Leaf Peeping in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

Why leaf peeping belongs here

Leaf peeping is a term that began in New England in North America, but has slowly taken root in the UK. It describes the simple pleasure of heading out in autumn to enjoy trees as they turn every shade of gold, red, orange, crimson and everything inbetween.

In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, we have some of the richest autumn colour in the country. Ancient woodland, riverside trails and broadleaf trees create a canopy that glows from mid-October through early November. Add crisp air, wildlife on the move, and cosy pubs nearby, and you’ve got the best leaf-peeping destination in Britain (even if we are biased).

To help visitors find the best spots, We’ve teamed up with our Chief Leaf Peeper, naturalist and zoologist Ed Drewitt, who shares his top tips on where to go, what to look for, and how to make the most of autumn in the Dean.

The best spots for autumn colour

Symonds Yat Rock

No list would be complete without this iconic viewpoint. From here you’ll see the River Wye looping through a valley lined with beech, oak and ash. On a sunny morning the mist lifts slowly, revealing a sea of gold and amber.

Ed’s tip: “Look out for birds of prey riding the thermals above the valley. Goshawks peregrines and buzzards are easier to spot when the leaves thin out.”

Practical info: Car park (Forestry England, charges apply), café and toilets available, accessible viewpoint path.

Nearby: Warm up with lunch at The Saracens Head Inn or stay overnight in one of the B&Bs clustered around Whitchurch and Goodrich.

Puzzlewood

Autumn transforms Puzzlewood into something otherworldly. The twisted trees, moss-covered rocks and sunken pathways take on a glow as the canopy changes. Families love it here, and photographers find endless frames.

Ed’s tip: “This is one of the best places to see how ancient woodland supports fungi in autumn. Look out for bright toadstools growing along the paths.”

Practical info: Entry fee applies, on-site facilities include toilets, café, and parking. Please note, this is a no dog site.

Nearby: Coleford offers a choice of tearooms and pubs for a post-walk bite.

The Golden Mile (Parkend)

As the name suggests, this stretch of road near Parkend is famous for its beech trees. They form a tunnel of colour in late October, with light filtering through to create a golden glow.

Ed’s tip: “Beech leaves go through multiple shades before falling, so the Golden Mile looks different every few days.”

Practical info: Park carefully in designated areas, or better still, walk from Parkend village.

Nearby: The Fountain Inn is a cosy pub with food and log fires.

Mallards Pike & New Fancy View

Perfect for combining a lakeside stroll with a viewpoint walk. At Mallards Pike the water mirrors the autumn canopy, while a short drive up to New Fancy gives panoramic views across the Dean.

Ed’s tip: “Grey herons and even kingfishers can be spotted fishing at Mallards Pike, especially in quieter times.”

Practical info: Forestry England car park, café, toilets, accessible paths.

Nearby: Try Go Ape for high-ropes adventure under the autumn leaves.

Cyril Hart Arboretum

Home to hundreds of tree species, the Arboretum is a living showcase of autumn colour. From Japanese maples to towering conifers, you can see a world of leaf-peeping in one place.

Ed’s tip: “This is one of the best sites for spotting variety, many of these trees aren’t found elsewhere in the Forest.”

Practical info: Small car park, free entry. Paths are level but can be muddy.

Nearby: Clearwell and Parkend both have B&Bs and cafés to make a day of it.

The Kymin (Monmouth)

Sitting just above Monmouth, The Kymin offers sweeping views across the Wye Valley and Black Mountains. In autumn the slopes below are a patchwork of changing colours.

Practical info: National Trust site with parking, picnic spots, and short walking routes.

Nearby: Monmouth’s cafés and independent shops are just down the hill.

Wenchford (a real hidden gem)

Less known to visitors but a favourite with locals, Wenchford is a riverside picnic site that shines in autumn. The Blackpool Brook runs through a canopy of oak and beech, with water reflecting the colours overhead.

Ed’s tip: “The sound of running water with autumn leaves drifting past makes Wenchford one of the most calming spots in the Forest.”

Practical info: Forestry England site with car park, picnic tables and shallow streams (popular with families in summer, quieter in autumn).

Nearby: A short drive takes you to Blakeney or Soudley for pub lunches.

Seasonal experiences to try

Leaf peeping is only the start. Autumn is also a chance to try seasonal experiences that deepen your connection with the landscape.

• Walking in the area: Join local guides who can point out tree species and wildlife.
• Photography workshops: Learn to capture the colour at sunrise or sunset.
• Forest bathing: Slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the autumn scents and sounds.
• Wildlife watching: Autumn is rutting season for deer, and it’s a prime time to see birds of prey as the canopy thins.
• Foraging: Autumn brings an abundance of mushrooms, nuts and berries. Local experts run guided foraging walks where you can learn what’s edible and safe to pick.

Ed’s tip: “This is the season of plenty, fungi in particular are at their peak. Be sure to go with a guide if you’re not sure what’s safe to collect and never eat anything you're unsure of.”

When to visit

Peak colour usually arrives between mid-October and early November.

• Early October: Hints of colour, fungi appearing, quieter trails.
• Mid to late October: Peak colour, best time for beech and maple.
• Early November: Rich carpet of fallen leaves, wildlife more visible.

Ed says: “Every autumn is slightly different depending on the weather. Warm, wet summers followed by crisp nights often bring the best colours.”

Food, drink and places to stay

After a day of leaf peeping, nothing beats local food and a cosy place to stay. Pubs such as The Fountain Inn at Parkend or Ye Old Ferrie Inn near Symonds Yat are perfect for hearty meals and a warm fire, while Beechenhurst Café is a favourite stop for coffee and cake under the trees. For those staying longer, the region offers everything from glamping pods to family-run B&Bs and hotels, meaning there’s always somewhere comfortable to rest after a day of exploring the autumn colours.

Tips for your trip

• Wear boots and layers, autumn weather can switch quickly.
• Bring a camera or binoculars, colours and wildlife are at their best.
• Check Forestry England for site updates, parking charges and accessibility info.

Autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is something special. From golden beech avenues to hidden streams lined with oak, the colour here rivals anywhere in the UK. With expert insights from Ed Drewitt, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to experience it, but the real magic comes when you step outside and see it for yourself.

Book your visit now to experience the best leaf peeping in the UK. Explore more seasonal ideas in our Autumn Guide.