1. History And Heritage

History & Heritage

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.

History Businesses

Newent Town Centre
History | Accessible

Newent Town Council

Located at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, Newent is a vibrant market town with deep…

The Speech House Hotel Front

Prices from:
£120.00

Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature

The Speech House Hotel

A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite…

VDW Goodrich Castle 6 686711623
Groups | History | Families

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a…

Rock Lodge lowres 018 833173718

Prices from:
£70.00

Dogs | Families | Adventure | Foodies | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation

Symonds Yat Rock Lodge

Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into…

Tintern Abbey
History | Groups | Arts

Tintern Abbey

When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

The Devil's Pulpit Viewpoint
History | Nature | Relaxation

The Devil's Pulpit

Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's…

Nelson's Tower The Kymin credit Linda Wright
History | Nature

The Kymin

When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful…

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature | Relaxation

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

Scarr Bandstand
Arts | History

Scarr Bandstand

Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live…

Whitecliff Ironworks
History | Nature

Whitecliff Ironworks

Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the…

Clearwell Caves Lake 1 2059054557
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden…

20180902 143655 2 1814287848
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | History

Perrygrove Railway Adventure

Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks…

New Fancy Viewpoint Lady Photographing
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History

New Fancy Viewpoint

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views…

Cathedral of the forest
History | Relaxation | Accessible

The Cathedral Of The Forest

All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic…

Granton Coach House

Prices from:
£110.00

Relaxation | Foodies | Nature | History

Granton Coach House

4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat…

History Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

Final 220
Dogs | Families | Groups | History

Heritage Railway "Anything Goes" Gala

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…

Newent Artfest
Families | Arts | History | Accessible

Newent artsFEST

Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025

A Celebration of Creativity & Community

Guided Historical Woodland Walks Forest of Dean
Adventure | Nature | History

Guided Woodland Walk

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…

History Experiences

CAVING

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | History

Adventure Caving

It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?

History Itineraries

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

History Trails

Ross on Wye
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

Coppett Hill Walk
Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
History

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History

Film & TV Trail

Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from…

Our latest History blogs

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint in the Summer
History

The Wye Tour

Post date: 4th April 2025
Read more

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.