Ross-on-Wye has been voted the UK’s best-loved market town.

The Herefordshire gem topped a National Express summer survey of a thousand people designed to uncover the nation’s favourite market towns, beating Ledbury, who were placed seventh in the poll.

It is hoped the poll of a thousand people, undertaken by the largest coach operator in the UK, will offer summer travel inspiration, and perhaps encourage people to visit somewhere new.

Revealed: The UK’s favourite market towns:

1. Ross-on-Wye (Herefordshire)

2. Thirsk (North Yorkshire)

3. Grantham (Lincolnshire)

4. Bedford (Bedfordshire)

5. Shepton Mallet (Somerset)

6. Chippenham (Wiltshire)

7. Ledbury (Herefordshire)

8. Tie: Fareham (Hampshire) Bridport (Dorset) Devizes (Wiltshire)

9. Wareham (Dorset)

10. Farnham (Surrey)

National Express Managing Director Tom Stables said: “With its picturesque location and stunning Market House it’s hardly surprising Ross-on-Wye is regarded as one of the best towns in the UK. It’s tough to think of anything more quintessentially British than a market town and we think that’s worth celebrating”.