SURROUNDING THE COTTAGE
From the doorstep of Snowdrop Cottage you are in the midst of the ancient woodland and all of its unrivalled natural sounds. From the bird song to the distant River Wye Rapids, it just slows the pace and helps you breathe in the wonderous forest.
With views of Symonds Yat Rock and the infamous ‘The Chalet’ (which features in ‘Sex Education’ by Netflix) being visible from the front of the cottage.
You can go for a gentle walk along the lane to Biblin’s Bridge, wandering through the woodlands draped in wildflowers such as Bluebells or Wild Garlic. For the more adventurous amongst you, you can walk up to Symonds Yat Rock where peregrines can be viewed on their nests from the RSPB telescopes, or carry onwards to King Arthur’s & Merlin’s caves where you will undoubtedly be greeted by wild boar and other wildlife.
NEARBY
Pretty Symonds Yat is a village that straddles the beautiful River Wye in the heart of the Forest of Dean, England’s largest Oak forest. In an Area of Outstanding Beauty, with magnificent limestone rock and the internationally famous viewpoint from Symonds Yat Rock, which is a Forestry Commission site. Offering trails for numerous activities including climbing, walking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding, caving, golf, fishing or more sedate river boat cruises there is always something to do.
The two market towns of Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye are close by with good shopping facilities. Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye are also within easy reach and provide the gateway to the Black Mountains. Goodrich Castle and Grosmont Castle within easy access.
Bordering Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol enables access from major cities with Gloucester, Hereford, Cardiff and Bristol all within one hour's driving distance.
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Other activities and nearby attractions include caves, Canoe hire, Hedge Puzzle/Puzzlewood, Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Goodrich Castle, Symonds Yat Rock, King Arthur’s Cave, Tintern Abbey and Coleford.
THINGS TO DO
Activities
YOFI Paddlesports - Ye Olde Ferrie Inn- Just 10 minute walk on the cottage side of the Wye is this charming riverside pub not only do they serve delicious food and choice of real ales, they have Canoe Hire for all and Stand up Paddleboards. Turn up and have a go by the hour or longer. Ferrie Lane, Symonds Yat West HR9 6BL Phone :01600 890232
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Wyedean Canoe Hire - Hire a Canoe, Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard and explore the Wye Valley. From an hour’s experience up to Multi Day trips. The best way to see this magical area. Family-run business since 1987 based in Symonds Yat East, helping people from all over the world to enjoy adventure activities and canoeing on the River Wye in a safe and fun environment. Whatever your ability, you can even stay for a picnic mid-way.
Canoe the Wye - Canoe hire on the River Wye Journey from the canoe hire centre in Symonds Yat West, up river for the start of your canoe trip and you paddle back to us. Length of trip can be chosen. Ideal for families, individuals and large groups at affordable simple to understand prices. All equipment is provided and parking is at the Canoe hire centre, where a minibus will take you to the canoe destination. http://www.canoethewye.co.uk/
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Forest of Dean Adventure - Bracelands - Ready to welcome thrill seekers, bow hunters and mud lovers back into our forest playground. Our Archery, Assault Course and tree top Adventure Challenge are available to book.
https://www.forestofdeanadventure.co.uk
Inspire2Adventure - Outdoor Adventure Activity provider based near Monmouth operating in The Forest of Dean offering a variety of activities suitable for families, adult groups.
Adventure activities available include:
• Gorge Scrambling Experience
• High level ropes course challenge
• Guided Open Canoe River Trips
• Guided Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing & Abseiling
• Hill walking & Orienteering
• Urban Adventure Day
Adventure Days such as
• Gorge & Paddle Adventure Day
• Rock & Paddle Adventure Day
• Gorge & Ropes Adventure Day
Adventure days are very popular so please check our website www.inspire2adventure.com for offers during the year.
GoApe There are 2 sites in the Forest of Dean
Mallards Pike & Beechenhurst- From tree-to-tree crossings, bouncy nets and all-terrain Segways we have all the adventure boxes ticked. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or after quality family fun, come and put a smile on your face, get the wind in your hair and make some memories that will last a lifetime. https://goape.co.uk/adventures
Puzzlewood - Enchanted world of Puzzlewood, located in Gloucestershire’s gorgeous and historic Forest of Dean. From aliens to ancient Scowles and wizards to wildlife our unique and atmospheric ancient woodland is a natural stage that’s more than a home to history and nature, it’s an inspiration for authors and storytellers, where Stormtroopers and Time Lords have rubbed shoulders with dragons and unicorns. Book now to discover why we are such a popular filming location. A must do visit.
https://www.puzzlewood.net/ Tel: 01594 833187
Perrygrove Railway (Just opposite Puzzlewood) -
Treehouses, Trains and Treasure, whatever the weather.
