Copyright birminghammail
There's a cosy village that is the perfect place to visit in autumn. Symonds Yat East and West straddles the meandering River Wye in the picturesque Forest of Dean, and the only way to get from side of the village to the other is by a long drive or passenger ferry. During the autumn months, this whole area transforms into a sea of red and golden leaves as it is home to more than 20 million trees spread across 200 square miles, including majestic oaks, ashes, birches, beeches, larches and sweet chestnuts. Read more: Drayton Manor announces 'explosive fire and water' show that's 'biggest in UK' Read next: Birmingham Christmas 2025 events you'll want to book tickets for now Symonds Yat Rock offers far-reaching panoramas of the forest and is the place to go for autumn colours. You can also walk the Mailscot Wood trail by turning right from Yat Rock car park for a lower viewpoint of the River Wye. The Saracens Head Inn serves 'award winning food' right on the riverside, with tables to sit next to the water if you're happy to wrap up warm. It has stood on the east side of river bank for centuries, right on the point where the river flows into a steep wooded gorge, on the edge of the Forest of Dean. From here, you can wander the Wye Valley Walk to discover more autumn colours. Other highlights nearby include the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo over the other side of the river in Symonds Yat West, Beechenhurst with its 4.5 mile Sculpture Trail, the magical Puzzlewood and pretty Cannop Ponds. There's also the Tudor Farmhouse in Clearwell where you can tuck into a Sunday roast in front of the fire. Follow Brummie Mummies on Facebook and Instagram , listen to our podcasts and sign up to our free Brummie Mummies newsletter for more family things to do For a cosy place to stay, try Little Holdings , which is within walking distance of the River Wye and has easy access to the Forest of Dean cycle trail. The stone barn has a private enclosed courtyard and hot tub with awning for year round comfort. Or you could book Pembridge Cottage , a 17th century, stone-built detached barn conversion, standing in the pretty grounds of the owner's country house and gardens in the hamlet of Welsh Newton, near the beautiful Wye Valley. It takes around 80 minutes to drive from Birmingham to Symonds Yat, traffic permitting, via the M5 and the M50.
