Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat is a village in the Wye Valley in the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, and a popular tourist destination. It straddles the River Wye, and is within a few miles of Monmouthshire and the Welsh border. Wikipedia.
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4.4
(1568)
Mentioned on 
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
Symonds Yat Rock is a must-visit tourist spot in the Wye Valley, offering stunning views from its limestone outcrop that rises 500 feet above the River Wye. It's a popular destination for nature walks and hiking, with mapped routes available for exploration. The area also features charming lodges and log cabins for accommodation. Additionally, there are various dining options nearby, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a meal after exploring the beautiful surroundings.
4.8
(6420)
Mentioned on 
National park
Wye Valley National Landscape is a vast conservation area that spans across England and Wales, offering picturesque rolling hills, woodlands, and a meandering river perfect for various outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and canoeing. The region boasts two iconic landmarks - Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle - as well as popular footpaths such as The Offas Dyke and The Wye Valley Walk.
A really fabulous place to visit, we have had lovely hikes here as well as canoeing on the Wye. There are a number of pubs you can get food and drink at and there are super views of the surrounding countryside. You can get across the river by bridge or ferry, depending on where you want to cross.
Thomas C — Google review
What an area of outstanding natural beauty, with beautiful landscapes, nice villages/towns and numerous attractions, its a great place for a holiday or mini break. the river wye cuts its way through some amazing scenery. it slso has alot of intresting history. really worth a visit.
Mark M — Google review
Lovely views all around. I love me some good bridges so I tried to find a good viewpoint. I hope to go back again and get more photos. Went up hiking to get those viewss (At Coppett Hill). If you want to hike up Coppett Hill, I recommend you drive up to Highview and find a place to pull over and park. Its in the middle of nowhere so its pretty easy to find a place to just pull over and park because hey... its not illegal if theres no double yellows. The two bridges in these photos are Kerne Bridge (1st photo) and Huntsham Bridge (4th photo).
Connor R — Google review
A beautiful area and landscape for hiking – there are picnic spots, seating areas, toilets, as well as coffee and food available for purchase.
Andrea — Google review
It was an incredible ride to Tintern, we enjoyed each turning around the corner with it beauty and mountainous landscape reminds my home country. We will be hunting and discover more and more in upcoming days
Rabin S — Google review
Walk started at St Briavells Castle and looped across the surrounding area.Plenty of paths to Ramble and places to see,You can make it as long or as short as you like,you won't be disappointed. ENJOY
David R — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking. As soon as we reached the viewpoint to take in the scenery, we heard a peregrine call out across the valley. I am so grateful that places of such extraordinary natural beauty are protected.
Miranda — Google review
The Wye is the prettiest River out there. She winds her way through gorgeous countryside. Stunning scenery all the way. My idea of heaven 😍
Martin T — Google review
4.4
(381)
3.6
(14)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Nestled in the stunning Forest of Dean, King Arthur's Cave is a hidden gem often overshadowed by the area's other attractions. This ancient cave has been inhabited for over 50,000 years and holds remnants of prehistoric creatures and early human activity. Accessible from the northern side of Wye Valley, it offers an intriguing glimpse into history. The journey to the cave includes scenic routes like Bibblins Bridge and Symonds Yat, with breathtaking views over Wye Gorge.
Nice place to visit for an hour. Caves are pretty cool. Kids loved it. Nice woods and you can Loop from the car park, down to the caves, then back up to the road and to the car park. It's free to go and park.
Matt- F — Google review
One of the attractions on a circular walk we did in the Wye Valley. The two caves are surprisingly large with little tunnels off each. They don't go far, but it was fun investigating. King Arthur must have been out as it was empty when we visited.
Thomas C — Google review
Really enjoyable walk. Try to keep to the paths unlike what I did and follow a compass but enjoyable all the same.
Stevan B — Google review
Short walk from the tiny car park but a couple of steep sections. Not a particularly large or interesting cave though.
Nick B — Google review
not the easiest to find, but not extremely difficult. very cute little cave. the stone swirl was lovely. nice spot for a brew :)
Fiona D — Google review
Lovely little walk in an amazing spot. My kids enjoyed the cave immensely and spent quite some time running around it and playing throughout. Have returned since. Nice spot for a break and some food. Such a beautiful spot for chilling out
Warren F — Google review
Easy to access and a good addition to a day out, doesn't take much of your day so it can be fitted between stops
Marcus T — Google review
Lovely different trails / walks to go on through the woods, by the river over the river by the footbridge and more woodland. Free parking. No toilets unless go the cafe at the bottom which is open 11 onwards. Times may vary. Campsite at the bottom. Free parking. Narrow track to get there
Annie C — Google review
4.4
(2599)
4.3
(1813)
Mentioned on 
Inn
Bed & breakfast
The Saracens Head Inn is a charming B&B located by the river, offering comfortable rooms with picturesque water views. Guests can enjoy a delicious hot breakfast and locally sourced dining options. The inn provides an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Symonds Yat, including opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the River Wye.
Situated overlooking the river Rye with lovely views from the bar terrace. Access is via a single bridge and winding road, on which we encountered some deer on our journey back to the hotel on our first evening. We were warmly welcomed by all the staff, from reception, to bar and restaurant staff and cleaners. The (standard twin) room was compact but modern and simply decorated to high quality. Bathroom was nicely decorated with spacious shower and much appreciated fluffy towels. Everything was spotlessly clean. I mean really really clean! Good quality bedding and no noise from adjoining rooms helped make for a good nights sleep. Breakfast staff were great, prompt and friendly service. Breakfast was delicious; especially the bacon and poached eggs. Highly recommend the hotel and food. Many guests said they would definitely be returning.
Jan P — Google review
I stayed here with my girlfriends for birthday celebrations and we had such a lovely time. We ate dinner on the Friday and Saturday in the restaurant and the food was delicious especially the burgers. Breakfast was delicious, I had scrambled egg and smoked salmon both days. The rooms were lovely. I think my only criticism was how hot my room was. We had to sleep with the patio doors open 😬 The staff were lovely and very accomodating. Perfect location 👌
Lynne S — Google review
Great location to spend a few days. Very busy in high season, but the staff was amazing and looked after us. Generous freshly cooked breakfast. Our room looked over the river. Noisy because of the many day-trip tourists but all quiet around 21.30 h. The river and its surroundings are beautiful. Many nice places to visit. Or just walk around the neighbourhood. It was our second time visiting Symonds Yat. We might go there again.
Wendi P — Google review
Just drove here for a pint. Location great BUT be warned you have to pay £5 to park for anything up to 4 hours, customers included!!! Husband went in to check that signage was right and say we just wanted one quick drink. He was told car park still had to be paid, even though it clearly wasn’t busy. It was a fair and narrow drive, out of our way, so think it’s worth warning others if you’re considering a pm pint. Now other side of river in Ye Old Ferry Inn, far more welcoming and lots of free parking, quite rightly, for customers - go there!
Zoe A — Google review
Excellent pub food. We called in after visiting Symonds Yat Rock, and were impressed with the quality of food and service. Only a small menu, but changes everyday, and had a few vegetarian options to choose from. The vegetarian mushroom burger was one of the best we'd ever tasted, and the chips were excellent.
Matthew W — Google review
We dropped in for dinner after a canoe trip down The Wye. The setting is beautiful and a great spot for a drink. However, £22 for a very average burger and chips is ridiculous. Being a bank holiday Sunday we didn't really have much of an option but to suck it up and pay the price. Had the prices been more reasonable we probably would have stuck around and had dessert and possibly a few more drinks. There was also a £5 charge for the car park, as you can only pay for the whole day, not necessarily the fault of the pub. In the end we ate and left, not feeling like we'd had good value for money.
