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

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom
History | Nature | Families

Puzzlewood Cottages

Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside…

Mill pond
History | Nature | Families

The Heritage Coffee Shop

Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

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

Grosmont Castle
History | Nature | Families

Grosmont Castle

One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White…

New Fancy Viewpoint Credit Forestry England
History | Nature | Families

New Fancy Viewpoint

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

New Fancy Geomap View
History | Nature | Families

The New Fancy Geomap

The Geomap celebrates both the geological and the industrial history of the Forest of Dean. Each…

White Castle Cadw 2032693295
History | Nature | Families

White Castle

White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known…

Cathedral of the forest1 2059016302
History | Nature | Families

The Cathedral Of The Forest

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

History Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

B0006265

Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the…

Gloucester Goes Retro
Families | Arts | History | Nature

Gloucester Goes Retro

Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all…

Monmouth Medieval Festival
Families | Arts | History | Nature

Monmouth Medieval Festival

Dates:
6th Jul 2025 - 6th Jul 2025

Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much…

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Families | Arts | History | Nature

Father's Day

Dates:
15th Jun 2025 - 15th Jun 2025

Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre!

Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
Families | Arts | History

Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair

Event Dates:
7th Jun 2025 - 7th Jun 2025

Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home…

Gage
Families | Arts | History

Backstage in The Gage

Event Dates:
21st May 2025 - 21st May 2025

Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the…

Family visit
Families | Arts | History

World War II Week

Event Dates:
24th May 2025 - 1st Jun 2025

May Half-Term is World War II Week!

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 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 | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

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

Freemining in the Forest of Dean
History

Freemining in the Forest of Dean

Post date: 5th April 2025

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.

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint in the Summer
History

The Wye Tour

Post date: 4th April 2025
Read more

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