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Photography in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
21st August 2025
If you love photography, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the perfect place to visit, find out why here.
- Locations
- Forest Of Dean
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
Business Directory
Cannop Ponds
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle… Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Wenchford
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
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… 5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside or Out | Child and Pet friendly | Event Spaces
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Puzzlewood
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.
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.… Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do. High ropes and all-terrain Forest Segways at the ready.
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… 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…
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food &… A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food & drink. Taurus Crafts is part of Camphill Village Trust Ltd
Prices from:
£150.00
Dogs | Families
Resilient Woodlands Retreat
Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the… Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the beautiful forest of dean. Each cabin has its own totally private woodfired…
Prices from:
£196.00
Families | Dogs
The Roost Luxury Cabins
Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only… Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only site set in over 2 acres of woodside meadow within an SAC (Special Area of…
Families | History | Nature | Groups | Arts | Accessible
Dean Heritage Centre
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.
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… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
Leaf Creative
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…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes…
Prices from:
£200.00
Families | Accessible
Nuthatch Retreat
A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV… A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV Charger and outdoor tub - for romantic getaways and family escapes.
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible
Cyril Hart Arboretum
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in… A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in the beautiful Wye Valley Sculpture Garden just one mile from Tintern Abbey.
Families | Groups | Arts | Relaxation
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Dates:
4th Sept 2025 - 4th Sept 2025
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing
Dates:
5th Sept 2025 - 5th Sept 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our rural pottery studio A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our rural pottery studio
Foodies | Relaxation
End of Summer Feast Night at the Fernery
Dates:
11th Sept 2025 - 11th Sept 2025
Join us and celebrate the end of summer with this delicious feast night at Leaf Creative. Join us and celebrate the end of summer with this delicious feast night at Leaf Creative.
Arts
Hand Stitched Leather Journal
Event Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 13th Sept 2025
Join Jen from Sew Forest of Dean to make your very own leather journal.…
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Balloons & Beats Festival
Event Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
Experience hot air balloons, live music, food and family fun at Balloons &…
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Adventure | Families | Foodies
Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle
Event Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
The Day of the Battle
View Event
Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…
View Event
Nature | History
Guided Historical Woodland Walks
Event Dates:
17th Sept 2025 - 17th Sept 2025
Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the…
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History
Heritage Open Day
Event Dates:
17th Sept 2025 - 17th Sept 2025
Visit us on our Heritage Open Day 17th of September for free
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Arts | Relaxation
3 Day Weekend Pottery Retreat
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2025 - 21st Sept 2025
Relax and immerse yourself in pottery and beautiful countryside
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Foodies
Live Fire Dining Popup Restaurant
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2025 - 19th Sept 2025
Live Fire Dining Popup Restaurant
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Abergavenny Food Festival
Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 21st Sept 2025
Discover top chefs, street food, demos and talks at the Abergavenny Food…
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Adventure | Families | Groups
Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse
Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 20th Sept 2025
In the evening and at dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of…
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Nature
Autumn Foraging
Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025
On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…
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Relaxation
Retreat: A day of 'un-doing'
Event Dates:
5th Oct 2025 - 5th Oct 2025
Let go of the shoulds and coulds - rest, journal, eat, gaze - and melt…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
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… 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
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. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
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… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
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… Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an afternoon tea.
Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
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.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
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.
Offers From Forest of Dean
Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri. Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri.
Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays! Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature
Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…
Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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Nature
Why the Forest of Dean is the perfect prescription to de-stress and unwind
Post date:
25th June 2025
The hidden gem that it is, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are great for those seeking serenity and calm, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.
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Adventure
Why the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a must-visit for Parkrun enthusiasts
Post date:
27th May 2025
Discover six scenic parkruns, PB-friendly routes, and family-friendly trails in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - your next running weekend awaits.
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