Out and About around Wye Rapids
Food scene
On the opposite bank of the river, you can see The Saracen’s Head from the cottage. Again, great for sunny beers by the river or for hunkering down inside with high quality food on a winter’s day. Easily accessible when the Hand Ferry is working to take you across the river. If not, a stunning 30-40 minute walk through the ancient woodland via Biblins suspension bridge. A nice spot for catching the last of the valley’s rays on a summer’s evening.
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The Saracens Head Inn
On the opposite bank of the river, you can see The Saracen’s Head from the cottage. Again, great for sunny beers by the river or for hunkering down inside with high quality food on a winter’s day. Easily accessible when the Hand Ferry is working to take you across the river. If not, a stunning 30-40 minute walk through the ancient woodland via Biblins suspension bridge. A nice spot for catching the last of the valley’s rays on a summer’s evening.
The local shop, deli and café/ restaurant in the next village of Whitchurch is only a 20-30 minute walk away through the back roads of Symonds Yat or a 5 minute drive. They sell lovely local products as well as stocking the essentials, make a mean coffee, do breakfasts and lunches as well as roasts on the 1st Sunday of each month.
Booking essential. Also look out for special take away deals and special events such as kid’s pizza making and Fish and Chip Quiz nights.
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Woods of Whitchurch
The local shop, deli and café/ restaurant in the next village of Whitchurch is only a 20-30 minute walk away through the back roads of Symonds Yat or a 5 minute drive. They sell lovely local products as well as stocking the essentials, make a mean coffee, do breakfasts and lunches as well as roasts on the 1st Sunday of each month.
Booking essential. Also look out for special take away deals and special events such as kid’s pizza making and Fish and Chip Quiz nights.
Located just opposite The Butterfly Zoo, this has a large menu choice and a great, outdoor seating area with children’s play equipment.
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The Old Court Hotel
Located just opposite The Butterfly Zoo, this has a large menu choice and a great, outdoor seating area with children’s play equipment.
A quirky, garden-themed café serving up delicious food. Located in Whitchurch it’s just down the road from Woodys within walking distance or just a 5 minute drive.
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The Potting Shed Whitchurch
B4164A quirky, garden-themed café serving up delicious food. Located in Whitchurch it’s just down the road from Woodys within walking distance or just a 5 minute drive.
Offering take-away and eat-in options, this is a good bet if you fancy something other than British grub.
Whitchurch Spice Tandoori
Old Ross RoadOffering take-away and eat-in options, this is a good bet if you fancy something other than British grub.
This is a local brewery located just outside of Tintern. On the first Saturday of the month they do delicious woodfired pizzas in their pub known as The Hop Garden. It generally gets booked up early so book a place to avoid disappointment.
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Kingstone Brewery,
This is a local brewery located just outside of Tintern. On the first Saturday of the month they do delicious woodfired pizzas in their pub known as The Hop Garden. It generally gets booked up early so book a place to avoid disappointment.
Our local pub which just happens to be our favourite too. Sit on the river terrace in the sunshine with a pint of Wye Valley Brewery beer or cozy up inside the new oak extension with a glass of red. Both have amazing views of The Wye River and the food is first class too. Booking essential (we would recommend booking a river view!)
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Ye Old Ferrie Inn
Ferrie LaneOur local pub which just happens to be our favourite too. Sit on the river terrace in the sunshine with a pint of Wye Valley Brewery beer or cozy up inside the new oak extension with a glass of red. Both have amazing views of The Wye River and the food is first class too. Booking essential (we would recommend booking a river view!)
A beautiful country pub with views over The Wye. Most easily reached by parking in the village of Redbrook and walking across the old bridge to the pub.
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The Boat Inn
Lone LaneA beautiful country pub with views over The Wye. Most easily reached by parking in the village of Redbrook and walking across the old bridge to the pub.
Sightseeing
Another picturesque walk overlooking the Lower Wye Valley, The Devil’s Pulpit is accessible from Tintern and affords great views back over Tintern Abbey and the river. There are detailed directions in the guidebooks on our bookshelf.
