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The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Christmas Gift Guide
Gifts, experiences & local treats for everyone on your list
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the shops in mid-December thinking, “What on earth do I buy for my loved ones this year?” worry no more. Here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, we’ve got gifts that are far more exciting than another pair of novelty socks.
This festive round-up is full of brilliant local experiences, handcrafted goodies, woodland adventures and creative treats. A curation of the kind of gifts that make people genuinely say “Oh wow!” instead of politely pretending to be thrilled.
So grab a hot chocolate, settle in by the fire, and let’s dive into the most delightful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley selection of Christmas gifts you’ve ever seen!
EXPERIENCES FOR THE ADVENTURERS, EXPLORERS & OUTDOOR LOVERS
Puzzlewood Gift Vouchers – Give the Gift of Adventure
For the woodland wanderers in your life: twisting pathways, moss-covered rocks, and a sprinkle of movie-set magic. Stormtroopers have walked here… need we say more?
Vouchers in various denominations.
Whitecliff Off Road Centre 4x4 Gift Experiences
Know someone who thinks a drive through the country lanes is “off-roading”? Time to show them the real thing.
Email or physical vouchers available for all their adrenaline-fuelled courses.
Way2Go Adventures
Canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and raft building on the river Wye plus gorge walking in the Brecon Beacons, and even a spot of riverside yoga is an outdoor enthusiast’s ultimate Christmas wish list. Buy them a voucher and watch that smile ripple over their face.
Perrygrove Railway – Three Brilliant Gift Options
For train lovers, families and anyone who appreciates a bit of wholesome fun:
- Adopt an Engine – certificate, photo, fact sheet and child ticket.
- Annual Pass – unlimited visits for a year.
- Gift Vouchers – usable for trains or seasonal events.
Pedalabikeaway
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like sending someone hurtling down a forest trail (safely!). The only bike rental location with traffic free access to family and mountain bike trails, bikes are located at the start and finish of every cycling trail in the Forest of Dean.
Forest Hills Golf Club – Pro Shop Gifts & Sunday Lunch Vouchers
Whether you’re buying for a golfer or just someone who loves a cracking Sunday roast, Forest Hills has vouchers for both.
Leaf Creative – Beautiful Plant & Garden Vouchers
Digital and physical vouchers for plant lovers and home stylists.
CREATIVE, CRAFTY & HANDMADE TREATS
Eastnor Pottery – Potter’s Wheel Experience Vouchers
Perfect for that person who’s always said “I’ve always wanted to try pottery…”
Choose from:
90-minute intro class (£60)
Day course (£180)
Full weekend experience (£340)
Hot Pot Pottery – Workshops, Pottery & Flexible Vouchers
Pop in on one of their December open days or order a monetary voucher to spend on classes or pottery.
Rachel Shilston Inspiring Creativity
For the creative in your life:
Craft vouchers
Mosaic kits
RELAXATION, WELLNESS & “ME TIME”
Float in the Forest – The Gift of Calm
Floatation therapy: warm water, total peace, and stress melting away like snow on a warm day. Choose from digital vouchers or gorgeous physical gift cards.
Float in the Forest Gift Cards
LOCAL FOODIE FAVOURITES
Silver Circle Distillery – Tours, Tastings & Gin-Making
For the gin lover in your life, Silver Circle Distillery offers gift cards for tours, tastings and even a “Make Your Own Gin” experience. It’s hands-on, creative and comes with plenty of delicious sampling. A brilliant choice for anyone who enjoys discovering how their favourite spirits are crafted.
Harts Barn Cookery School – Foodie Heaven
Give the gift of a delicious experience, choose from:
- Kids Woodfired Pizza
- Cooking by Fire
- Cooking Together: Making a Curry
- Family Cookery Experience
Or simply let them choose with a voucher.
Harts Barn Cookery School Gifts
Wythall Estate Vineyard Winery Experience
Give the gift of a vineyard wander followed by wine tasting in picturesque rolling countryside.
Wythall Estate Vineyard Experiences
Forest Deli – Hampers & Delicious Local Gifts
Hand-picked hampers and foodie treats for every taste and budget. A perfect festive feast.
Forest Deli Delights
The Hope & Anchor – Riverside Experiences
Give someone a delicious riverside treat including:
- Date Night for Two (£80)
- Traditional, Sparkling or Royal Afternoon Tea (£45–£58)
- Cocktail Masterclass (from £70)
- Gift Cards (from £10)
TRULY UNIQUE LOCAL GIFTS
Briery Hill Llamas – Trekking, Afternoon Tea & Farm Experiences
Give the gift of a day spent with the loveliest llamas in the Wye Valley. Briery Hill’s experiences range from peaceful llama treks to indulgent afternoon tea and full-day farm adventures. Ideal for animal lovers or anyone who’d enjoy something a little different this Christmas.
David Broadbent Photography – 1:1 Photography Tuition
For budding photographers or anyone who loves the outdoors.
2- or 4-hour sessions, tailored to the recipient.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo & Adventure Golf – Christmas Adventure Gifts
Explore every stage of the life-cycle: egg, caterpillar, and chrysalis of some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies. Vouchers and festive experiences for families and kids.
Dean Heritage Centre – Stocking Fillers to Local Crafts
Perfect for children, nature lovers and Forest heritage fans:
- Wildlife toys
- Forest-inspired notebooks
- Locally made jewellery
- Beautiful mugs
- Jams, marmalades and treats
- Gruffalo bundles
Dean Heritage Centre Gift Shop
Why Give Local This Christmas?
Because gifts from the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley aren’t just things – they’re memories in the making – creative experiences, woodland adventures, time spent together all while supporting our brilliant local businesses.
Whether you’re shopping for kids, foodies, thrill-seekers, friends who need a little TLC, craft lovers or relatives who are usually impossible to buy for… there’s something magical here for everyone.
So skip the last-minute panic, pour another festive tipple, and enjoy choosing gifts that genuinely mean something this year