Symonds Yat Rock

The nation's forests are open, but please read our coronavirus guidance before you visit - read our guidance.

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day. The site opens at 8:00am every day and the closing times are as follows:

November to February - 5pm

March - 6.30pm

April - 8pm

May to August - 9pm

September - 7.30pm

October - 6.30pm

Please see the Cafe Facebook page for current opening times.

For a quieter forest experience, we recommend planning your visit for early morning (before 10am) or in the evening (after 4pm). The forest is usually less busy on week days.

How to find us

Follow tourist signs for the Forest of Dean. Take the B4432 from Coleford and Christchurch, heading North. The site is on the left before the steep downhill road to the river.

near Coleford, Gloucestershire, GLOUCESTER

Sat Nav Postcode: GL16 7NZ

OS Grid Ref

SO564160

Get directions

51.83788064362, -2.6355895381287

Parking and prices

Parking charges apply at Symonds Yat Rock.

You can now use RingGo* at Symonds Yat Rock which allows you to pay for parking online or via an app. Please download the Ringo App before travelling if you can.

If you’re not a smartphone user, you can still use RingGo to pay for your parking by calling 0203 046 0063. You can also register and book parking with RingGo online.

*There is a small convenience charge for using this service. See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

Location Codes - 31043 (car), 31044 (minibus or motorhome), 31045 (coach)

Please note: Our onsite pay and display machine is located in the main car park and accepts coins only, no change given.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Peak charges (1 April - 31 October)
Up to 2 hours	£3.00
Up to 4 hours	£5.00
All day	£7.00

Off peak charges (1 November - 31 March)
Up to 2 hours	£2.00
Up to 4 hours	£4.00
All day	£5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses/motorhomes - peak £10.00, off peak £8.00

Coaches/minibuses with trailers - peak £12.00, off peak £10.00

Additional Information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Coaches/Minibuses welcomed

Disabled parking available

Pay by phone available

Facilities and access

Disabled Parking - in the main car park, or a separate car park for blue badge holders only which is closer to the viewpoint and café but further from the toilets.

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

View Accessibility Guide

Accessible toilet

Assistant dogs welcome

Cafe

Dogs allowed

Easy access trail

Picnic area

Toilets

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4800

E-Mail Address

westengland@forestryengland.uk

Symonds Yat Rock

Sunrise over Symonds Yat with mist in the valley — Photo credit: David Broadbent Photography

Mist in the valley over Symonds Yat — Photo credit: David Broadbent Photography

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself.

Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons. However, with a little patience, there are many other birds that you can seen here.

Goshawks can be viewed in detail, Sparrowhawks are frequent and breed in the trees in the valley as do Buzzards which can be seen from above whilst soaring. Ospreys also often stop here in the spring and autumn migration. Tawny Owls are sometimes seen roosting and hooting males are occasionally heard during the day. Barn Owls, Ravens and Kestrels also usually nest nearby.

Trail map