Adventure
Family Adventures with Cadw in Dean Wye this August
Post date:
28th July 2025
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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
Families | Groups | History
Hopewell Colliery - Working Mine and Cafe
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
Dogs | History | Nature
Lydney Harbour
Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions,… Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions, parking and ideas for things to do nearby.
History | Nature
The Kymin
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful… When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Families | Groups | History
White Castle
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known… White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to…
Groups | History | Families
Goodrich Castle
Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a… 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…
History | Nature | Relaxation
The Devil's Pulpit
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's… Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
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.
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…
Arts | History
Wobage Maker's Gallery
Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by… Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by the makers. Ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, kitchenwood, basketry,…
Arts | History
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked… Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years.
History | Relaxation | Accessible
The Cathedral Of The Forest
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic… All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
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… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
History | Groups | Arts
Tintern Abbey
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than 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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | History
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks… Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks linked by heritage railway. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day.…
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History
New Fancy Viewpoint
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views… Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access…
Dogs | History | Nature
Lancaut and Wintour's Leap
Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From… Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From Wintour's Leap take in a horseshoe bend of the Wye, walk down the cliffs to the…
History Events
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Families | Arts | History
Seasonal Scents: Medieval Christmas Decoration…
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Come and discover how people celebrated Christmas in medieval times and the role that scents played Come and discover how people celebrated Christmas in medieval times and the role that scents played
Families | Groups | Arts | History
Tintern Abbey Torchlight Carol Service
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Torchlit procession and carol service at Tintern Abbey on 6 December 2025. A festive family evening… Torchlit procession and carol service at Tintern Abbey on 6 December 2025. A festive family evening in a stunning historic setting in the Wye Valley.
Foodies | History | Groups
Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings
Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award
Foodies | Groups | History
Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award
Foodies | Groups | History
Wythall Estate Christmas Tastings
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…
View Event
History
Meet Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
27th Dec 2025 - 28th Dec 2025
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
View EventHistory Experiences
Prices from:
£0.00
History
Museum Without Walls
A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites. A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites.
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? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
History Itineraries
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.
History Trails
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!
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
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…
Our latest History blogs
For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.
Read more
The Wye Tour was the first organised tour in Britain, leading to the area being dubbed 'the birthplace of British Tourism'. It consisted of a boat tour down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye in the north to Chepstow in the south.
Read more
Uncover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean, from magical creatures and ancient spirits to local folklore passed down through generations.
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