Discover forests, castles, and wildflower-clad gorges along the Wye River.
Straddling the border of England and Wales, the Wye Valley is the meeting point of history and nature, where camping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this protected landscape. Centred around a 50-mile stretch of the River Wye, here you can hike through forest glades and limestone gorges, discover ancient hillforts and mediaeval ruins, or hop between riverside villages. Or why not see the river from the water, with a scenic cruise or canoe trip? Summer is peak season for hikers and campers, when riverside camping is at its best, but each season brings its own delights—visit in spring to picnic amid the wildflowers and attend the Wye Valley River Festival, or in fall for woodland walks through a carpet of red and gold leaves. No matter the time of year, you’ll find plenty of places to pitch a tent or park up in a campervan, whether you want a slice of the action or just a place to relax.
Hereford and the Herefordshire Lowlands are the gateway to the northern part of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where the mosaic farmlands and forests provide opportunities to escape the crowds. Admire the views from the Hole in the Wall, sample the region’s famous cider, or explore the iron-age hill fort at Capler Camp. Hikers congregate in the valley’s only town Ross-on-Wye, which sits about a third of the way from the top of the AONB and has access to several walking and cycling trails, most notably the Wye Valley Walk.
The stretch of river between Ross-on-Wye and the adventure capital of Symonds Yat is arguably the most scenic. Take to the water to canoe or stand-up paddleboard, stop for lunch at a country pub by the water, or visit the mediaeval Goodrich Castle, then pitch your tent at a riverside campsite. To the east, the Forest of Dean has miles of wooded trails for walkers and cyclists.
The southern Wye Valley, from Goodrich Castle to Chepstow, is home to some of its star attractions. Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle are both must-sees, while the Devil’s Pulpit lookout and Lower Wye Gorge afford far-reaching views. Campers can find plenty of choice around Chepstow, the starting point of two long-distance hikes: the Wales Coast Path and the Offa's Dyke trail.
The market town of Monmouth is a strategic basecamp for exploring beyond the Welsh borders. Foodies make a beeline for Abergavenny, known as Wales’ gastronomic capital, and crowds descend on its annual food festival. Further west, the rugged peaks of the Black Mountains mark the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where hillside hikes and backcountry camping await.
Kayaking and canoeing undoubtedly offer a fantastic way to see the Wye Valley, but these borderlands are also incredible walking country.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday, camping in the Wye Valley ticks all the boxes. Camping in such a rich natural area offers the chance for kids to get stuck into wholesome activities like bug hunting, wildlife watching, den building, and tree climbing. The valley’s kayaking, canoeing, and climbing opportunities also appeal to families with teenagers as well as tots. In addition to all this, you’ll find kid-friendly sites throughout the region, many with facilities and activities designed with little ones in mind, from steam trains to high-ropes courses.
The Wye Valley’s big attraction is that there are no big attractions (at least, not man-made ones) and no big cities. Nature is the star of the show. With this, campers can spend days walking, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking to discover the area. But the valley’s picturesque villages and market towns are perfect for stocking up on supplies and finding rainy day activities.