Lea

Lea is a small village and civil parish tucked into the south-eastern corner of Herefordshire, just a few miles from Ross-on-Wye and hard against the Gloucestershire border. The A40 runs through the parish on its way between Ross and Gloucester, but Lea itself keeps a gentle, unhurried character, with the Grade II* listed Church of St John the Baptist at its heart and fields rolling away towards the Forest of Dean.

The parish has historically been made up of three separate townships, Lea Upper, Lea Lower and Lea Bailey, and this patchwork of hamlets and farmland still shapes the feel of the area today. It is not a place built for crowds or big attractions, but for travellers who want a genuinely rural base within a short drive of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ross-on-Wye and the ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean.

Top things to do near Lea

Lea's appeal lies in what surrounds it. Within a short drive you will find some of the best scenery and heritage sites in this corner of the Wye Valley.

• Symonds Yat Rock — a dramatic viewpoint above a horseshoe bend of the River Wye, popular with walkers and known for its resident peregrine falcons.
• Royal Forest of Dean — ancient woodland just across the border in Gloucestershire, with waymarked trails, cycling routes and sculpture trails.
• River Wye — a short drive brings you to stretches of the river ideal for canoeing, kayaking and gentle riverside walks.
• Walenty Pytel Gallery and Sculpture Trail — a rural gallery showcasing the work of the noted steel and bronze sculptor, set in the surrounding countryside.
• Ross-on-Wye — the nearest market town, with independent shops, a Saturday market and views over the river from the churchyard.

Getting to Lea

Lea sits directly on the A40 between Ross-on-Wye and Gloucester, making it straightforward to reach by car from the M50 and M5. Ross-on-Wye is around four miles to the north-west, with Gloucester roughly 15 miles to the south-east. The nearest railway stations are at Gloucester and Hereford, both connecting to the wider rail network, from where a car or taxi is needed to complete the journey, as Lea itself has no station following the closure of the old Mitcheldean Road stop in 1964.

Best time to visit Lea

Late spring through to early autumn is the most rewarding time to visit, when the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are at their greenest and walking and paddling conditions are at their best. Autumn brings rich colour to the surrounding woodland, while winter offers a quieter, more contemplative visit, with log fires in local pubs and crisp walks through the forest.

Where to stay near Lea

Lea itself is small, so accommodation options in the immediate village are limited, but nearby Ross-on-Wye and the surrounding villages offer a good range of B&Bs, farmhouse stays and self-catering cottages. Those looking for something closer to nature will find camping and glamping options scattered through the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, well placed for exploring both on foot and by car.

Food and drink near Lea

The Crown Inn is the village's traditional pub, offering a warm welcome and a proper country pub atmosphere, and briefly made national headlines in 2014 when police searched the premises during the hunt for the missing Nanteos Cup. For a wider choice of places to eat and drink, Ross-on-Wye is close by with a good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants.