The Wye Valley River Festival will be taking place at Symonds Yat Rock 3rd - 5th June. - Find out more
Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

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

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

Pay for your parking with cash or use the RingGo app. We recommend downloading the app to your phone before you visit.

You can also use RingGo by pre-booking online or calling 0203 046 0063 with location code 31043 (cars) or 31044 (minibus or motorhome).

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

Forest of Dean members park for free. Buy your Membership now for £40 and simply display your pass in your vehicle without queuing for a ticket. Parking charges and memberships help us to look after the Forest of Dean for everyone.

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 - Find out more about our membership offer
Number of accessible parking spaces: 15
Coaches/Minibuses welcomed
Disabled parking available
Pay by phone available

Facilities and access

If you have limited mobility, why not hire a Tramper through the Countryside Mobility Scheme? Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire one.

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

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 over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

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.

People running at Forest Runner event

Forest Runner 2022

Join us 20 November for a 5km or 10km run, set against the beautiful backdrop of Symonds Yat Rock. All profits go towards helping us grow, shape and care for the Forest of Dean, now and for future generations.
Find out more

Food & drink

Symonds Yat Rock Café in Autumn

Symonds Yat Rock Café

Enjoy freshly prepared food, homemade cakes, ice cream and drinks while taking in the spectacular views of the Wye Valley from this traditional log cabin-style café.
Find out more

Things to do

Picnics at Symonds Yat Rock

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables can be found by the café and in the main car park.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Find out more

Symonds Yat Rock Cycle Trail

A linear track through woodlands high above the Wye Valley, with one steep section at the half way point.  This route can also be taken on foot and leads to Forest Holidays/Camping in the Forest.

Find out more

Walking trails at Symonds Yat Rock

From Symonds Yat Rock there are waymarked trails linking to the Forest Holidays campsite, to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself.

Discover the ancient hill fort, look out for birds of prey and then enjoy a snack from the log cabin café.

Find out more

Nearby forests

Cafe at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands.

It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a family activity trail, Sculpture Trail, play area and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. You can even bring your bikes and access the wider forest on our Family Cycle Trail. 

Find out more
Rider on cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

Find out more
walkers enjoying a walk around a woodland lake in autumn

Mallards Pike

This beautiful setting is a great place to get active. Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

Find out more
Family walking through autumnal forest

Wenchford

Wenchford is a beautiful spot nestled deep within the forest with plenty of picnic tables and an easy access path

Blackpool Brook trickles through the site under the dappled shade of the large oak trees. The paddling area is the perfect place to cool down in the hot summer months.

The toilet facilities are open from April until the end of October. Parking charges only apply during this time.  

Find out more
Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England