Symonds Yat Rock
Symonds Yat Rock overlooks a spectacular gorge through which the River Wye snakes. This rock is the perfect viewpoint from which to watch birds of prey. Visitors can watch a pair of Peregrine Falcons that nest annually within sight of the rock through telescopes.
This is a great place for photographers to take photos of the beautiful countryside below. The area becomes photogenic when the sun is low in the sky or when clouds travel up the Wye Valley.
Opening Times
The viewing platform at Symonds Yat Rock is open from 8 am – 5 pm. Visit Website.
Cruise on the wye
After a walk along the Wye, I took a boat ride on the river and joined the passengers on Kingfisher Cruises boat near to The Saracen’s Head pub. Here are some photos from the trip, including The Long Stone rock pillar at Symonds Yat East.
We documented our full walk in the area here.
Pubs in Symmonds Yat
If you are requiring a drink or a meal out on your visit, then the Saracen’s Head is not far away. The Saracen’s Head is located close to the rock right next to the river. The pub and restaurant serve great food from lunchtime light bites to some fantastic local steaks.
The Saracen’s Head Pub & Restaurant
The Saracen’s Head is a friendly pub and restaurant on the bank of the River Wye. In the summer this is a very busy spot as it’s near the campsites and all the Symonds Yat activity centres. This is a lovely place to visit and is a great end point or rest stop on a Wye Valley hike. The Saracen’s Head is also very handy for adventurers who are camping at nearby campsites.
The pub has a nicely presented inside and a nice outside seating area on a terrace. Their food menu is diverse, from nice lunchtime bites to more gourmet meals on the main menu. The Saracen’s Head is dog friendly and pets are welcome inside the bar area and the beer garden.
The Pub is in the heart of the Wye Valley AONB and surrounded by woodland. There is a hand ferry to cross the river nearby as well as the opportunity to go on a river cruise. The River has some rapids nearby and is popular with watersports enthusiasts.
Walking is the best way to appreciate the stunning scenery of near to the pub and also spot some local wildlife. If you are walking the Wye Valley, this is an excellent place to rest your legs and have a refreshment break.
I have eaten or stopped at the Saracen’s Head on a variety of occasions. The pub is a wonderful place to enjoy a cider on a hot summer’s day. Meals are of outstanding quality too. However one standout occasion, I enjoyed a locally reared ribeye steak that they cooked to perfection.