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DEVILS PULPIT
Another picturesque walk overlooking the Lower Wye Valley, The Devil’s Pulpit is accessible from Tintern and affords great views back over Tintern Abbey and the river. There are detailed directions in the guidebooks on our bookshelf.
One of the most stunning viewpoints in The Wye Valley (and there are a few), The Eagle’s Nest is situated at the top of a steep wooded limestone cliff with views over Chepstow, The Severn Bridges and The Cotswolds. You can park in the Lower Wyndcliffe car park alongside the A466 and reach the top via a steep footpath and 365 steps which were cut into the rock in 1828. There are more detailed directions found in some of the guidebooks on our bookshelf.
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Eagle's Nest, The Wye Valley
Wyndcliffe CourtOne of the most stunning viewpoints in The Wye Valley (and there are a few), The Eagle’s Nest is situated at the top of a steep wooded limestone cliff with views over Chepstow, The Severn Bridges and The Cotswolds. You can park in the Lower Wyndcliffe car park alongside the A466 and reach the top via a steep footpath and 365 steps which were cut into the rock in 1828. There are more detailed directions found in some of the guidebooks on our bookshelf.
Positioned right next to The River Wye and next to the pretty village of Brockweir, The Old Station closed in 1959 and now the platform is home to a lovely café and there are playareas for kids as well as 10 acres of lovely walks and family activities.
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The Old Station Tintern
Tintern HeightsPositioned right next to The River Wye and next to the pretty village of Brockweir, The Old Station closed in 1959 and now the platform is home to a lovely café and there are playareas for kids as well as 10 acres of lovely walks and family activities.
Only a 10 minute drive from Symonds Yat, Goodrich castle sits on the edge of The Forest of Dean. Run by English Heritage it is one of the best preserved English medieval castles and has spectacular views from its battlements.
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Castillo de Goodrich
Castle LaneOnly a 10 minute drive from Symonds Yat, Goodrich castle sits on the edge of The Forest of Dean. Run by English Heritage it is one of the best preserved English medieval castles and has spectacular views from its battlements.
A small, ruined castle which is free to enter, it is a great place for children to explore and has lots of space in and around it for picnics and games. It sits on the bank of The Monnow river and has a very calm area of water which is lovely for wild swimming and splashing about on a sunny day.
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Castillo de Skenfrith
A small, ruined castle which is free to enter, it is a great place for children to explore and has lots of space in and around it for picnics and games. It sits on the bank of The Monnow river and has a very calm area of water which is lovely for wild swimming and splashing about on a sunny day.
A visitors centre aimed to educate people on the history and heritage of The Forest of Dean. There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions as well as walking trails around the 5 acre site including a Gruffalo Trail.
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Dean Heritage Centre
A visitors centre aimed to educate people on the history and heritage of The Forest of Dean. There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions as well as walking trails around the 5 acre site including a Gruffalo Trail.
Railway and Treetop Adventure- A narrow gauge railway which meanders through the woods and meadows for ¾ mile. Also indoor and outdoor play areas and treasure hunt.
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Perrygrove Railway
Perrygrove RoadRailway and Treetop Adventure- A narrow gauge railway which meanders through the woods and meadows for ¾ mile. Also indoor and outdoor play areas and treasure hunt.
A collection of 6 interconnected caverns lying below the Forest of Dean. A great way to explore The Forest of Dean’s mining history and perfect for a rainy day.
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Cuevas de Clearwell
The RocksA collection of 6 interconnected caverns lying below the Forest of Dean. A great way to explore The Forest of Dean’s mining history and perfect for a rainy day.
Explore the enchanting woodland which has been a backdrop for Merlin, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Dr Who to name but a few and keep children engaged by searching for items hidden in the forest.
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Puzzlewood
Perrygrove RoadExplore the enchanting woodland which has been a backdrop for Merlin, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Dr Who to name but a few and keep children engaged by searching for items hidden in the forest.
