Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- 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
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature
Whitemead Forest Park
Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges… Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges with on-site leisure, dining, and woodland adventures.
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
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.
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,… Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food within a supportive community…
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… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Clearwell Caves
Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting… Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting underground world for the whole family to discover.
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…
Families | Accessible
The Dairy at Gage Farm
4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.… 4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door. Castles, caves, and cathedral nearby. Amazing sunsets and night skies.
Adventure | Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Groups
Hill Farm, Tintern
Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to… Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peace and serenity of this fabulous location –…
Prices from:
£29.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Bracelands Camping
Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…
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… 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…
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…
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.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature
Mallards Pike Café
Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the… Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the best coffee as well as fresh homemade lunches, cakes & snacks.
Families | Accessible
Cowshed Cottage
Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.
Prices from:
£220.00
Dogs | Families
The Rookery Cottage
Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the… Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the beautiful village of Newland in Royal Forest of Dean.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Groups | Arts
Wreath Making
Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025
Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye
Dates:
31st Dec 2025 - 1st Jan 2026
Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party
Nature
Autumn Foraging
Dates:
3rd Oct 2026 - 3rd Oct 2026
On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow. On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow.
Nature
Autumn Foraging
Dates:
24th Oct 2026 - 24th Oct 2026
On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow. On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow.
Families | Adventure | Groups
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the…
View Event
Families
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park this Christmas
View Event
Foodies
Festive Afternoon Tea
Event Dates:
1st Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Afternoon Tea at the historic Speech House is a suitably festive affair,…
View Event
Families | Groups | Nature
Festive Forest
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
View Event
Arts | Groups
Christmas Wreath Paint Club
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Christmas-themed Paint Workshop
View Event
Families | Accessible
Visit Father Christmas
Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 23rd Dec 2025
Visit Father Christmas at the Dean Heritage Centre
View Event
Families
Father Christmas at Perrygrove
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
A Magical Family Christmas Experience in the Forest of Dean! All aboard…
View Event
Events
Rockfield Gin Tasting
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Discover the art of gin making with Rockfield Gin at The Rising Sun…
View Event
Foodies
Shania Twain Tribute Night
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
“Let’s Go, Girls!” and join us for an unforgettable night of live music,…
View Event
Groups | Arts
Half Day Christmas Workshop
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Christmas Mosaic Workshop
View Event
Families
Ice Skating Evenings At Perrygrove
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Enjoy a magical evening Ice Skating in our North Pole Marquee this…
View Event
Foodies
Soul & Mowtown Night
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Get ready to groove the night away with the incredible Reverend Ramoo,…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£70.00
Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails
Prices from:
£3.00
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Lunch Like a Local
Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie… Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm, we've got you covered!
Prices from:
£50.00
Foodies | Groups
Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar
Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar are an essential part of Christmas at The Angel, bringing the ambience… Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar are an essential part of Christmas at The Angel, bringing the ambience of an alpine ski lodge to the heart of Abergavenny.
Relaxation
Long float
Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and… Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and explore further with a longer float.
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.
Trails In Forest of Dean
Adventure | Families
Downhill Cycling Trails
Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to… Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.
History | Accessible
Thomas Blake Trail
Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake! Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake!
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed… Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets and hidden stories in this charming…
Offers From Forest of Dean
A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies. A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies.
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.
Monday to Friday stays only 24 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025 Monday to Friday stays only 24 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Lee Pullen and find his favourite places.
Read more
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
Read more
This is the perfect time of year for a taste of autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
