Locations
Forest Of Dean

Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest and most fascinating landscapes — a place where nature, history, and creativity come together.

Tucked between the River Severn and the River Wye, the Forest of Dean is a unique corner of Gloucestershire with a character all of its own. Once a royal hunting ground, this ancient forest is now a haven for outdoor adventures, local produce, family days out, and peaceful escapes.

Steeped in myth, legend and industrial heritage, the Forest is shaped by its trees, its people, and its long history. From Iron Age forts and Roman roads to Freeminers' traditions and centuries-old villages, this is a place where the past sits alongside the present - and where every visit offers something new to discover.

Things to Do in the Forest of Dean

Whether you’re here for a short break or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Explore ancient woodland trails on foot or by bike, visit local attractions like Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves, or relax at a café tucked into the trees.

The forest is home to wildlife, dark skies, and dramatic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock. Families love Perrygrove Railway, the Sculpture Trail, and Cannop Ponds, while adventurers can try canoeing on the River Wye or zip-lining through the trees.

There’s also a strong creative and cultural side to the Forest of Dean, from local galleries and makers to community events and performance spaces. Traditional pubs, forest food, and independent shops all add to the area’s welcoming feel.

A Place to Explore, Return To, and Share

The Forest of Dean has inspired generations of artists, filmmakers, walkers, and daydreamers — and it’s easy to see why. Whether you come for the views, the peace and quiet, or the sense of something a little bit magical, the forest leaves a lasting impression.

From quiet village lanes to bustling market towns like Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney, the Forest of Dean invites you to slow down, look around, and make your own memories.

Businesses related to Forest of Dean

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Families | Accessible

Cowshed Cottage

Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.

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Foodies

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant

13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats. 13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats.

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Foodies | Families | Dogs | Groups | Accessible

Heritage Coffee Shop

Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax… Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax and unwind.

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Families | Accessible

The Dairy at Gage Farm

4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.… 4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door. Castles, caves, and cathedral nearby. Amazing sunsets and night skies.

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Nuthatch Retreat Living Room Double aspect

Prices from:
£200.00

Families | Accessible

Nuthatch Retreat

A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV… A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV Charger and outdoor tub - for romantic getaways and family escapes.

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Prices from:
£29.00

Dogs | Families | Groups

Bracelands Camping

Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…

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Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… 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.

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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.…

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Families

Puzzlewood Cottages

Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside… Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside of normal hours with direct access from the cottages. Kids love feeding our…

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Prices from:
£650.00

Dogs | Families

The Coach House - Newland

Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn… Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn within 100 meters. 3 large bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, open fire, patio with…

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Arts

Forest Of Dean & Wye Valley School Of Photography

Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…

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Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.

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Foodies

Saracens Head Inn

16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales. 16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales.

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Prices from:
£220.00

Dogs | Families

The Rookery Cottage

Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the… Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the beautiful village of Newland in Royal Forest of Dean.

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible

Leaf Creative

Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…

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Resilient Woodland Retreat Cabin from above

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£150.00

Dogs | Families

Resilient Woodlands Retreat

Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the… Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the beautiful forest of dean. Each cabin has its own totally private woodfired…

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Events awarded Forest of Dean

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Families

Halloween - Spooky Celebrations!

Dates:
27th Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025

Celebrate Halloween at the DHC! Celebrate Halloween at the DHC!

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Families | Foodies | Groups

Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Dates:
31st Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025

Join us this Halloween for a Mexican Feast as we celebrate Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead! Join us this Halloween for a Mexican Feast as we celebrate Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead!

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Families

Bonfire & Fireworks

Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 5th Nov 2025

Charity night hosted by WYFC Charity night hosted by WYFC

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Dogs | Foodies | Groups

Taste of Asia at Christmas

Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

a delicious fusion of traditional cheer and bold Asian flavours a delicious fusion of traditional cheer and bold Asian flavours

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Families | Foodies

Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Burger lovers, rejoice! The Beefy Boys are making their grand return,…

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Adventure | Groups

Halloween Pay and Play At Battlesports Glos

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Get Ready For Spooktacular Outdoor Laser Tag

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Foodies

Halloween Afternoon Tea

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Spooky Halloween themed Afternoon Tea at The Speech House Hotel in Forest…

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Families | Arts | Dogs

Halloween Pottery Painting

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

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Dogs | Families | Groups

Halloween Pottery Painting

Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

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Experiences Awarded Forest of Dean

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Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar at The Angel Hotel

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£50.00

Foodies | Groups

Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar

Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar are an essential part of Christmas at The Angel, bringing the ambience… Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar are an essential part of Christmas at The Angel, bringing the ambience of an alpine ski lodge to the heart of Abergavenny.

Long float

Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and… Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and explore further with a longer float.

Prices from:
£198.00

Relaxation

Trio float

Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room

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£132.00

Relaxation

Bring a Friend to float

Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend

Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean

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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.

Offers From Forest of Dean

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Adventure

SAVE 15% off Go Ape Treetop Challenge

Expires: 31st Dec 2025

Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri. Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri.