# Ryeford Staycation Guide — Where to Stay & What to Do > Discover Ryeford, a quiet Herefordshire hamlet near Ross-on-Wye, with camping, glamping and walking between the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Quiet Herefordshire lanes between the Wye and the Forest of Dean [Guide](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford) [🏨 Hotels](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/hotels) [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/cottages) [⛺ Camping](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/camping) [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions) [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants) Ryeford is a small hamlet in Herefordshire, lying around three miles east of the market town of Ross-on-Wye, close to the border with Gloucestershire. There is no village centre to speak of here, just scattered farms and houses set among rolling fields, hedgerows and orchards, but that quietness is exactly the point: Ryeford makes a peaceful, low-key base for exploring some of the prettiest countryside in the Welsh Marches. The hamlet sits within easy reach of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the west and the Royal Forest of Dean to the south, with the A40 running close by to link Ross-on-Wye eastwards to Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. The neighbouring villages of Weston under Penyard and Lea provide the nearest pubs, shops and primary schools, while Ross-on-Wye itself, a short drive away, supplies everything from independent shops to riverside walks along the Wye. ## Getting to Ryeford Ryeford lies just off the A40, which connects Ross-on-Wye to Gloucester and the M50 to the east, making the hamlet straightforward to reach by car. Ross-on-Wye itself is well served by bus routes from Hereford and Gloucester, though Ryeford is best reached with your own transport given its rural setting. The nearest mainline railway stations are at Gloucester and Hereford, both around 30 minutes' drive away. ## Best time to visit Ryeford Spring and summer bring the surrounding orchards and hedgerows into bloom and are the best months for camping and walking, while autumn colours the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley woodlands beautifully. Winters are quiet and mild by comparison, better suited to cosy stays and short walks than outdoor pursuits. ## Where to stay in Ryeford [All hotels in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/hotels) About staying in Ryeford Ryeford has no hotels of its own, being little more than a scattering of farms along quiet lanes, so anyone wanting a hotel base for this part of Herefordshire is best looking a few minutes down the road in Ross-on-Wye. That handsome market town, perched above a loop of the River Wye, has a good range of options from traditional coaching inns with restaurants and bars through to smaller guest houses and B&Bs on the streets around the town centre. Staying in Ross-on-Wye puts you within easy striking distance of Ryeford and the surrounding countryside while giving you shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep for evenings out. Beyond Ross-on-Wye, the wider Wye Valley and Forest of Dean area has a further choice of country hotels and inns set in their own grounds, many aimed at walkers and those touring the AONB. Wherever you choose to stay, a car is more or less essential for reaching Ryeford itself and for making the most of nearby attractions such as Goodrich Castle, Symonds Yat and the forest trails, since public transport in this rural corner of Herefordshire is limited outside the main towns. [The Kings Head High Street, Stonehouse](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/hotels/the-kings-head) [Stonehouse Court Hotel Bristol Road, Stonehouse](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/hotels/stonehouse-court-hotel) [Greencourt Loft Greencourt House, Stonehouse](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/hotels/greencourt-loft) [The White Hart The Street, Stonehouse](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/hotels/the-white-hart) [The Bell Inn Bell Lane, Stroud](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/hotels/the-bell-inn) [The Frocester Peter Street, Stonehouse](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/hotels/the-frocester) [The Clothiers Arms 1 Bath Road, Stroud](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/hotels/the-clothiers-arms) [Travelodge Stonehouse A419 Eastington, Stroud](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/hotels/travelodge-stonehouse) ## Things to Do in Ryeford [All attractions in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions) Top things to do near Ryeford Ryeford's real appeal is its position between two of England's best-loved landscapes, with plenty to explore within a short drive. - **Ross-on-Wye** — the handsome market town that gave its name to British tourism, with a riverside promenade, independent shops and the historic Market House. - **Wye Valley AONB** — designated countryside following the river's looping course, with walking trails, canoeing and viewpoints such as Symonds Yat Rock. - **Forest of Dean** — ancient woodland just south of Ryeford, good for cycling, walking and spotting wild boar and deer. - **Goodrich Castle** — a substantial red sandstone ruin overlooking the Wye, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. - **South Herefordshire Golf Club** — a course set in parkland just a few miles from Ryeford. [Go Bananas Indoor Softplay Centre ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/go-bananas-indoor-softplay-centre) [Woodchester Mansion ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/woodchester-mansion) [Vue Stroud ⭐ 3.9](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/vue-stroud) [Saul Junction Boat Hire ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/saul-junction-boat-hire) [🎟️Cinema & Theatre Gloucester Apollo](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/gloucester-apollo) [Painswick Rococo Garden ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/painswick-rococo-garden) [WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/wwt-slimbridge-wetland-centre) [Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions/gloucester-ski-snowboard-centre) ## Where to Eat in Ryeford [All restaurants in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants) Food and drink near Ryeford Ryeford itself has no pubs or shops, but the neighbouring villages of Weston under Penyard and Lea both have traditional pubs, and Ross-on-Wye offers a good spread of cafes, restaurants and independent food shops just a short drive away. [China City ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/china-city) [The Woolpack Inn ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/the-woolpack-inn) [Zaika ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/zaika) [Whole Hearted ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/whole-hearted) [La Campagna ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/la-campagna) [Grande Italia Restorant ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/grande-italia-restorant) [Family Shopper / Munchies ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/family-shopper-munchies) [Nippy Chippy ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants/nippy-chippy) ## Attractions Near Ryeford [All attractions in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/attractions) Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Ryeford. [1 mi Go Bananas Indoor Softplay Centre Stroud · ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/attractions/go-bananas-indoor-softplay-centre) [2 mi Woodchester Mansion Stonehouse · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stonehouse/attractions/woodchester-mansion) [2 mi Vue Stroud Stroud · ⭐ 3.9](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/attractions/vue-stroud) [4 mi Saul Junction Boat Hire Gloucester · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucester/attractions/saul-junction-boat-hire) [🎟️Cinema & Theatre 5 mi Gloucester Apollo Stroud](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/attractions/gloucester-apollo) [5 mi Painswick Rococo Garden Stroud · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/attractions/painswick-rococo-garden) [6 mi WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre Slimbridge · ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/slimbridge/attractions/wwt-slimbridge-wetland-centre) [7 mi Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre Gloucester · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucester/attractions/gloucester-ski-snowboard-centre) ## Camping in Ryeford [All campsites in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/camping) About camping in Ryeford Camping around Ryeford means making the most of the rolling Herefordshire countryside between the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean, and the hamlet is fortunate to have a genuine camping and glamping site on its doorstep. Ryeford Ponds Glamping occupies six acres of meadow, woodland and ponds a short drive from Ross-on-Wye, offering furnished bell tents, a shepherd's hut and woodland pitches on an off-grid site where dark skies, campfires and quiet are the main draw. It typically opens from late May to late September, with glamping arrivals on set days and a minimum two-night stay, so it is worth booking well ahead for the peak summer months. As with anywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal, so pitching a tent on open farmland or verges around Ryeford is not an option; stick to established sites such as Ryeford Ponds or the wider choice of campsites around Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean. The terrain here is gentle rolling farmland rather than the steeper valley sides found further along the Wye, which makes it comfortable walking country but still worth good boots after wet weather, since the clay soils common in this part of Herefordshire turn heavy underfoot through autumn and winter. Late spring through to early autumn is the best window for camping around Ryeford, when the orchards and hedgerows are at their best and evenings are long enough for a fire and a walk before dark. Given the off-grid, small-scale nature of the local site, this is a good area for campers who want genuine peace and quiet rather than a full-facility holiday park; those wanting more amenities, including electric hook-ups or on-site shops, will generally find a wider choice by heading into the Forest of Dean or further along the Wye Valley towards Symonds Yat. [Apple Tree Park Caravan and Camping Site ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucestershire/camping/apple-tree-park-caravan-and-camping-site) [Elm Farm Certificated Site ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucestershire/camping/elm-farm-certificated-site) [Sallywood Farm ⭐ 4.2 · from £40/night](https://staycation.co.uk/horsley/camping/sallywood-farm) [Gables Farm Touring and Camping ⭐ 4.8 · from £26/night](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucester/camping/gables-farm-touring-and-camping) [Farwood Farm ⭐ 4.9 · from £39/night](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/camping/farwood-farm) [Riverside Caravan Park at The George ⭐ 4.5 · from £30/night](https://staycation.co.uk/gloucester/camping/riverside-caravan-park-at-the-george) [Steanbridge Farm ⭐ 4.6 · from £168/night](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/camping/steanbridge-farm) [Tobacconist Farm ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/minchinhampton/camping/tobacconist-farm-minchinhampton) ## Self-Catering Cottages in Ryeford [All cottages in Ryeford →](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/cottages) [Hacolo House 5 bed · sleeps 12](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/hacolo-house-uk32639) [🏡Cottage The Bullseye 7 bed · sleeps 18 · from £1,755](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/the-bullseye-syk1152103) [Chapel Cottage 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £312](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/chapel-cottage-syk1026485) [Chapel House 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £621](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/chapel-house-syk1026488) [🏡Cottage Flagstone House 9 bed · sleeps 21 · from £7,608](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/flagstone-house-ukc8023) [1 Westcroft Cottage 3 bed · sleeps 5 · from £326](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/1-westcroft-cottage-syk981232) [The Cartins 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £711](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/the-cartins-syk988646) [🏡Cottage Cotswold Escarpment Manor 6 bed · sleeps 16 · from £4,379](https://staycation.co.uk/stroud/cottages/cotswold-escarpment-manor-uk51463) ### 🏨 Find Hotels in Ryeford Search hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com. [Search Accommodation →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DRyeford%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link ### Explore Ryeford - [🏨 Hotels & B&Bs](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/hotels) - [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/cottages) - [⛺ Campsites & glamping](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/camping) - [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/attractions) - [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/ryeford/restaurants) ## Staycation ideas for Ryeford [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-last-minute-staycations) [Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/rainy-day-staycations-uk) [The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/dog-friendly-staycations) [The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-staycations-for-families)