Your Guide to
Wye Valley
“The birthplace of British tourism”
The Wye Valley National Landscape covers 126 square miles from the village of Mordiford near Hereford, down 58 miles of the lower Wye to the town of Chepstow.
Its centrepiece is the River Wye, which weaves from Plynlimon in the Welsh Mountains and glides down through Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye before reaching Chepstow.
The sparkling waterscapes of the Wye Valley provide ample opportunity to explore the area by canoe, boat or paddleboard whether you choose to float beneath the cliffs at Symonds Yat, meander down the river from Hereford to Hoarwithy, or skim across the serene waters at Kerne Bridge. The array of creatures that inhabit the valley include wild boar and otters, making adventures all the more exciting.
Back on land, the undulating landscape of the Wye Valley is imbued with spellbinding history – from Iron Age hillforts to ancient earthworks, standing stones and medieval castles – while cultural high points include Hay-on-Wye, affectionately known as the ‘Town of books’, and the many art galleries and potteries burrowed within the valley’s boundaries.
We hope you enjoy your stay in this much-loved part of the country. To help you plan your days we’ve put together a collection of our favourite experiences, so you can make the most of the Wye Valley.
Offa’s Dyke Path
Named after a great earth wall ordered by King Offa of Mercia, this 177 mile long trail runs between Chepstow and Prestatyn. Crossing the border between England and Wales over 20 times, you can tick off each section in stages whilst being immersed in beautiful flora and fauna.
Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye
This old keep is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Britain. Walk along walls, explore the moat, and learn about the kings and countesses who once occupied the castle before enjoying a slice of cake at the café.
Raglan Castle, Raglan
From majestic turrets to a bewitching moat, Raglan Castle is an ancient pearl in the Wye Valley landscape. On visiting, wander around the hexagonal tower before discovering restored Tudor treasures at the visitor centre.
Hereford
The only city in the Wye Valley, Hereford is an attractive place to visit, speckled with half-timbered buildings while being imbued with history. The golden-hued cathedral is both the city’s crown jewel, and home to the famous Mappa Mundi – an ancient map made from calf skin.
Tintern Abbey, Tintern
Perched on the River Wye, this bewitching Gothic masterpiece was founded in 1131 and provides interest for all the family. Spend time at its splendid ruins and gaze up at pristine arches before walking paths once populated by monks.
Chepstow Castle, Chepstow
This beautifully preserved castle runs along a limestone cliff above the River Wye. Dating back to 1067, it was once home to some of the most powerful people of both Medieval and Tudor history – each of whom you can learn more about on visiting.
The Old Station, Tintern Heights
This old station and refurbished railway carriages transport you back to the golden age of travel. Standing in 10 acres of meadowland, there’s a Wye Valley exhibition, circular walk and tearooms for the family to enjoy.
Clearwell Caves, Coleford
Travel to new depths at this natural cave system. Mined for centuries beneath the Forest of Dean, choose a self-guided tour, or try a caving trip if you dare to go deeper.
Hay-on-Wye
Known as the ‘Town of books’, Hay-one-Wye is a bibliophile’s dream thanks to rows of quirky bookshops crammed with tales of all kinds. The town’s hugely popular literary festival is held every year and attracts some of the country’s most iconic actors, writers and creative thinkers.
Oldfield Forge, Hereford
Offering bespoke blacksmithing experiences, this family run set-up is a voyage into the heart of Hereford’s once industrial past. Combining traditional techniques with modern technology, forge your own knife, make an axe or combine blacksmithing with cider tasting.
Yat Pottery Art School, Ross-on-Wye
A place to unleash your creative side, this little nook is a working pottery and art school all at once in Ross-on-Wye. Either book your own ‘throw down’ in the ceramics studio or opt for an inspiring painting lesson.
Wye Valley River Festival
This free 10 day festival is one of the best ways to experience the people of the Wye Valley while enjoying its beautiful landscapes. Bursting with screenings, performances and parades, it traverses several locations, from Chepstow to Ross-on-Wye, while attracting around 20,000 revellers.
The Haymakers Gallery, Hay-on-Wye
Seven brilliant artists come together to form The Haymakers Gallery, where you’ll find mediums from ceramics to embroidery, felt and stone demonstrating the rich creative talent of the area.
Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley
Uncover the history of the people of the Forest of Dean at this extensive heritage centre. Comprising of a museum, forester’s cottage and art and crafts exhibitions, there’s also an adventure playground and restaurant.
The Potting Shed, Whitchurch
Perfect for: cold drinks, lunch
Set in an 1850s reading room, this quirky café is the perfect place for a cold drink and then lunch. Dishes incorporate delicious seasonal ingredients into salads, omelettes, sandwiches and juices that’ll fuel the rest of your day.
Tweet Bar & kitchen,Ross-on-Wye
Perfect for: cocktails, tapas, vegan options
Step into this bright bar and kitchen for a host of elegant cocktails and tapas amid gorgeous maximalist interiors. With an expansive menu and drinks list, this place is also great for vegetarian and vegan options.
The Bush at Penallt, Monmouth
Perfect for: dinner
Built on a hill of quartz, The Bush at Penallt has a penchant for local food with 95% of its fresh ingredients being sourced from local farmers and artisan producers. Top tip: sample the oh-so lovely Wye Valley honey.
The Kilpeck Inn, Hereford
Perfect for: Sunday lunch, dinner, drinks
Burrowed in the idyllic village of Kilpeck, this hearty inn boasts both a welcoming ambience and scrumptious food and tipples. Tuck into Monmouthshire hill lamb or local free range pork while sipping the popular ‘Butty Bach’ ale from the Wye Valley Brewery.
The Bookshop, Hereford
Perfect for: brunch, Sunday lunch, drinks
Dine in style at this considered Hereford spot, where a refined menu is served from AM to PM. On the menu are tongue-tingling cocktails, egg-soaked brunches and an award-winning Sunday lunch covering all bases – from slow-cooked lamb to a rare rump of beef, and tasty vegetarian options.
Panevino Italian Restaurant, Chepstow
Perfect for: dinner, dessert
Mouth-watering Italian dishes meet a beautiful riverside location when it comes to Panevino in Chepstow. Tuck into thick pizzas, indulgent pasta and a glass of wine before an evening stroll along the river. This place is also pooch-friendly!
The Whitebrook, Monmouth
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, vegetarian
Celebrating all that can be grown, foraged and produced in the Wye Valley and its borders, this Michelin star hang-out calls upon all foodies. Dishes are also made using the most unusual ingredients – think hedgerow herbs, wild garlic and Hen of the Wood mushrooms.
Drovers Rest Farm Kitchen, Hay-on-Wye
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, special occasions
The brainchild of South African owners, this 16th century organic farm lies at the foothills of the Black Mountains in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. The menu features wild feasts cooked on fire, dirty burgers and Asian street food.
Chapters Restaurant, Hay-on-Wye
Perfect for: dinner, Sunday lunch
On a mission to support small scale producers in the area, Chapters offers both an intimate dining experience and dishes made from sustainable ingredients. Get your tastebuds going with dishes that use pickles, ferments, salt cures and purees to capture the seasons.
The Old Court Hotel Restaurant, Symonds Yat
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, drinks
Whether you choose a corner table or the sun-speckled terrace, this Elizabethan spot is the perfect place for tasting the flavours of the Wye Valley. Our favourites? The Hereford Beef and traditionally reared lamb.
No 3, Ross-on-Wye
Perfect for: dinner, light bites, drinks
You only need to scroll through a few reviews or so to realize No 3 in Ross-on-Wye is worth a visit. With a menu spanning from succulent seafood to indulgent baked camembert, there’s something for everyone at this foodie paradise. Booking is highly recommended.
The Sacarens Head Inn, Symonds Yat
Perfect for: drinks, dinner, Sunday lunch
Centuries of history lie at this old inn on the River Wye. Complementing its cosy ambience is a menu brimming with seasonal dishes, and behind the bar there’s local cider to sip.
Symonds Yat Rock Circular walk
This weaving 9.3km trail follows time-old paths through a 2,500-year-old Iron Age hillfort and into abundant woodland. To soak up the beauty all at once, arrive early at Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint to experience one of the Wye’s most epic views.
