The Kings Head Historic Hotel

The Kings Head is a charming, independently owned historic inn in the heart of Ross-on-Wye, dating back to the 14th century. A former coaching inn beautifully restored to blend original character with modern comfort — and now home to its own microbrewery — it makes a characterful, central base for exploring the picturesque Wye Valley.

A historic coaching inn in the heart of Ross-on-Wye

Few places to stay carry their history quite so well. Dating from the 14th century and a coaching inn until the 19th, the Kings Head retains its original features while offering thoroughly comfortable, characterful rooms. Standing on the High Street in the very centre of town, it puts Ross-on-Wye’s shops, cafés and riverside walks right on the doorstep, and it has a genuine sense of place that a modern hotel simply cannot match.

Rooms with character

There are 15 individually styled bedrooms, ranging from standard doubles and triples to a superior king-size twin, a four-poster room and family rooms. Every room has a full en-suite, with either a shower over the bath or a walk-in shower, so there is something to suit couples, families and those wanting a little extra romance or space.

Eat, drink and relax

The inn is a destination in its own right for food and drink. A newly refurbished conservatory restaurant serves locally sourced, market-fresh dishes, while the bar offers a diverse selection of beers, wines and spirits — including brews from the inn’s own on-site microbrewery, Corn Ales. There is also a separate space, The Library, and a Corn Exchange event space for larger gatherings. Electric-vehicle charging is available on site for those travelling by EV.

• Historic 14th-century former coaching inn with original features
• 15 en-suite rooms, including four-poster and family rooms
• Conservatory restaurant serving locally sourced food
• Bar with an on-site microbrewery (Corn Ales)
• The Library and Corn Exchange event space
• EV charging on site
• In the heart of Ross-on-Wye, gateway to the Wye Valley

Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley

Ross-on-Wye is a handsome market town set above a great loop of the River Wye, crowned by its hilltop church and the Prospect gardens, with lovely riverside walks below — it is rightly regarded as the gateway to the Wye Valley. Close by you can explore the medieval Goodrich Castle, take in the famous river views from Symonds Yat, or head out onto the water itself with a canoe trip down the Wye. For more places to stay in the area, see our guide to Wye Valley hotels.

Staying somewhere with this much history, right in the centre of a handsome riverside town, gives a trip a real sense of occasion. You can enjoy a meal made with local produce, sample a pint brewed on the premises, and then retire to a characterful room just steps from the High Street. It is an easy, atmospheric base whether you are here for the walking and watersports of the Wye Valley, for the castles and viewpoints, or simply for a relaxed weekend away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Kings Head? It dates back to the 14th century and was a coaching inn until the 19th.

Does it have its own beer? Yes — there is an on-site microbrewery, Corn Ales.

Is there a four-poster room? Yes, among the 15 en-suite rooms.

How many rooms are there? 15 en-suite rooms, including four-poster and family rooms.

Is there a restaurant? Yes — a conservatory restaurant serving locally sourced food, plus a bar with its own microbrewery.

Where is it? On the High Street in the heart of Ross-on-Wye.

What’s nearby? Goodrich Castle, Symonds Yat and the River Wye.

For a characterful, central stay in the gateway to the Wye Valley, check availability and reserve your room using the booking options on this page.