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Dig out the picnic blanket, get the family together and enjoy a day out in the great outdoors, and of course some sandwiches! The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has many fantastic picnic sites for you. From forest locations to riverside spots with gorgeous views, castle grounds to hilltops and lakes to heritage sites there are a wealth of locations to set down your picnic and take some time out from your activities here. Plus don't forget our farm shops and delis for that all important local produce, many even provide ready made picnic hampers for that extra special treat.
Beechenhurst is the perfect rain or shine picnic location, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy in the sunshine and indoor space just in case it rains. In the heart of the Forest, the centre is close to the Sculpture Trail and has a play area, cafe, shop, toilets and an exciting climbing tower. There are in-situ BBQ facilities too.
Cannop Ponds has a large grass area to spread out your picnic blankets close to these lovely ponds but there are several other spots nearby too. The ponds themselves are picturesque and are home to lots of wildlife including ducks, swans and even dragonflies.
The Kymin with its roundhouse atop a hill was built in the 18th century by the gentry of Monmouth as a banqueting house at this viewpoint overlooking the town. It's still a great place to picnic.
Mallards Pike is one of the best picnic spots in the South West. It consists of a series of lovely lakes and is a popular attraction for walking, cycling and other adventure activities. With hot and cold refreshments on site and even BBQ facilities available Mallards Pike is a great location for a picnic too.
Symonds Yat Rock is a Forestry England site and an internationally renowned viewpoint overlooking the River Wye and has many places to explore and to enjoy picnics. Below it are Symonds Yat East and West, two separate villages on either side of the Wye with pubs and cafes and riverside walking routes.
See all the Picnic Spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:
Number of results: 38
, currently showing 21 to 38.
Monmouth
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Historic Forest of Dean village with a former royal castle, now a youth hostel. Set high above the Wye Valley there are good views into the Forest, the River Wye below and to Wales in the distance.
In the heart of the Forest of Dean, surrounded by trees and with many things to do, places to stay and places to eat, Parkend is an ideal base for exploring the Forest on foot or cycle. The Dean Forest Railway stops here, bikes can be hired, there are two pubs, a cafe and a shop as well as RSPB Nagshead ideal for wildlife and birdwatching.
Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, in Gloucester, stands in the north of the city near the river.
Abergavenny
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. Castell Gwyn in Welsh it is also known historically as Llantilio Castle. It is near the village of Llantilio Crossenny.
Chepstow
Chepstow Park is a large block of woodland with both mature broadleaf and conifer species as well as an excellent viewpoint south towards the Severn Bridges.
Highnam
Highnam Woods on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean is an RSPB nature reserve offering great birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Chepstow
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
Parkend
Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with woodland walks, ponds and hides. In spring watch for pied flycatchers and buzzards. In winter look for crossbills and hawfinches.
Pretty village on the River Wye, partly in Wales and partly in England with a rich industrial heritage.
Lydbrook is a village in the Forest of Dean with a rich industrial history. It occupies a steep sided valley leading to the River Wye. It is an ideal base for walking, cycling and enjoying the river with direct access to launch canoes from the car park.
Lydney
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access to Mallards Pike and Speech House Woods.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
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