Rin by The Forestry Commission this great wooded area has a visitor centre and café, picnic areas, children’s play area, Go Ape, Superworm trail and Sculpture trail. There is plenty to do for a whole day out.
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Beechenhurst Lodge
Speech House RoadRin by The Forestry Commission this great wooded area has a visitor centre and café, picnic areas, children’s play area, Go Ape, Superworm trail and Sculpture trail. There is plenty to do for a whole day out.
Biblins bridge is a suspension bridge that is approximately 1 mile downstream from the cottage via the riverside path. It is the perfect way to access Symonds Yat Rock for a slightly longer walk direct from the cottage and great fun for kids.
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Biblins Rope Bridge
Biblins bridge is a suspension bridge that is approximately 1 mile downstream from the cottage via the riverside path. It is the perfect way to access Symonds Yat Rock for a slightly longer walk direct from the cottage and great fun for kids.
Run by The Forestry Commission, Symonds Yat Rock has plenty of child-friendly trails, a café and stunning viewpoints over the Wye. It is within walking distance from the cottage either by the hand pulled ferry or Biblins Suspension Bridge.
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Symonds Yat Rock
Run by The Forestry Commission, Symonds Yat Rock has plenty of child-friendly trails, a café and stunning viewpoints over the Wye. It is within walking distance from the cottage either by the hand pulled ferry or Biblins Suspension Bridge.
For a sedate way to view the beautiful Wye River, you can jump on board one of the cruises that spend around 40 minutes journeying up and down the Wye. With onboard commentary and refreshments this is a very relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon. Wye Valley Cruises operate from Symonds Yat West
Wye Valley Cruises
For a sedate way to view the beautiful Wye River, you can jump on board one of the cruises that spend around 40 minutes journeying up and down the Wye. With onboard commentary and refreshments this is a very relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon. Wye Valley Cruises operate from Symonds Yat West
For a sedate way to view the beautiful Wye River, you can jump on board one of the cruises that spend around 40 minutes journeying up and down the Wye. With onboard commentary and refreshments this is a very relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon. Kingfisher Cruises operate from outside The Saracen's Head Inn.
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Kingfisher Cruises Symonds Yat
For a sedate way to view the beautiful Wye River, you can jump on board one of the cruises that spend around 40 minutes journeying up and down the Wye. With onboard commentary and refreshments this is a very relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon. Kingfisher Cruises operate from outside The Saracen's Head Inn.
If you prefer your adventures on water rather than land, Symonds Yat is one of the best places to try out canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding. The rapids that give the Cottage it’s name are found just beyond the island downstream from the cottage and can be tackled in a kayak. If you want a more sedate trip, the river from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is renowned as one of the best places to canoe or paddle-board. There are various companies offering different packages for water activities. We can highly recommend Symonds Yat Canoe Hire for hourly rental of Canadian Canoes and they allow young children which not all do.
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Symonds Yat Canoe Ltd
3 Ashes LnIf you prefer your adventures on water rather than land, Symonds Yat is one of the best places to try out canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding. The rapids that give the Cottage it’s name are found just beyond the island downstream from the cottage and can be tackled in a kayak. If you want a more sedate trip, the river from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is renowned as one of the best places to canoe or paddle-board. There are various companies offering different packages for water activities. We can highly recommend Symonds Yat Canoe Hire for hourly rental of Canadian Canoes and they allow young children which not all do.
In the heart of The Forest of Dean, Pedal-A-Bike-Away is a centre with bike hire and a great little cafe from which are there are numerous trails to cycle along from family-friendly traffic free loops that take in some of the key sights of the forest to different gradients of mountain bike trails.
There are also lots of different cycle trails from Symonds Yat Rock. You can find detailed maps and information from Symonds Yat Rock café
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Pedalabikeaway
New RoadIn the heart of The Forest of Dean, Pedal-A-Bike-Away is a centre with bike hire and a great little cafe from which are there are numerous trails to cycle along from family-friendly traffic free loops that take in some of the key sights of the forest to different gradients of mountain bike trails.
