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Dig out the picnic blanket, get the family together and enjoy a day out in the great outdoors, and of course some sandwiches! The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has many fantastic picnic sites for you. From forest locations to riverside spots with gorgeous views, castle grounds to hilltops and lakes to heritage sites there are a wealth of locations to set down your picnic and take some time out from your activities here. Plus don't forget our farm shops and delis for that all important local produce, many even provide ready made picnic hampers for that extra special treat.
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, toilets and an exciting climbing tower. There are in-situ BBQ facilities too.
Cannop Ponds has a large grass area to spread out your picnic blankets close to these lovely ponds but there are several other spots nearby too. 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 was 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 is one of the best picnic spots in the South West. It consists of a series of lovely 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 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 with pubs and cafes and riverside walking routes.
See all the Picnic Spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:
Number of results: 38
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Coleford
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Coleford
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 Ape and cafe.
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Symonds Yat
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 Symonds Yat East village.
Parkend
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.
Coleford
Unique railway with walks through beautiful woodland.
Tickets last all day - enjoy as many train rides as you like!
Indoor Village and exciting Treasure Hunt!
Cafe is available. Picnics welcome.
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Highnam
Highnam Woods on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean is an RSPB nature reserve offering great birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Llandogo
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive 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.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
In the heart of the Forest of Dean, surrounded by trees and with many things to do, places to stay and places to eat, Parkend is an ideal base for exploring the Forest on foot or cycle. The Dean Forest Railway stops here, bikes can be hired, there are two pubs, a cafe and a shop as well as RSPB Nagshead ideal for wildlife and birdwatching.
Soudley
We are the Museum of the Forest: a stunning building and location with inside and outside attractions. Learn about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day, visit our museum and gallery, explore the Gruffalo woodland trail, see inside a reconstructed Forester's cottage, visit a charcoal burner's camp, see chainsaw carving, our working water wheel and pretty stream, kids will enjoy our woodland playground plus there is an excellent cafe and gift shop.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Historic Forest of Dean village with a former royal castle, now a youth hostel. Set high above the Wye Valley there are good views into the Forest, the River Wye below and to Wales in the distance.
Surrounded by beautiful forest, this is a former mining village with great views, walks and cycle routes all around. Central shops, a pub, cafe, church and post office. The war memorial offers spectacular forest views.
Chepstow
Historic path along cliffs overlooking the River Wye popular during the Wye Tour. Part of the Wye Valley Walk north of Chepstow and leading to the Eagle's Nest Viewpoint.
Ross-on-Wye
Standing in scenic countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it promises a great day out for all the family.
Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, in Gloucester, stands in the north of the city near the river.
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