Armed with a key, clues and a day of fun ahead, explore the whole of Perrygrove to unlock your box of treasure. A trip takes just over 30 minutes but most passengers get off to go to the picnic and play area at Foxy Hollow, or to go treasure hunting or den building in the woods. There is no charge for extra rides – your ticket lasts all day and you can ride the train as many times as you like.
https://www.perrygrove.co.uk/ Tel: 01594 834991
Wye Valley Butterfly Farm - You can walk with the butterflies from around the world. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is indoors, it tropical and its teeming with exotic butterflies http://butterflyzoo.co.uk
Combat Laser can also be found on this site.
Hot Pot Pottery - tea-room, gallery and pottery studio
Offering pottery activities at The House of Bread in Christchurch, The Forest of Dean (nr Symonds Yat), GL16 7NS. http://hotpotpottery.co.uk/
Walking and Other things to do - For those of you who enjoy walking, there are lovely walks in and around the Wye, with lots to see and do at the internationally renowned viewpoint of Yat Rock. Nearby cliffs 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. https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do
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Symonds Yat - Forestry Commission - lots of information and things to do https://www.forestryengland.uk/symonds-yat-rock
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Wye Valley - Area of Outstanding Beauty - more information on things to read and do
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Eating in
Tasty Trays - Breakfast boxes, afternoon teas, platters and cake deliveries. Tasty Trays have all you should ever need
Woods of Whitchurch - Gourmet Grocery Shop & Take-away. Simply gorgeous food and just down the road in Whitchurch. Not only they do take-away but you can eat in at their fabulous tea rooms and restaurant.
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Eating Out
Ye Olde Ferrie Inn - Just 10 minute walk on the cottage side of the Wye is this charming riverside pub serving fabulous food and choice of local real ales. Ferrie Lane, Symonds Yat West HR9 6BL Phone :01600 890232
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Saracens Head - A short stroll from the cottage takes you to the landing stage for a pleasant ride across the river via a hand pulled ferry run by the bar staff (when available). Bar or restaurant food either cant be beaten on a warm summer afternoon watching the river flow by!
Booking is suggested: Symonds Yat East, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6JL Phone:01600 890435
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The Paddocks Hotel- 20 mins away again on the cottage side of the river is The Paddocks Hotel and Restuarant with their selection of Traditional English and Pan Asian menu. https://www.paddockshotel.com/ Phone: 01600 890 246
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The Old Court Hotel - Open to non-residents, this family-run hotel is set in a 16th-century stone property, with original features, gardens and picnic benches. Off the A40, it's a 5-minute walk from the River Wye, and well worth a visit. Great Menu and good range of beers, ciders and wines. Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6DA
Phone: 01600 890367
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Crown at Whitchurch - 30 min walk to Whitchurch. friendly welcoming staff and a good food menu. Old Ross Rd, Symonds Yat West HR9 6DB
Phone: 01600 717194
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Rose Cottage Tea Rooms - Near to the Saracens Head the view from Rose Cottage upstream looks over to Symonds Yat West towards the Olde Ferrie Inn whilst downstream you can see The Biblins Rapids. Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye, Rose Cottage HR9 6JL Phone: 01600 890514
The Potting Shed, Whitchurch - A quirky café/restaurant do breakfast, coffees, lunch and a full evening restaurant menu.
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The Crown Inn, Goodrich - A local family run Coaching Inn, serving Fantastic Food and Beverages with the very best in customer experience. Showcasing Local produce at its best. Set in the glorious Wye Valley on the A40 between Ross on Wye and Monmouth.
Tel: 01600 890692
The Hostelrie, Goodrich - An 18th Century pub located in the tranquil village of Goodrich in the beautiful wye valley, close to Symonds Yat, & the charming market town of Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. This unique turreted building is packed with character, it has been recently refurbished in early 2021. The Hostelrie has a traditional pub, a restaurant & a large beer garden perfectly located to explore the fantastic local area & all it has to offer.
Goodrich, Ross-On-Wye HR9 6HX Tel: 01600 890 241
Castles
Goodrich Castle - Standing in open countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. This English Heritage site boasts fascinating history, spectacular battlements views and a delightful tearoom great day out for everyone.
Raglan Castle (Welsh: Castell Rhaglan) - This late medieval castle located just north of the village of Raglan in Monmouthshire, South East Wales. The modern castle dates between 15th & early 17th-century, successive ruling families Herberts and the Somersets created a luxurious, fortified castle, complete with a large hexagonal keep, known as the Great Tower or the Yellow Tower of Gwent. Surrounded by parkland, water gardens and terraces, the castle was considered by contemporaries to be the equal of any other in England or Wales.
Grosmont Castle - One of an illustrious trio of strongholds. Along with Skenfrith and White Castle, it’s one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans to control a key section of troublesome border country. The original earth-and-timber stronghold, build on a grosmont (French for ‘big hill’), was later replaced in stone. It experienced an active life. Thirteenth-century reconstruction included the gatehouse and circular towers. Remodelling a century later gave Grosmont apartments fit for a noble household, but by the 15th century the castle was in the wars again, besieged in the rebellion led by charismatic Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr.
Shopping
Both Monmouth and Hereford are steeped in history. You would enjoy a day out in either town. ​
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