Ross Garden Store

Isambard Kingdom Brunel might be amazed to discover that his former Engine Shed, on the edge of Ross-on-Wye, is now an independent garden centre. Tucked away on a small industrial estate, this building - with its enormous doors - is a reminder of the area's historical significance.

Outside, a sea of floral colour fans out to the centre's boundary. A clapboard entrance signals the way into the homely café where a warm welcome from Alison and the team awaits. (It's the kind of place where the staff remember your name.) Inside, the Shed is a cavern of gifts, displayed against the original stone walls. Old-fashioned values reign in the kitchen, with everything made from scratch; the cheese scones, fruit scones and cream teas are legendary.

This is a wonderful place to pause on the way to or from Wales and there’s overflow parking for busy days. Have a nostalgic look at the walls inside for the black-and-white photos of how it once looked.