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Our historic towns and villages feature independent specialist shops, characterful cafes and pubs, historic monuments and buildings plus of course are all surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for interesting walks, local cycle routes and inspiring days out.
If you're staying nearby you may want to stock up on provisions from one of the delis or farm shops, pick up some souvenirs or locally produced items, pop into a tourist information or enjoy a meal out. Even better find a great pub and have a long lunch after your walk around the town!
Take your time and explore the interesting towns of the Forest of Dean: from the bustling market town of Coleford to Lydney the gateway to the forest with its historic harbour, the mining town of Cinderford or the picturesque Newent. Visit the castle towns of Monmouthshire such as Usk the town of flowers or the Wye Valley towns of Herefordshire such as Ross-on-Wye.
We also have a Market Towns Trail which is available to download should you like to explore the region's best market towns.
Explore Our Highlights
Number of results: 14
Steeped in history, renowned for its floral displays, Usk is a great base to explore Monmouthshire and the Usk Valley. Independent shops and lots of places to eat, drink and stay.
One of the oldest inhabited towns in the Forest of Dean, Newent has been settled since at least Roman times and appeared in the 1086 Domesday Book of William the Conqueror. Newent is a thriving market town with bustling independent retailers and a Market Square that includes several historical buildings, including the Market House, a structure that dates back to the 13th century. As well as having a long and rich history, Newent is one of the most picturesque towns in the region, and makes for a great base to explore the Forest of…
Ross-on-Wye is a small market town in the south of Herefordshire offering excellent places to stay, eat and shop. Set in beautiful countryside it’s a great place for fresh air, walking and canoeing.
With in excess of 20 pubs, restaurants and cafes/takeaways, a variety of retail outlets and a range of places to stay, you can easily base yourself in Cinderford while venturing out into the Forest of Dean and wider Wye Valley area. An historic market town, it got its name from the iron ore which was mined and smelted in the area from Norman times. Cinderford continued to rely on mining, especially coal, right up until the 1960s, and its heritage is marked by a statue of a Forest of Dean Freeminer in the town centre. Today the focus…
As a picturesque and charming market town with a long and rich history, Coleford is compact and walkable with all the amenities and family-friendly attractions to make the town worth a visit in its own right. Start your visit in the market square, where the centre-piece is the historic clock tower, the remaining part of a church that was demolished in the 19th century. Be sure to look at the memorial plaque commemorating the Battle of Coleford, which took place in 1643 during the English Civil War. Then wander the surrounding streets…
Surrounded by the Forest of Dean on the edge of the Wye Valley, and situated on the River Severn, the historic town of Lydney houses some of the area’s must see points of interest. Home to Lydney Park, a 17th century country estate and one of the most beautiful historic gardens in England complete with ruins of a Roman temple. It’s also the perfect base for those who prefer to leave the car at home, as the town is connected to the national rail network via Lydney Station, with trains to Newport and Gloucester.
The jewel of the Wye Valley - a picturesque village, ruined Abbey, pubs, shops, cafes, places to stay, stunning walks and viewpoints all around.
A bustling border market town, Chepstow is the gateway to the Wye Valley and Wales. Its stunning castle is the oldest in Britain and the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path begin here.
Historic market town on the Welsh borders with lots of independent shops and great places to eat and drink.
One of the most iconic spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with a stunning viewpoint, a riverside village, walks, pubs, places to stay and loads to see and do.
Gloucester is a vibrant multicultural city that combines historic architecture with a unique blend of visitor attractions, festivals and entertainment.
Abergavenny is a foodie heaven, a historic town and is surrounded by the Black Mountains. It has much to offer visitors - a blend of old and new, with activities and things to do to suit young and old alike.
An old walled city, dating from Saxon times, Hereford is the area's administrative, commercial, cultural and agricultural centre.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Association Limited.