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Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest and most fascinating landscapes — a place where nature, history, and creativity come together.

Tucked between the River Severn and the River Wye, the Forest of Dean is a unique corner of Gloucestershire with a character all of its own. Once a royal hunting ground, this ancient forest is now a haven for outdoor adventures, local produce, family days out, and peaceful escapes.

Steeped in myth, legend and industrial heritage, the Forest is shaped by its trees, its people, and its long history. From Iron Age forts and Roman roads to Freeminers' traditions and centuries-old villages, this is a place where the past sits alongside the present - and where every visit offers something new to discover.

Things to Do in the Forest of Dean

Whether you’re here for a short break or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Explore ancient woodland trails on foot or by bike, visit local attractions like Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves, or relax at a café tucked into the trees.

The forest is home to wildlife, dark skies, and dramatic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock. Families love Perrygrove Railway, the Sculpture Trail, and Cannop Ponds, while adventurers can try canoeing on the River Wye or zip-lining through the trees.

There’s also a strong creative and cultural side to the Forest of Dean, from local galleries and makers to community events and performance spaces. Traditional pubs, forest food, and independent shops all add to the area’s welcoming feel.

A Place to Explore, Return To, and Share

The Forest of Dean has inspired generations of artists, filmmakers, walkers, and daydreamers — and it’s easy to see why. Whether you come for the views, the peace and quiet, or the sense of something a little bit magical, the forest leaves a lasting impression.

From quiet village lanes to bustling market towns like Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney, the Forest of Dean invites you to slow down, look around, and make your own memories.

Businesses related to Forest of Dean

David Broadbent 2106310212
Arts | Nature | Groups

David Broadbent Photography

David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and…

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Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in…

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel Garden
Families | Foodies | Dogs

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel

16th Century Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant.

The Coach House - Newland Garden

Prices from:
£650.00

Dogs | Families | Relaxation

The Coach House - Newland

Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn…

Lamproom Cafe Exterior

The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below.…

Forestry England Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Adventure

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the…

Beechenhurst Zipwire

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great…

Vdw thenook15 1494831260

Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only…

Battlesports Glos Outdoor Laser Tag group session
Adventure | Families | Groups

BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag

Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball…

The Dairy at Gage Farm
Families | Accessible

The Dairy at Gage Farm

4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.…

Go Ape Treetop Challenge 8
Adventure | Families | Groups

Go Ape Forest of Dean

Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.…

New garden 2 1710856430

13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats.

Ross on Wye Canoe Hire
Adventure | Families | Groups

River Wye Canoe Hire

Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Forest Barns Farm frontage

Prices from:
£543.00

Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs

Forest Barns

5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

Events awarded Forest of Dean

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

FOD Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in…

Hot Pot Pottery
Arts | Groups | Relaxation

One Day Wheel Throwing - 19th Dec 2025

Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025

A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio

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Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025

We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own…

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Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025

We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own…

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience - 29th Nov 2025

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Arts

Christmas Wreath Making

Event Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…

RICH 8718
Adventure | Families | Groups

Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

At dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of mighty and mysterious…

Hot Pot Pottery
Arts | Groups | Relaxation

One Day Wheel Throwing - 15th Nov 2025

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio

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Arts

Indian Block Printing

Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025

Join Anna from Made at the Hut for the mindful art of Indian Block…

Hot pot pottery halloween
Dogs | Families | Groups

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 30th October 2025

Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience - 29th Oct 2025

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Hot pot pottery halloween
Families | Arts | Dogs

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 28th October 2025

Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

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Nature

Autumn Foraging

Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 25th Oct 2025

On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…

Hot Pot Pottery
Arts | Groups | Relaxation

One Day Wheel Throwing - 18th Oct 2025

Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025

A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio

RICH 8738
Adventure | Families | Groups

Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse

Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025

At dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of mighty and mysterious…

Whisky Tasting Evening at The Speech House Hotel
Foodies

Whisky Tasting Evening

Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 17th Oct 2025

At The Speech House Hotel, we love to bring Tasting Menus & Experiences to…

Experiences Awarded Forest of Dean

Drewitts2025 61

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey…

Drewitts2025 101

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.

RICH 8687

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Experience Early Morning Bird Song

Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with…

Jacob and the cows

Prices from:
£179.99

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Half day farm experience

Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an…

Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean

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

Offers From Forest of Dean

PEDALABIKEAWAY family cycling in the Forest of Dean
Adventure | Families | Groups

Half Price E-Bike Hire Every Thursday Evening

Expires: 4th Sept 2025

Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!

Briery Hill Llamas Shepherds hut Outside
Nature | Relaxation

4 night stay in our Shepherds hut plus a free…

Expires: 31st Aug 2025

Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut

Go Ape Treetop Challenge II

Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri.

Summer hols 2
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature

Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…

Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday

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