James H — Google review
Not our first visit, such a great location right on the river. Had a lovely river walk and then stopped here for lunch just managing to grab the last outside table. Sadly the food wasn’t very good on this occasion although it came very quickly. I had the smashed burger but it was overcooked and also not very smashed. The Missus had the squid which was very greasy. Our friends had chicken and bacon sandwiches which looked a safer option. Will still come back if walking along the Wye just for the lovely ambience and views
Robert C — Google review
came in for dinner, we booked in advance (as we had our dog with us and that was advised on the website) and came in right around 6 when they started serving food at 6. food came really quick and was all really delicious, amazing quality and clearly super fresh. Also ordered some ice cream/pudding which, again, was lovely. A couple things to note: was quite expensive as pubs go, and not all the serving sizes were very generous. + there was a sign directing you to a bar to order food at, but we had a couple of confused waiters come to us and ask if we’d ordered, please pick one! order at table or at bar.
Anna — Google review
Symonds Yat, East, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6JL, United Kingdomhttp://saracensheadinn.co.uk/+44 1600 890435Tips and more reviews for The Saracens Head Inn
4.7
(45)
Mentioned on 
Symonds Yat Alternative Viewpoint, located near the villages of Symonds Yat East and West in Herefordshire, offers a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is perfect for countryside walks, kayaking, and other adventure activities. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the viewpoint's cafe or bring their own food to enjoy at the picnic benches. While the climb may be steep, the stunning views make it well worth the effort.
Stunning well worth a visit. Cafe and picnic area on site between the 2 viewing points. Plus steps down to the river Wyre. Not for those unsteady on there feet. Parking avalible pay points dotted around. Historical site. Toilets on site.
Dancing Q — Google review
A small hike to the this beauty. Not strenuous, not crowded. The view is incredible as you can see. We did spend time at the summit and then headed down to the cafe for a cuppa.. ☕️ a lovely day ..!
Mol D — Google review
Great views over Symonds Yat. It is managed by Forestry England with a big car park (payable by app or machine), a cafe, toilets and walking trails. The viewpoint is accessible via a tarmac path then boardwalk. We saw peregrine falcons and cormorants from the viewpoint and there are interesting information boards. There is a second viewpoint on rough ground through a wooded area.
Jade F — Google review
Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint. Treat yourself to tea and cake from Symonds Yat Rock Cafe, a log cabin-style building which was originally built in 1956 in readiness for the Queen’s visit the following year. Symonds Yat Rock is home to an Iron Age hillfort built around 2500 years ago. The area is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The remains of the ramparts can still be seen in the form of a series of banks and ditches. More recently, Yat Rock and the Wye Valley are known as the birthplace of British tourism. They have been used as a travel destination since the 18th century after they were popularised by the Reverend William Gilpin, the pioneer of the ‘Picturesque’ movement.
AQ K — Google review
Cycled here from our campsite at Parkend. Wonderful route through the forest. This view is a great reward for the cycle. It seems so much better when you get to a place like this under youe own steam without the parking faff.
Tony E — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous and serene. I decided to do the Christchurch trail from the car park up to the holiday cottages, mostly flat with some gentle slopes and 1 big slope. The only downside on this trail was it ran parallel to the road, and you can clearly hear the traffic going pass most of the time. Yats Rock main viewpoint is next to the cafe, about a 2 min walk on a wooden bridge. Carpark was massive, plenty of spaces although there are no marked bays and you'll park on unpaved areas. It's card payment only or pay by app on RingGo. Disable carpark is closer to the cafe, has its own entrance from the road. Toilets are next to the parking machines. For the cafe, you'll need to walk a little uphill from the car park towards Yat Point. Plenty of seating benches dotted around. Definitely recommend, it's accessible and family friendly.
Sadz — Google review
Lovely views. Very close to the car park and an easy walk! A lot more challenging walking trails down to the river.
Alison N — Google review
Such a nice viewpoint. The hike from the car park up is quite steep maybe takes under 30 minutes. At the top they have a nice large space to rest and cafe too.
Umar H — Google review
English Bicknor, Ross-on-Wye, GL16 7NZ, United KingdomTips and more reviews for Symonds Yat Viewpoint
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