Ruardean is a historic village with numerous places of interest. There are notable ancient buildings well worth visiting such as St. John The Baptist's Church, dating from 1111 AD. The church tower commands good views of the Wye Valley and Welsh Mountains, and trips up to the battlements can be arranged for visitors. Outstanding features of the church consist of a carving of the Virgin Mary over the south porch and a tympanum representing St. George and the Dragon above the south door. This is dated to the 12th century and was carved by the Hereford School of Sculpture. In a field nearby are the remains of an old manor house, known locally as The Castle, which was reputedly destroyed during the Civil War by Cromwellian troops.

During the 19th century the church's inhabitants were Reverend John Horlick and his descendents, James and William, famous for their hot malt beverage Horlicks. Horlick's Barn in Ruardean is the building where the brothers are reputed to have carried out early experiments which lead to the successful drying of milk. The small building still stands behind the Malt Shovel public house on the High Street.

The village pub is The Malt Shovel Inn which serves good food and includes a children's menu, and a vegetarian option.

There is also a friendly post office, chip shop and excellent butcher providing essential services for the village anyone on a self-catering holiday.

Ruardean is very central for the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and The Cotswolds. It is just over an hour from the beaches of Weston-Super-Mare for days out at the seaside.