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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Symonds Yat Rock Lodge

Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.

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Arts | Nature | Groups

David Broadbent Photography

David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…

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Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature

Whitemead Forest Park

Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges… Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges with on-site leisure, dining, and woodland adventures.

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Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible

Cyril Hart Arboretum

An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.

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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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Adventure | Families | Groups

Go Ape Forest of Dean

Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.… Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do. High ropes and all-terrain Forest Segways at the ready.

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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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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:
£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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Resilient Woodland Retreat Cabin from above

Prices from:
£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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Prices from:
£196.00

Families | Dogs

The Roost Retreats

Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only… Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only site set in over 2 acres of woodside meadow within an SAC (Special Area of…

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£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 | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Mallards Pike Café

Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the… Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the best coffee as well as fresh homemade lunches, cakes & snacks.

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Adventure | Families | Groups

River Wye Canoe Hire

Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…

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Arts | Families | Groups

Rachel Shilston - Inspiring Creativity

Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure… Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality…

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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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Events awarded Forest of Dean

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Christmas and New Years Severn Wye and poleroad signage 7

Groups | Arts

Wreath Making

Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025

Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye

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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

Christmas Fayre

Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025

Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…

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Events

New Years Eve at the Red Hart Inn

Dates:
31st Dec 2025 - 1st Jan 2026

Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party

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Nature

Autumn Foraging

Event Dates:
3rd Oct 2026 - 3rd Oct 2026

On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…

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Nature

Autumn Foraging

Event Dates:
24th Oct 2026 - 24th Oct 2026

On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…

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Families | Adventure | Groups

Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst

Event Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025

Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the…

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Adventure | Dogs | Families

Kids Go Free In November

Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 9th Nov 2025

Visit us this November and only pay for the adults in your group!

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Adventure | Nature

Pedal Tribe Night Rides

Event Dates:
27th Nov 2025 - 27th Nov 2025

Join us for guided night rides every month, helping you feel confident…

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Arts

Christmas Wreath Making

Event Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…

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Nature | Families | Groups

Christmas Cafe and Gifts

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

Christmas Cafe with Llamas and handmade local gifts

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Families

Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 24th Dec 2025

Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park this Christmas

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Groups

Festive Wreath Making

Event Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 7th Dec 2025

Festive Wreath Making

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Foodies

Festive Afternoon Tea

Event Dates:
1st Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025

Afternoon Tea at the historic Speech House is a suitably festive affair,…

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Arts | Groups

Christmas Wreath Workshop hosted by B.W.C Westons Florist

Event Dates:
1st Dec 2025 - 1st Dec 2025

Christmas Wreath workshop December 01 2025, 6-8pm, £30 per person

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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.

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£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.

Trails In Forest of Dean

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Adventure | Families

Downhill Cycling Trails

Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to… Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.

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 | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

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.

History

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

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…

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.