CASTLES ROSS ON WYE

Goodrich Castle stands as one of England's finest medieval fortresses, perched on a spur overlooking the River Wye near Ross-on-Wye on the Wales border. Founded around 1101 by Godric Mappeson and developed by the de Clare family in the 12th century, the castle features a remarkably well-preserved three-story keep that remains the core of its extensive 13th and 14th-century remains. Originally built to guard a strategic river crossing, this castle has retained much of its medieval military character. Managed by English Heritage, Goodrich offers visitors an audio tour recounting the famous siege history that shaped this imposing structure.

Penyard Castle sits atop Penyard Hill near Ross-on-Wye, its fragmentary remains nestled within a 75-acre forest clearing. Originally a 14th-century fortification, the site was later developed with a 17th-century house built directly upon its ruins. Now a protected Grade II listed structure under English Heritage stewardship, the castle consists mainly of scattered stonework as most of the original walls were demolished in the early 19th century for building materials. The ruins remain discretely hidden from nearby footpaths, preserving the atmospheric woodland setting of this medieval border fortress in Herefordshire.