5 villages you should visit in the Wye Valley, England

The Wye Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offers a breathtaking blend of beautiful countryside and historic charm.  Straddling the borders of England and Wales, this picturesque region is renowned for its serene river views, rolling hills, and fascinating industrial heritage.  It’s a place where history and nature come together, creating a perfect escape for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Nestled within this enchanting area are some of the prettiest villages in England, each with its own unique charm and story to tell.  Whilst everyone may have their personal favourites, we’ve narrowed it down to five villages that showcase the very best of the Wye Valley’s beauty and character.  Read on to discover our top five villages to visit in the Wye Valley.

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One of the prettiest villages in the Wye Valley is Newland, which sits on the edge of the Forest of Dean.  This serene and unspoilt village is best known for its remarkable 800-year-old All Saints Church, a historic treasure known as The Cathedral of the Forest.

Built in the early 1200s, long before the village itself took shape, this medieval church stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and enduring charm.  Visitors are welcome to look inside at the magnificent stained-glass windows, effigies of bygone eras, and intricately carved tombs that tell stories of centuries past.

Whilst you’re here, take the opportunity to explore the ancient graveyard, with its weathered headstones and moss-covered statues.

Directly in front of the Cathedral of the Forest in Newland, you’ll find a picturesque row of white alms houses, built in the 17^th century to provide housing for parishioners .

For a bite to eat, head to The Ostrich Inn, on the opposite side of the graveyard. This traditional village pub is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering a warm atmosphere, real ales, and a menu of delicious homemade food

If you are looking for walks from Newland, try the linear trail to Redbrook,  a scenic route of about 5km.  Bear in mind that the trail can get muddy, so wear sturdy footwear and avoid going after heavy rain.

Whilst Newland is a tiny village with no hotels, you’ll find several excellent self-catering accommodations nearby.  Bramble Cottage, a 2-bedroom cottage with a garden, has fantastic reviews.

Just a 10-minute drive from Newland, the historic village of Redbrook sits partly in England and partly in Wales, with the River Wye flowing through its heart.

One of Redbrook’s most iconic landmarks is the Grade II listed bridge, also known as the Penallt Viaduct.  This impressive structure, no longer in use since 1964, was once used for the Wye Valley railway.  The bridge now stands as a striking reminder of Redbrook’s past and is a testament to the village’s rich industrial heritage.

Cross the Penallt Viaduct for breathtaking views of the River Wye and make your way to the charming Boat Inn.

This traditional pub, located on the Welsh side of the river, offers not only a warm welcome but also a picturesque garden, complete with waterfalls and lush foliage.  It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

If you’re looking for accommodation, the Boat Inn offers a comfortable 2-bedroom apartment above the pub, ideal for a peaceful stay in the heart of the Wye Valley.

When it comes to places to stay in the Wye Valley, Ross-on-Wye is one of the best options, as it is larger and has more places to eat.  Whilst technically a town rather than a village, we couldn’t leave it out of our list of must-visit places in the Wye Valley.

Nestled on the borders of Herefordshire on the banks of the River Wye, Ross-on-Wye is a picturesque market town with a rich history.  The town is easily recognisable for the striking spire of St Mary the Virgin Church, which towers 205 feet above the town and can be seen for miles around.

After visiting this historic church, take some time to explore its peaceful churchyard, which leads to the Prospect Gardens.  Built in 1700, this historic park offers stunning views over the Wye Valley and as far as the Welsh mountains.

At the heart of Ross-on-Wye stands the iconic Market House, a historic landmark that’s a must-see when visiting this charming town.  Be sure to venture upstairs, where you’ll find Made in Ross, a collective selling locally made arts and crafts.  Just beyond the Market House, you’ll find a mix of independent boutiques, antique emporiums, high street stores, and quirky charity shops.

When it’s time for refreshments, Ross-on-Wye has a range of inviting spots to refresh and refuel.  Stop by the delightful coffee house or delicatessen for a relaxing break, or head to The Man of Ross Inn, a family-run pub.

Located just under 3 hours from London, Ross-on-Wye is an ideal weekend getaway from the capital, with plenty to offer visitors looking for a mix of history, shopping, and relaxation.

Accommodation in Ross-on-Wye caters to all budgets.  For a stay in the town centre, try the Royal Hotel or the Kings Head for comfort and convenience. Alternatively, consider Bridge House, a beautiful guest house with stunning views over the River Wye.

Whether you’re exploring its historical landmarks, scenic river views or looking for a good base to explore the Wye Valley, Ross-on-Wye is a must-visit destination.

Nestled near Coleford in the heart of the Wye Valley, Symonds Yat is a stunning and picturesque location that offers a variety of attractions across its three distinct areas.  Each part of Symonds Yat has its own charm, making it a must-visit destination in the Wye Valley.

The first two areas to explore are the charming hamlets of Symonds Yat East and Symonds Yat West.  Both offer breathtaking views of the River Wye and the surrounding natural beauty, with plenty of scenic walks and tranquil spots to discover.

