One of the best things about a holiday to the Wye Valley AONB is the sheer variety of interesting things to do. Another is the incredible scenery, yet another is the fascinating history and heritage. And of course, there’s the beautiful flora and fauna, not to mention the gorgeous villages with their welcoming pub gardens and fireplaces. You get the picture!
If the Wye Valley AONB is on your list of travel destinations we’re willing to bet that you won’t be disappointed. Stretching and meandering some 150 miles from the mid-Welsh mountains to meet the Severn, the Wye river offers myriad delights. The adventurous and amphibious among you can take to the water by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or boat. Twitchers and hikers have their pick of glorious riverside strolls, hikes through the impressive Offas Dyke, and the 4.5km Wye Valley Sculpture trail amongst many other enticing options.
If you’re interested in local history and heritage head over to Tintern Abbey or one of the prehistoric hill forts along the lower Wye Valley. Travellers who would rather sit back and marvel at the views can enjoy the lookouts at Devil’s Pulpit or The Eagle’s Nest at Wyndcliff (car parks nearby). Naturally, you’ll need the perfect accommodation to make your trip the success you deserve. We’ve selected some of the best motorhome campsites in Wye Valley for you that should suit both your holiday goals and your budget. Let’s begin.
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River Wye Camping and Caravan Park at Symonds Yat
The River Wye Camping and Caravan Park at Symonds Yat provides the perfect base for exploring the area. This lovely Wye Valley camping site offers a small number of hard-standing motorhome pitches with riverside outlooks (optional electric hookup for an additional fee) and a variety of grass pitches with 360-degree views of the valley. There are different noise restrictions depending on where you camp so check the website before booking.
Symonds Yat is one of the most popular stretches for kayaking, canoeing and SUP-ing. If paddling isn’t your thing you can talk a ramble along the Symonds Yat walk which starts from the site. As you can imagine, the water can get pretty busy on bank holidays, weekends and the summer in general. An early launch should give you a headstart from the crowds as they recover from a relaxing ale or two at one of the local pubs or are still busy supping their coffee from the onsite shop. You can bring your own boats or hire them from your hosts.
From £18 per night
River Wye Caravan and camping park, Symonds Yat West, Nr Ross On Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6DA
51.85334889179834, -2.6458481878950715
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Forest and Wye Valley Camping Site
Open from the 1st of March to the 31st of October the Forest and Wye Valley Camping Site is ideally positioned to explore both the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. This campsite near the Wye Valley allows travellers to explore Briavels Castle and offers easy access to a beautiful stretch of the Offas Dyke path.
There are 17 hardstanding pitches and 26 grass pitches to choose from, all with electric hookups and TV points. Facilities at the Forest and Wye Valley Camping Site include a heated shower block with a separate disabled block, laundry room, wifi (a small charge applies) and an on-site dog walking area.
From £24 per night
Forest and Wye Valley Camping, Bearse Farm, St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6QU
51.7445890438733, -2.6244146304269638
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Sterrett’s Caravan Park and Campsite
Another Wye Valley camping site based near Symonds Yat, Sterrett’s Caravan Park and Campsite offer a range of pitches in an attractive and welcoming site. The facilities are well-maintained and include free hot showers and a washing-up area.
If you fancy taking to the water, head over to Ross on Wye Canoe Hire which offers a variety of single or multi-day trips for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Walkers can take their pick from a variety of trails and there is a great play area on site for kids. Fancy catching a glimpse of hunting Peregrine Falcons? Take a stroll to the viewing point at Symonds Yat Rock where you can watch the Peregrines on the wing before they return to the nests to feed their young between April and August. Keep an eye out for Goshawk, Sparrowhawks and Common Buzzards, too.
From £24 per night
Sterrett’s Caravan Park and Campsite, Symonds Yat West, Herefordshire, HR9 6BY.
51.85135423369641, -2.6458562013876836
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Tresseck Campsite
You couldn’t get much closer to the water at this Wye Valley motorhome site. Tresseck Campsite is right on the banks of the river with easy paddling launches or swims possible from a pebbly beach. Sites can be booked for individual vehicles or groups can reserve a whole zone with a fire pit for an additional charge of £10.
Tresseck is based in the village of Hoarwithy, eight miles to the south of Hereford and six miles north of Ross on Wye. You’ll be 300m from fishing rights on the riverbank and there is the choice of launching your own kayak/canoe/SUP or hiring one from Hereford Canoe Hire, who are based onsite. All that paddling and fresh air calls for plenty of sustenance. Your hosts at Tresseck encourage campfires or you can buy a variety of goodies from the onsite cafe including breakfast baps, burgers, freshly ground coffee, pizza, chips and chocolate crepes. The New Harp Inn just down the road has a very tempting menu, a gorgeous pub garden and an open fire for cooler months.
From £22 per night
Tresseck Campsite, Hoarwithy, Hereford, HR2 6QH
51.96040915847952, -2.6622101302208727
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Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park
Set in gorgeous woodland, Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park is a great Wye Valley motorhome and camping site for both families and adult groups. The site has received awards for its facilities which include spacious pitches with 16 AMP electric hook-ups; a number with riverside views. Guests can choose from three heated shower and toilet blocks and there are good facilities available for disabled people including ramp access.
Lucksall is situated across from 90 acres of woodland that the hosts own and manage which extends to 200 acres of adjoining woodland leading to the village of Fownhope and its two pubs The New Inn, where dogs are welcome, and The Green Man.
Lucksall has a well-stocked shop on site selling food, beer and wine, Calor gas, local walking maps and much more. A separate business, but also based on the grounds, the Riverside Bar and Eatery has both indoor and outdoor seating and serves plenty of tasty treats, plus local ales and ciders. Opening hours vary throughout the year so check the webpage to avoid disappointment.
From £26 per night
Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park, Mordiford, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 4LP
52.0283825229734, -2.6299833115359155
Whether your visit to the Wye Valley is a standalone holiday or part of a longer motorhome road trip in Wales we’re sure you’re going to love this part of the UK. As with any trip where water activities are involved it's important to prioritise safety at all times. Whether you are kayaking solo or part of a group, you should always wear a good quality, well-fitting buoyancy aid or life jacket. Leave the booze until the end of your paddle and if you are journeying independently, let someone know where you are going and your ETA at your destination. It’s also a good idea to take a whistle, waterproof clothing, a torch and a first aid kit, as well as emergency snacks and plenty of water.
On a lighter note, you might also want to include some lightweight binoculars in your pack to spot some of the beautiful local wildlife, though you’ll have to have good reactions to catch a glimpse of the darting kingfishers. Listen out for the staccato 'kek-kek-kek' territorial call and grab your bins ASAP!
In our humble opinion, no trip to areas as lovely as the Wye Valley is complete without the right transport and accommodation. If you don’t have your own motorhome take a look at the motorhomes for hire on Goboony today and get both sorted in one fell swoop!
