
Family Adventures with Cadw in Dean Wye this August
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
Of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
We have a very rich heritage here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of which we are rightly proud. A former royal hunting forest, the Dean has a long past as a source of timber for ships and building, coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre and limestone. Archaeological studies have dated the earliest use of coal to Roman times. But the area was inhabited well before that in Mesolithic times and there are even remains of megalithic monuments. One of the few surviving ancient woodlands in England, a large area was reserved for royal hunting before 1066, and remained as the second largest crown forest in England. The Speech House Hotel was built in 1682 to host the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech" and you can still eat in the Verderers Court today.
The area has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to tourism, and we are lucky that because of this many important sites have been preserved for future generations. From the pick axe marks on the walls at Clearwell Caves to the underground mine tours at Hopewell Colliery, the monuments to fallen miners in towns and in the forest, to the museums which tell their story such as the Dean Heritage Centre, to the old railway lines and bridges now cycle paths and footbridges and the Dean Forest Railway still running steam trains through the forest today... the heritage is such an important part of what makes this area so special.
The Wye Valley is considered to be both the birthplace of British tourism and also the birthplace of the industrial revolution. With more castles than anywhere else in the UK, there is a strong history of conflict and defence, as well as religion and craftsmanship. From Tintern Abbey to Goodrich Castle, Monnow Bridge to Offa's Dyke, the Wye Valley has a wealth of heritage to see and explore to this day. With its beauty it is easy to forget why some of these fortifications were built, but the arrow slits, cannons and dungeons remind us of their history too.
Located at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, Newent is a vibrant market town with deep… Located at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, Newent is a vibrant market town with deep roots in agriculture, heritage and local enterprise.
Prices from:
£120.00
A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, two…
Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a… Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it…
Prices from:
£70.00
Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern… When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's… Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful… When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live… Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live music and performances.
Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the… Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the second coke-fired blast furnace of three built in the Forest of Dean.
Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden… Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees – an exciting underground experience for the whole family.
Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks… Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks linked by heritage railway. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day.…
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views… 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…
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic… All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£110.00
4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat… 4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat in peaceful village setting. Many local walks here in the beautiful Wye…
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Dates:
11th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025
Join us for our "Anything Goes" Gala where no two trains are the same and every journey is a little… Join us for our "Anything Goes" Gala where no two trains are the same and every journey is a little different. There's hands on fun and A LOT of railway action to be had!…
Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025
A Celebration of Creativity & Community A Celebration of Creativity & Community
Dates:
2nd Nov 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the canopy of magnificent beech… Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the canopy of magnificent beech and oak.
Prices from:
£35.00
It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed… Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets and hidden stories in this charming…
Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.
Read moreThe Wye Tour was the first organised tour in Britain, leading to the area being dubbed 'the birthplace of British Tourism'. It consisted of a boat tour down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye in the north to Chepstow in the south.
Read moreUncover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean, from magical creatures and ancient spirits to local folklore passed down through generations.
Read more