Campsites with rock climbing in Wye Valley AONB

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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.

97% (529)

Top-rated campgrounds near Wye Valley AONB

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night

12. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%
(13)
6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven.  Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£37
 / night

19. Long Beach the American School Bus!

2 units · Glamping · Cheddar, Somerset, South West England
Long Beach School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled (and Insta-worthy!) stay on a welcoming free-range Somerset campsite full of fun and adventure. Freshly retired from the highways of California, 'Long Beach' is an iconic American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat. Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!) Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue. With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug. There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove. You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you! When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too. Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day. Parked at Petruth Paddocks, your cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for a fabulous stay. Things to note; Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted. Facilities Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, loo, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs. Acres of Beautiful and fun Camping with a huge Premier pitch for Long Beach! A Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and of course our old friend Mr Landy - an original Land Rover. There are picnic benches for parents sit nearby and keep an eye on toddlers. The great coffee shack ensures you get your caffeine hit as well as tea, hot chocs, iced coffee, iced tea and milkshakes. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! Waste disposal and recycling facility. In the Village and nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away plenty of local stores and farm shops as well as all the main supermarket chains In the area; Buses, bike & E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole, RSPB & Nature Reserves, an Animal Park, Landscaped Gardens, Culture & Historical Landmarks Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse and Alpaca Riding and Trekking, Activity Centre, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Zoo, a Steam Railway, Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboots, Local Market, Cakery, Woodworking, Softplay, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£195
 / night

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.

97% (529)

Top-rated campgrounds near Wye Valley AONB

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night

12. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%
(13)
6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven.  Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£37
 / night

19. Long Beach the American School Bus!

2 units · Glamping · Cheddar, Somerset, South West England
Long Beach School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled (and Insta-worthy!) stay on a welcoming free-range Somerset campsite full of fun and adventure. Freshly retired from the highways of California, 'Long Beach' is an iconic American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat. Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!) Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue. With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug. There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove. You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you! When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too. Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day. Parked at Petruth Paddocks, your cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for a fabulous stay. Things to note; Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted. Facilities Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, loo, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs. Acres of Beautiful and fun Camping with a huge Premier pitch for Long Beach! A Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and of course our old friend Mr Landy - an original Land Rover. There are picnic benches for parents sit nearby and keep an eye on toddlers. The great coffee shack ensures you get your caffeine hit as well as tea, hot chocs, iced coffee, iced tea and milkshakes. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! Waste disposal and recycling facility. In the Village and nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away plenty of local stores and farm shops as well as all the main supermarket chains In the area; Buses, bike & E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole, RSPB & Nature Reserves, an Animal Park, Landscaped Gardens, Culture & Historical Landmarks Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse and Alpaca Riding and Trekking, Activity Centre, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Zoo, a Steam Railway, Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboots, Local Market, Cakery, Woodworking, Softplay, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£195
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Wye Valley AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Campsites with rock climbing in Wye Valley AONB guide

Where to go

North Wye Valley

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.

Central Wye Valley

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.

South Wye Valley

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.

Wales

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.

Walking in the Wye Valley

Kayaking and canoeing undoubtedly offer a fantastic way to see the Wye Valley, but these borderlands are also incredible walking country.

  • Stroll the river’s edge on a bit of the Wye Valley Walk, or dedicate two weeks to the whole route, camping along the way. This long-distance path follows the river from source to mouth, covering 136 miles and criss-crossing the border as it goes.
  • A 177-mile national trail, Offa’s Dyke Path follows the border along the route of Anglo-Saxon earthworks. It’s a 2-week challenge to conquer the whole route, but if camping in the area, just pull on your boots and choose a section for a day on the trail.
  • Both the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke meet in Chepstow, along even more long-distance paths like the Gloucestershire Way, Monmouthshire Way, and Wysis Way. In fact, Chepstow has its own walking festival, sealing its status as the Wye Valley walking hub.
  • Further afield, there are almost unlimited walking trails in the Forest of Dean, including a sculpture trail for added interest.

Family-friendly camping in the Wye Valley

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.

Popular towns in the Wye Valley

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.

  • Calling in to Symonds Yat on the Yat Gorge is almost a must, as the village links the Wye Valley with the Royal Forest of Dean and has a reputation for all things related to the great outdoors.
  • The only market town within the AONB, Ross-on-Wye is set high above the river with a 700-year-old church and mediaeval half-timbered buildings. Goodrich Castle isn’t far either, and one of the best-preserved mediaeval castles in England.
  • The village of Tintern is another popular destination thanks to the ruined Cistercian Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131.
  • Outside of the AONB but still on the river’s edge, the book-town of Hay-on-Wye is world-famous for its bookshops and Hay Festival of arts and literature in late May and early June.
  • With rural beauty all around, it might seem a shame to head into the city, but Hereford is pretty small and worth a stop for its mediaeval history and famous Mappa Mundi, Europe’s largest mediaeval map.

Top things to do in the Wye Valley

  1. Kayak, canoe, or raft through the Lower Wye gorge.
  2. Take a walk to see the scenery. Try a portion of the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path or the Wye Valley Way.
  3. Go climbing. Experienced climbers can give Symonds Yat Rock a go, while beginners can join a guide or head for a high-rope adventure in the Forest of Dean.
  4. Find a spot on the border where you can stand with one foot in England and one foot in Wales.
  5. Pick up some holiday reading from a bookshop in Hay-on-Wye.
  6. Go bat watching! The Wye Valley is internationally important for its bats, especially the rare lesser horseshoe bat.
  7. Pop in to Hereford Cathedral to see Europe’s largest mediaeval map, the Mappa Mundi.
  8. Enjoy a BBQ or campfire meal using local produce. A Hereford beef burger and Wye Valley beer, anyone?

Top towns in and near Wye Valley AONB