around 70,000 annual visitors from all over the world, offering historical intrigue and a serene atmosphere against the backdrop of the Welsh countryside. 

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But of course, Tintern Abbey wouldn’t be much of a legendary British site without its share of myths and folklore. Stories of ghostly monks, cursed stones and the mysterious White Lady have captured the imaginations of visitors for centuries.

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If you’re interested in paying a visit, it’s about a 30 minute drive from Ross-on-Wye and tickets are available upon arrival.

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Wrap up

Ross-on-Wye continues to be a popular tourist destination thanks to its unmatched tapestry of history, architecture and legend. From the striking battlements of Goodrich Castle to the serene beauty of Tintern Abbey, each site comes with its own collection of stories. 

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History comes alive as you walk in the footsteps of kings, lords and monks, with dozens of remarkable castles and abbeys set against the breathtaking Welsh countryside. If you’re in town for a holiday or just passing through, be sure to check out some of these truly unique and enchanting locations.

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And if you’re still in search of the perfect place to stay, we’ve got some of the best and most unique accommodation options in town listed on our site. 

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