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Dig out the picnic basket, get the family together and enjoy some laughs in the great outdoors and of course some sandwiches. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has some fantastic picnic spots for you and your family to enjoy this summer, or throughout the year. From forest locations to riverside spots with gorgeous views, and don't forget our farm shops and delis for that all important local produce and many even provide ready made picnic hampers for that extra special treat!
Here are our top five places to have a picnic in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:
Beechenhurst is the perfect rain or shine picnic location, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy in the sunshine and indoor space just in case it rains. In the heart of the Forest, the centre is close to the Sculpture Trail and has a play area, cafe, shop and an exciting climbing tower. There are in-situ BBQ facilities.
Cannop Ponds has a large grass area to spread out your picnic blankets and is close to the car park and the ponds. The ponds themselves are picturesque and are home to lots of wildlife including ducks, swans and even dragonflies.
The Kymin with its roundhouse atop a hill - built in the 18th century by the gentry of Monmouth as a banqueting house at this viewpoint overlooking the town. It's still a great place to picnic.
Mallards Pike Lake is one of the best picnic spots in the South West. It consists of man-made lakes and is a popular attraction for walking, cycling and other adventure activities. With hot and cold refreshments on site and even BBQ facilities available Mallards Pike is a great location for a family picnic too.
Symonds Yat Rock is a Forestry England site and an internationally renowned viewpoint overlooking the River Wye and has many places to explore and to enjoy picnics. Below it are Symonds Yat East and West, two separate villages on either side of the Wye.
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Chepstow
Chepstow Park is a large block of woodland with both mature broadleaf and conifer species
Coleford
A site not to be missed by anyone interested in industrial archelogy - in the 19th century some of the most important developments of the iron and steel industry took place here.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Coleford
4.5 mile long woodland Sculpture Trail. Walk underneath a stained glass window hung high in the tree canopy and discover hidden places in the Forest. Free of charge and perfect for all ages.
Coleford
Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest, and is a great place to start your adventure. Discover the Gruffalo Spotters Trail, the Sculpture Trail, play area, Go Ape, cafe and climbing tower.
LYDNEY
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
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Monmouth
The nation's favourite river, flowing through some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in Britain.
LYDNEY
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest
BLAKENEY
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Cliffords Mesne
May Hill is one of the most familiar landmarks for many miles around, with its near circular mound and crowning clump of trees. It offers wonderful views and is an ideal spot to view the sunrise and sunset over the forest, hills and valleys all around.
Chepstow
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most stunning views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest in the area and the Duchess Ride Viewpoint is one of the best.
Caldicot
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Castle's exciting past. Caldicot Castle's impressive structure is surrounded by an idyllic 55 acre Country Park.
Nr Cinderford
The history of the Forest from the Ice Age to present day; the Gruffalo woodland trail, a reconstructed Forester's cottage; a charcoal burner's camp; a woodland playground; cafe & gift shop.
Lydney
The Geomap celebrates both the geological and the industrial history of the Forest of Dean. Each layer of rock shown on Geomap is made from the actual rock it represents, taken from local quarries. Overlain on the map is the industrial history, demonstrating the link between the underlying geology and the great quarrying and mining industries of the past.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean
Symonds Yat
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley
Monmouth
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Nr Chepstow
A Visitor Centre with exhibitions, activities, refreshments & local information.
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