Wye Churches Trail
Wander between six beautiful churches while gazing at the babbling River Wye on this pleasant walk. Highlights include both St Dubricius’ Church in Whitchurch, a 13th century, Grade II listed structure with a tulip tree said to be over 300 years old, and St Peter’s Church in Dixton, with its elegant white exterior and delightful setting on the banks of the River Wye.
Puzzlewood, Coleford
Step into the magical world of this enchanting ancient woodland inhabited by both fantastical trees and rock formations. The 14 acre site is an inspiring visit for both kids and adults thanks to weaving paths, bridges and lookouts.
The Weir Garden, Swainshill
Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir Garden is a breathtaking riverside garden where time just seems to stop. Nestled within its boundaries are so many historical features including Roman ruins and terraced earth from the Iron Age. Bring your own lunch and then perch at a picnic table once the midday sun emerges.
Elton Giant Mazes, Newnham
So much fun can be found at Elton Giant Mazes, where you can get lost in a giant, medium or small route. Open between July and September, this place is the perfect spot for when the kids need to blow off steam. 
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Ross-on-Wye
Explore a world of tropical butterflies and hunt for caterpillars and chrysalis along the way. A fun day out for all the family, this place also has a maze just next door to keep the kids entertained.
Canoe the Wye, Symonds Yat
If there’s one thing you must do when visiting the Wye Valley, it’s hire a canoe. With gentle downstream paddling, riverside camping and picnics en route, the flowing waterscapes of this special spot offer endless enjoyment. Head to Symonds Yat West’s hire centre to choose your trip.
Perrygrove Railway & Steam Adventure, Coleford
All aboard this charming railway in the heart of the Forest of Dean before the kids enjoy the treetop adventure and indoor villages where secret passages lead to treasure boxes. There’s also plenty of picnic tables too, so you can stay the whole day.
Pedalabikeway, Coleford
Hire bikes and explore the Forest of Dean on this gentle trail that follows old mining railway routes. Along the way are opportunities to stop at viewpoints, and also learn about the area’s historical heritage. Keep a look out for the local wildlife too (think wild boar and roe deer!).
The aMazing Hedge Puzzle, Whitchurch
Planted in 1977, this traditional maze is the ultimate place to play hide and seek or tag. Open daily from 10am, it’s a wonderful place for kids (and adults) to
run free.
Wild swimming at Bredwardine, River Wye
This charming spot near the grand old brick bridge is an idyllic spot for wild swimming. For the kids, there’s plenty of places to paddle on a summer’s day whilst parents sit alongside the river. Then when little tummies rumble, head to the Red Lion up the hill for lunch.
Holmer Park Club & Spa, Hereford
Luxurious treatments meet a relaxed ambience and state-of-the-art gym when it comes to Holmer Park Club & Spa. Priding itself on both a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, this award-winning spa is based around the principle of booking time, not treatments, with hosts tailoring treatments around your bespoke needs.
Float in the Forest, Lydney
With half a tonne of Epsom salts in the water, float effortlessly in these glowing pods until you feel utterly relaxed. With the temperature set to support you, the experience is designed to help you let go of tension before you drift into a state of bliss. Afterwards, take advantage of fluffy towels and sip on organic tea before leaving with a real sense of serenity.
Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa, Usk
The beautiful Welsh countryside makes a tranquil spot for Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel’s elegant spa. On arrival, you’re met by the aroma of fragrant oils before you discover a comprehensive range of treatments. Once you’ve settled in, relax in the heated pool, feed your skin with a facial or wind down with a massage before having a light lunch.
Delta Hotels St Pierre Country Club Spa, Chepstow
Walk down the drive of this spectacular 16th century manor house and you’ll instantly feel opulence in the air. Step into the spa and relax with a Swedish massage and vitamin C facial, or dip your toe in the pool before unwinding in the steam room.
Holme Lacy House Spa, Hereford
Set in 20 acres of mint green gardens, this Georgian manor house plays host to the most rejuvenating spa experience. On offer are aromatherapy massages, a sauna, steam room and gym, while an elegant afternoon tea will leave you utterly content.
Please Note: Information correct at time of publishing. Please check the destination/attraction direct website before visiting to confirm opening hours and visitor details.
