1. History And Heritage

History & Heritage

Of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

We have a very rich heritage here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of which we are rightly proud. A former royal hunting forest, the Dean has a long past as a source of timber for ships and building, coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre and limestone. Archaeological studies have dated the earliest use of coal to Roman times. But the area was inhabited well before that in Mesolithic times and there are even remains of megalithic monuments. One of the few surviving ancient woodlands in England, a large area was reserved for royal hunting before 1066, and remained as the second largest crown forest in England. The Speech House Hotel was built in 1682 to host the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech" and you can still eat in the Verderers Court today.

The area has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to tourism, and we are lucky that because of this many important sites have been preserved for future generations. From the pick axe marks on the walls at Clearwell Caves to the underground mine tours at Hopewell Colliery, the monuments to fallen miners in towns and in the forest, to the museums which tell their story such as the Dean Heritage Centre, to the old railway lines and bridges now cycle paths and footbridges and the Dean Forest Railway still running steam trains through the forest today... the heritage is such an important part of what makes this area so special.

The Wye Valley is considered to be both the birthplace of British tourism and also the birthplace of the industrial revolution. With more castles than anywhere else in the UK, there is a strong history of conflict and defence, as well as religion and craftsmanship. From Tintern Abbey to Goodrich Castle, Monnow Bridge to Offa's Dyke, the Wye Valley has a wealth of heritage to see and explore to this day. With its beauty it is easy to forget why some of these fortifications were built, but the arrow slits, cannons and dungeons remind us of their history too.

History Businesses

White Castle Cadw 2032693295
Families | Groups | History

White Castle

White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known…

Scarr Bandstand
Arts | History

Scarr Bandstand

Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live…

VDW Goodrich Castle 6 686711623
Groups | History | Families

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a…

Lancaut and Wintour's Leap Panorama David Broadbent Photography
Dogs | History | Nature

Lancaut and Wintour's Leap

Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From…

Vdw glouscathedral9 917261146
History | Groups

Gloucester Cathedral

A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of…

Whitecliff Ironworks
History | Nature

Whitecliff Ironworks

Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the…

New Fancy Viewpoint Lady Photographing
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History

New Fancy Viewpoint

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views…

Puzzlewood Forest
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Clearwell Caves Lake 1 2059054557
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden…

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
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…

PXL 20230314 135710370 MP 2085432989

Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by…

FDWV Gallery Lydney Harbour Boats
Dogs | History | Nature

Lydney Harbour

Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions,…

VDW herefordcathedral 2 982735168
Arts | History

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked…

Granton Coach House

Prices from:
£110.00

Relaxation | Foodies | Nature | History

Granton Coach House

4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat…

SKENFRITH CASTLE 602578409
Families | Groups | History

Skenfrith Castle

Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a…

History Events

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Screenshot 2025 08 21 at 11 07 59
Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation | Accessible

Herefordshire Art Week

Dates:
6th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Immerse yourself in nine days of creative discovery across Herefordshire's most inspiring artistic…

ABN 03 photosbyabn 569x758 2
Adventure | Families | Foodies | Arts | Nature | History | Accessible

Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle

Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

The Day of the Battle

Guided Historical Woodland Walks

Dates:
17th Sept 2025 - 17th Sept 2025

Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the canopy of magnificent beech…

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Dates:
17th Sept 2025 - 17th Sept 2025

Visit us on our Heritage Open Day 17th of September for free

History Experiences

CAVING

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | History

Adventure Caving

It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?

History Itineraries

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

History Trails

Ross on Wye
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

Coppett Hill Walk
Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
History

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History

Film & TV Trail

Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from…

Our latest History blogs

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint in the Summer
History

The Wye Tour

Post date: 4th April 2025
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