History

The café was built in 1956 in readiness for the Queen’s visit in 1957.

The café sold cups of tea, homemade ice cream and post cards back in the day.
It seems like it’s always been a popular destination with charabancs full of people arriving for day trips.

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The cabin during the 1950’s and 1960’s

The Rock has been visited by lots of famous characters over the years; ranging from Anthony Hopkins and Deborah Winger when they were filming Shadowlands, to Sir Cliff Richard and Coronation Street stars to name but a few.

When my mum took on the business in 1989 it was a leap of faith, having never done anything quite like this before – she had to learn quick! It was sooo busy! It was a big change from the Pathologist lab she was used to. She employed more staff – local ladies and their children, myself, my sister and my brother. My dad would help out after work (if he wanted to get fed!).

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The Log Cabin, as it was called, became a way of life for us…

You can browse a fascinating selection of historic photos of Symonds Yat at the Forest of Dean Family History Trust website for a glimpse into the area’s past.

Check out wyevalleyaonb.org.uk. There’s lots of interesting historical information to be found there.