On the east side of the River Wye, Symonds Yat East offers a delightful selection of charming restaurants and tea houses. During our visit, we ate at the Saracens Inn, a traditional pub that boasts stunning views over the river.

Afterwards we set off on a scenic walk to discover some of the region’s most famous natural landmarks: King Arthur’s Cave and the Seven Sisters’ Rocks.  These stunning geological features are a must-see for nature lovers and hikers alike, making Symonds Yat a prime destination for outdoor exploration.  As well as being a great destination for hikers, Symonds Yat is also a popular spot for canoeing on the River Wye.

To cross over to Symonds Yat West, you’ll need to take a ride on the traditional hand-pulled ferries.  The boats link to a cable and have been transporting people across the River Wye for centuries.  Alternatively, enjoy a scenic circular walk which takes you across Biblin’s Rope Bridge.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, natural landmarks, or great dining options with riverside views, Symonds Yat East has something for everyone.

The second must-visit area of Symonds Yat is the iconic Symonds Yat Rock, a famous viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views over the River Wye and the dramatic gorge below.

From Symonds Yat Rock, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the horseshoe bend in the River Wye, a stunning natural formation that’s a highlight of the Wye Valley.  This vantage point is also a prime location for birdwatching, with Peregrine Falcons and other birds of prey frequently seen soaring overhead.

Managed by the Forestry Commission, Symonds Yat Rock also provides a variety of family-friendly woodland walks and bike trails.

Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the view, Symonds Yat Rock is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Wye Valley.

With its central location, Symonds Yat is an ideal place for accommodation in the Wye Valley.  You can actually stay at the Saracens Head Inn and Ye Old Ferrie Inn, both of which are on the banks of the River Wye.  If you prefer self-catering accommodation, you could book The Paddocks Cottages.

Our final pick for the best villages in the Wye Valley is Lydbrook, a picturesque, long, and narrow village nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.  Stretching down the deep valley from Upper Lydbrook to Lower Lydbrook, this charming village offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.

To be honest, we have a soft spot for Lydbrook, as it was our base during our recent visit to the area.  Its central location makes it the perfect place to stay, with easy access to many of the top attractions in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.

From Lydbrook, you’ll find it a breeze to explore nearby sites such as Goodrich Castle, the scenic Symonds Yat, and the enchanting Forest of Dean, all just a short drive away.

If you’re looking for a good base for your holiday, Lydbrook is an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the best of both the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.

Dominating Upper Lydbrook from the top is the charming Holy Jesus Church, perched at the top of the village overlooking a playing field and surrounding hillside forest.  From here, we took a walk down to the River Wye at the lower end of the village.

Lydbrook boasts a rich industrial past, which is still evident in the village.  Once home to a tinplate works and later a cable works factory, Lydbrook played a significant role in the industrial heritage of the Wye Valley.  In the past, the village even featured a massive viaduct that spanned the valley.

Today, Lydbrook retains many interesting historic buildings along the main street.  You’ll find notable landmarks, such as Lydbrook Baptist Church, the Old Methodist Chapel, and a variety of charming cottages. The village is also dotted with houses scattered across the hillside on either side of the valley.

The most iconic historic building in Lydbrook is the Old House, a gorgeous Grade II listed property with elegant timber beams.  This three-storey house was once the home of Sarah Siddons, a famous 18^th Century English actress.

As you walk down towards Lower Lydbrook, keep your eyes peeled for the Wye Valley Alpaca Farm, nestled alongside a public footpath. This charming farm is home to a group of adorable alpacas and their piggy friends, offering a fun stop for kids on your walk.

At the foot of the valley in Lower Lydbrook, you’ll find a peaceful meadow overlooking the River Wye.  From here you can take a leisurely stroll along the river, launch a canoe, or just sit and watch the world go by.

If you’re looking for food in Lydbrook, the Fish and Chip shop in Upper Lydbrook is always a good choice and serves generous, tasty portions.

For accommodation, Lydbrook has several options to suit all tastes.  I love the look of Halt Lodge, a Scandinavian-style house located in Upper Lydbrook.  Unfortunately, it was for adults only, so not suitable for our family.

You’ll find a huge range of self-catering accommodation in the Wye Valley, including cottages, lodges, and apartments.  Or, you’ll find plenty of guest houses and B&Bs to choose from.  Another option is camping or glamping.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the Wye Valley also has a good choice of character and luxury hotels.

As it’s quite compact, most towns provide a good base for getting out and about in the Wye Valley.  However, if you want more bars and restaurants on your doorstep, you might want to choose Ross-on-Wye.

Below is a map of the 5 villages you should visit in the Wye Valley.

Save the map to use when you are there by clicking on the star to the right of the title.

You can later find the map by going to your Google Maps app and selecting the saved icon.

Which are your favourite villages in the Wye Valley?  Please feel free to comment below.

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