Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- Locations
- Symonds Yat
Symonds Yat
Symonds Yat is one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in the Dean Wye. There are three distinct parts: Symonds Yat Rock, a viewpoint with incredible views over the River Wye; and the villages of Symonds Yat East and Symonds Yat West on either side of the river. The only way from one side to the other is a long drive or a passenger ferry.
Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, guided tours can be taken, or equipment hired. The lower river has rapids making it popular with kayakers, and the area is perfect for birdwatching.
Symonds Yat West has a large caravan and camping site and visitor attractions including the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Symonds Yat East has several places to eat and stay including the picturesque Saracens Head Inn with its riverside beer garden. A footpath leads from the village up to Yat Rock. Find out more about walking routes in the area here. A river cruise with Kingfisher Cruises begins here.
Some scenes from the popular Netflix series Sex Education were filmed around Symonds Yat and you can see the famous red house above the Saracens Head Inn.
Plan your holiday in Symonds Yat with our great places to stay, things to do and places to eat nearby.
Businesses related to Symonds Yat
Prices from:
£29.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Bracelands Camping
Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature
Canoe the Wye Ltd
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
Foodies | Families
Stay at The Saracens Head Inn
16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the… 16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the Wye Valley gorge where it meets the Forest of Dean in the idyllic village of…
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Roman Miniature Golf
Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball! Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball!
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and… Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to…
Prices from:
£70.00
Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.
Foodies
Saracens Head Inn
16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales. 16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales.
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
Adventure | Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock Cafe
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
Prices from:
£100.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Broom Hill Retreat
Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest… Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest of Dean. Enjoy nature with home comforts, hot tubs & more!
Prices from:
£170.00
Dogs
Rowan Tree Retreat
Sleep up to 4 | 3-night min stays| very Dog-friendly | Hot Tub | EV charger | Romantic Stay | Close… Sleep up to 4 | 3-night min stays| very Dog-friendly | Hot Tub | EV charger | Romantic Stay | Close to Symonds Yat Viewpoint | walks from gate into the forest
Groups | Arts | Dogs | Families | Relaxation
Hot Pot Pottery
A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and… A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean.
Nature | Arts
Neil Baker Photography
Forest of Dean photographer, offering photographic prints of landscapes, natural world, wildlife… Forest of Dean photographer, offering photographic prints of landscapes, natural world, wildlife and local events
Events awarded Symonds Yat
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 9 May 2026
Dates:
8th Dec 2025 - 9th May 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 29 April 2026
Dates:
8th Dec 2025 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Foodies | Groups | History
Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings
Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award
Dogs | Families | Groups | Relaxation
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Dogs | Families | Groups
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
A 2 hour Christmas themed workshop
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View EventExperiences Awarded Symonds Yat
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Canoeing on the River Wye
Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips that are suitable for everyone, no…
Prices from:
£41.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Rock Climbing with Inspire2Adventure
Enjoy rock climbing, if this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at… Enjoy rock climbing, if this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at this exhilarating sport. And for more experienced climbers, there is plenty of…
Trails In Symonds Yat
Explore Symonds Yat Rock with way-marked trails to stunning river-gorge viewpoints. Route options,… Explore Symonds Yat Rock with way-marked trails to stunning river-gorge viewpoints. Route options, distances, parking and café info in one place.
Offers From Symonds Yat
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature
Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…
Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
Our latest Symonds Yat blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Lee Pullen and find his favourite places.
Read more
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
Read more
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
