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About Us
Symonds Yat Rock is an internationally renowned viewpoint with one of the most iconic views of the Wye Valley. The river meanders around a headland with a rocky outcrop and the viewpoint is perfectly placed for views down both sides of the valley, along the cliffs and down to the village below. East facing, it is also a great spot to view the sunrise over the wooded hills.
There are walking trails in all directions as well as cycle trails and off-road trampers can be hired nearby too. The cafe serves hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks and there are toilets on site.
The cliffs alongside the viewpoint are the nesting place of Peregrine Falcons that soar above the valley of the River Wye 120m below. It is also the site of an Iron Age hill fort and the film location used for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Mammals: Glimpse Fallow Deer in the surrounding woodlands. Badgers can be found in most of the woodland and foxes abound too. Otters have been sighted on nearby stretches of the River Wye, flowing beneath the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. Dormice have also been recorded in the area.
Birds: Peregrines have nested in the limestone cliffs of Coldwell Rocks in the Forest of Dean for the past 20 years. The crevices in the rock face are also ideal nesting sites for other birds such as ravens and jackdaws. From the viewing point on Symonds Yat Rock you can enjoy watching the Peregrine Falcons while they hunt and raise their young from April to August each year. Other birds of prey such as Goshawks and Buzzards can also be seen here. The RSPB are on hand and have been since 1983 to show people the birds and to protect the breeding peregrine falcoms. Find out more about birdwatching in the Dean Wye here.
Insects and reptiles: Grass snakes and Adders can occasionally be seen basking in the sunlit clearings. Dragonflies and damselflies frequent the banks of the River Wye, including the White-legged damselfly. Holly Blue butterflies and the Hummingbird Hawkmoth can sometimes be seen during the summer from the viewing point.
Habitats: Symonds Yat Rock is situated in the Upper Wye Gorge, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and due to its European importance is a Special Area of Conservation. One reason for this designation is the community of nationally rare Lime and Yew woodland. The nearby Mailscot Woods are a mosaic of broadleaf and conifer trees, providing a variety of wildlife habitats.
The Peregrine Viewing Point is a partnership project run by Forestry England and RSPB. RSPB staff and volunteers are on hand with telescopes to view the Peregrines from April until August. For more than 200 years visitors have come to the area to view its picturesque landscape. Wordsworth and his friends came to the Wye Valley as part of their grand tour.
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Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Catering
- On-site catering
- Picnic site
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Public toilets
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* The main carpark is open every day except Christmas Day. In 2021 the site opens at 8:00am every day and the closing times are as follows:
- November to February - 5:00pm
- March - 6:30pm
- April - 8:00pm
- May to August - 9:00pm
- September - 7:30pm
- October - 6:30pm
Please check the website for any changes.
