Which town in the Wye Valley/Forest of Dean?

[Mayve]

We are staying here soon and would love to have a trip to a town for mooch/gentle shopping/coffee etc
We will have a dog with us and two early/pre teen boys
Options are: Ross-on-Wye, Hereford, Monmouth, Cheltenham, Ledbury, Leominster

thanks!

I really enjoyed Monmouth. Lovely place, lots of independent shops and cafes. It's a good day out.
Hereford is more like a traditional bustling market town albeit with a lovely cathedral and the river, church street is worth a visit, but traffic/parking can be a bit of a pain.
I'm not keen on Ross on Wye personally; it feels a bit run down, but others may disagree.
Ledbury is lovely and picturesque for a day out too. It reminds me of Monmouth in a way with it's long high street of independent shops and cafes.
Leominster I don't know too well so can't comment, nor Cheltenham.

Thanks!
just bumping in case anyone else has a view!

I like Monmouth.My daughter lives just outside Ross on Wye and isn’t impressed with the town.

Monmouth, personally

If you’re in Hereford, base yourself around the Cathedral: you can explore Church Street, the Castle Green, and head down to the Left Bank village, where you can eat and drink by the Wye. You can also cross over the Old Bridge/Victoria Bridge and walk through Bishop’s Meadows.

Ledbury is nice, Ross/Leominster less so. Hay-On-Wye is worth a visit, as is Ludlow.

Oh yes, Ludlow and Hay-on-Wye are my two favourite towns in the area.

Monmouth or Hay on Wye, both will meet your spec. Cheltenham is lovely and will have more for your teens but its quite a busy town, probably too busy for what you are looking for.

What is Malvern like?
We're thinking of having a week's break to this area, too.

Can confirm Ross on Wye is run down. Monmouth, Hay on Wye, Ledbury all pretty with good shops and cafes.

I'd opt for Hereford personally as there is plenty to explore, especially in the little lanes around the cathedral. If you love architecture then Ludlow with the castle and so many spectacular houses. It's less foodie than it once was, but still plenty of interesting shops. Ledbury is also worth your time, but maybe less to see.

I don't know which direction you are approaching from, but if you are north of Ludlow, then Church Stretton has some great walks, plus a rather fine deli for provisioning. (Or try the Deli on the square at Ludlow, where there is also a food market most days.)

Cheltenham is just like any other big town... High street with coffee chains, charity shops and betting shops. (Though, Iceland, M and S, Boots and Primark are the landmarks everyone uses for directions )

I'd be disappointed in Cheltenham if I wanted a day strolling and having lunch in a cafe. Ledbury and Hay on Wye are nice though.

Cheltenham does have what you describe, but it also has independent shops, some lovely little independent cafes, and pretty parks. The high street is a bit rubbish these days but montpellier is still lovely as is the Bath Road.

Malvern is nice, especially for the easy access to the hills for walking. It's a special place, however I find the high street a little underwhelming.