There are also lots of different cycle trails from Symonds Yat Rock. You can find detailed maps and information from Symonds Yat Rock café
Located in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, Symonds Yat is recognised for it’s limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodland. It has a rich archaeological and industrial history with numerous caves and limekilns scattered around. Some of the nearby caves (including King Arthur’s Cave) have been found to contain the bones of Sabre-Tooth Tigers, Hyenas and Mammoths as well as signs of human habitation from as long ago as 12,000 years.
You can access King Arthur's Cave on foot from the cottage. There are maps and guidebooks there to give you more information.
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King Arthur's Cave
Located in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, Symonds Yat is recognised for it’s limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodland. It has a rich archaeological and industrial history with numerous caves and limekilns scattered around. Some of the nearby caves (including King Arthur’s Cave) have been found to contain the bones of Sabre-Tooth Tigers, Hyenas and Mammoths as well as signs of human habitation from as long ago as 12,000 years.
You can access King Arthur's Cave on foot from the cottage. There are maps and guidebooks there to give you more information.
The Butterfly Zoo is a short walk or 5 minute drive from the cottage. It's a great place for a wet day with the kids and has a great gift shop! Also at the same place there is a hedge maze and crazy golf. You can get joint or individual tickets for each of these activities but all are great fun. There is also a great cafe with good menu on site.
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Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
The Butterfly Zoo is a short walk or 5 minute drive from the cottage. It's a great place for a wet day with the kids and has a great gift shop! Also at the same place there is a hedge maze and crazy golf. You can get joint or individual tickets for each of these activities but all are great fun. There is also a great cafe with good menu on site.
Tintern Abbey stands in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.
It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and is one of the masterpieces of British Gothic architecture. The great west front with its seven-lancet window and the soaring arches of the nave still take the breath away.
It is now run by CADW and you need to pay an entrance fee but it is spectacular and surrounded by beautiful countryside and vistas.
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Abadía de Tintern / Abaty Tyndryn
Tintern Abbey stands in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.
It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and is one of the masterpieces of British Gothic architecture. The great west front with its seven-lancet window and the soaring arches of the nave still take the breath away.
It is now run by CADW and you need to pay an entrance fee but it is spectacular and surrounded by beautiful countryside and vistas.
A small but beautiful private sculpture garden that is only open at set times in the year (mainly around snowdrop season and summer weekends) but is well worth a visit.
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden (Winner of Sustainable Venue Award)
A small but beautiful private sculpture garden that is only open at set times in the year (mainly around snowdrop season and summer weekends) but is well worth a visit.
Owned by The National Trust, this hill overlooking Monmouth is known for it's neoclassical monuments-The Roundhouse and The Naval Temple. The hill has incredible views towards The Brecon Beacons and into South Wales.
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The Kymin
Owned by The National Trust, this hill overlooking Monmouth is known for it's neoclassical monuments-The Roundhouse and The Naval Temple. The hill has incredible views towards The Brecon Beacons and into South Wales.
City/town information
Only a short drive from the cottage, Ross-on-Wye is a lovely market town with quaint shops and eateries. There are lovely walks along the riverside and great views down to The River from The Prospect park and The Royal Hotel terrace.
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Ross-on-Wye
Only a short drive from the cottage, Ross-on-Wye is a lovely market town with quaint shops and eateries. There are lovely walks along the riverside and great views down to The River from The Prospect park and The Royal Hotel terrace.
The closest town to the cottage it is only a 5 minute drive away and sits on The Monnow river at the head of The Lower Wye Valley. It is a lovely market town with a thriving high street and incredible vistas.
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Monmouth
The closest town to the cottage it is only a 5 minute drive away and sits on The Monnow river at the head of The Lower Wye Valley. It is a lovely market town with a thriving high street and incredible vistas.