Through The Local Lens: Patrick Cal Callaby
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite places.
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
If it’s nature you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most naturally rich and scenic destinations in the UK - home to ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, river valleys, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints a plenty.
Whether you're here to spot wildlife, take in the seasonal changes, or simply enjoy the peace that comes with time outdoors, you’ll find countless ways to connect with the natural world. From easy-access nature trails and RSPB reserves, to stargazing spots and guided wildlife walks, this is a landscape that rewards slowing down and looking closer.
In this section, you’ll find a handpicked collection of accommodation, experiences, attractions and places to eat that help you stay close to nature - from off-grid retreats and eco-stays to outdoor cafés and activity providers that celebrate the beauty of the landscape around them.
Explore below and plan a visit that puts nature first - whether you're wandering through bluebells, watching wild boar at dusk, or simply listening to birdsong from your cabin doorstep.
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye… Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye Valley. Unwind with yoga, forest bathing, eco spa and holistic therapies.…
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go…
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…
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and… Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to…
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to… 3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to complete. Suitable for the whole family, push chairs, and powered wheelchairs.…
Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
Prices from:
£340.00
Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples… Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples looking for adventure a little closer to nature. Take in the Brecon Beacon views…
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,… We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum, explore the Gruffalo Trail and playground and shop local in our Gift Shop.
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Date From:
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Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026
Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…
Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the Forest of Dean on… Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the Forest of Dean on Forestry England's Room on the Broom trail.
Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods for the ultimate galentine to learn how to turn the commonest weeds… Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods for the ultimate galentine to learn how to turn the commonest weeds into beauty products.
Dates:
16th Feb 2026 - 16th Feb 2026
Enjoy a classic fairytale in a new way. Enjoy a classic fairytale in a new way.
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Dream up magical railway characters and paint your very own story stones.
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Event Dates:
13th Mar 2026 - 13th Mar 2026
Experience early spring wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of…
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Event Dates:
21st Mar 2026 - 21st Mar 2026
Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel.…
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Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 25th Apr 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
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Event Dates:
2nd May 2026 - 2nd May 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Event Dates:
16th May 2026 - 16th May 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Event Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 13th Jun 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Event Dates:
20th Jun 2026 - 20th Jun 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
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Event Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026
This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to…
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Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2026 - 23rd Aug 2026
This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to…
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Event Dates:
5th Sept 2026 - 5th Sept 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
View EventSummer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
Prices from:
£12.75
Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…
Prices from:
£40.00
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
Prices from:
£40.00
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£40.00
Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest… Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers something for everyone on two wheels.
Distance 0.75 - 3 miles
Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye… Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley—perfect for families and casual strollers.
A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with… A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with optional tour/tasting and stays.
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.
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