Best for beer

Ross and its surrounding area is justly famous for its locally sourced produce and beer is no exception, with the Wye Valley Brewery producing local favourites like the malty Wye Valley Bitter, smooth Hereford Pale Ale, chocolaty Editors Ale and full bodied Butty Bach. There's certainly no shortage of pubs to sample them in either, many of them right on the river's edge.

One of these is the Hope and Anchor - just a couple of minutes walk from the centre of Ross, on a warm afternoon or evening the beautifully kept grounds are full of cyclists, walkers and locals drawn by the unbeatable location. Inside the boat shaped bar there's a real fire for the winter and an impressive food and drinks menu, including regularly changing guest ales. The pub also has a conservatory for up to 100 people, and there's live music in the summer.

Further afield The Saracen's Head Inn has a spectacular location on the banks of the River Wye at Symonds Yat, while The Royal Hotel - where Charles Dickens was once a guest - boasts a terrace with spectacular views across the valley. Other firm favourites nearby include the Moody Cow, famous for miles around for its Moody Cow Pie - made to the same recipe for the last 15 years - the multi-award winning New Inn at St.Owen's Cross, and the Good Pub Guide-listed Lough Pool Inn at Sellack.