Nature
Through The Local Lens: Philip Jarrett
Post date:
2nd August 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Philip Jarrett. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
- 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
Foodies | Families
Stay at The Saracens Head Inn
16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the… 16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the Wye Valley gorge where it meets the Forest of Dean in the idyllic village of…
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses,… Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses, baking workshops and inspiring food experiences.
Prices from:
£80.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Hobbit Huts at Saltbox Escapes
Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort… Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort for couples and families in a child- and dog-friendly meadow.
Families
Dryslade Farm Bed & Breakfast
Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal… Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal for walking and cycling. Restful lounge, large garden and spacious…
Prices from:
£543.00
Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs
Forest Barns
5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside… 5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside or Out | Child and Pet friendly | Event Spaces
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.
Families | Adventure | Groups | History
Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at…
Accessible | Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Indoor Adventure Golf
Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the… Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and Merlin’s magic -it’s a twelve-hole quest.
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We… As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in…
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Cannop Ponds
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle… Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Adventure
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.
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
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.
Groups | Families
Big House Holiday Lets
Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily… Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily accommodate large groups of up to 26 people.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Adventures
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,… We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Briery Hill Llamas
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | History
Summer Holidays - Free Entry
Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun! Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun!
Families | Groups | History
The Sealed Knot Battle of Coleford
Dates:
8th Aug 2026 - 9th Aug 2026
Join members of The Sealed Knot Society as they re-enact aspects of the 1643 Battle of Coleford .. Join members of The Sealed Knot Society as they re-enact aspects of the 1643 Battle of Coleford ..
Arts | Accessible
Sherlock Holmes - The Mystery of the Governor's…
Dates:
30th Aug 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Join us at All Saints Church Newland as we host Jenny Wren Theatre for a comic play Join us at All Saints Church Newland as we host Jenny Wren Theatre for a comic play
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Forest Showcase Food Festival
Dates:
4th Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th, 10am-4pm. Local producers,… Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th, 10am-4pm. Local producers, tastings & family fun in Forest of Dean.
Families | Groups | Accessible
Treorchy Male Choir
Event Dates:
10th Oct 2026 - 10th Oct 2026
Return of the World Famous Treorchy Male Choir this Autumn
View Event
Adventure | Families | Nature
Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks)
Event Dates:
11th Oct 2026 - 1st Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
11th Oct 2026
Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks)
View Event
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Nature
Room on the Broom Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the…
View Event
Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
1st May 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
22nd Aug 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
View Event
Arts | History
Beyond the Books Exhibition
Event Dates:
16th May 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Forest of Dean Writers Collection Exhibition
View Event
Foodies
Cheese & A Local Brew
Event Dates:
4th Jul 2026 - 26th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
15th Aug 2026
Cheese and Local Drink Tastings on Selected Saturdays at Forest Deli
View Event
Families
Free Puppet Shows
Event Dates:
20th Jul 2026 - 24th Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
10th Aug 2026
Watch a traditional puppet performance by Glove Actually
View Event
Families | Arts
Pizza & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
30th Jul 2026 - 3rd Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
13th Aug 2026
Throw pizza plates on the pottery wheel, then enjoy wood-fired pizza from…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Nature
Summer and Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
31st Jul 2026 - 20th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
24th Aug 2026
Summer and Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
View Event
Adventure | Families
Bracelands Campsite - Inflatable Mega Fun
Event Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 9th Aug 2026
Inflatable mega fun at Bracelands Campsite includes, 20ft slide, 15ft…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
22nd Aug 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£70.00
Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails
Prices from:
£3.00
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Lunch Like a Local
Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie… Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm, we've got you covered!
Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
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
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.
A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with… A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with optional tour/tasting and stays.
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!
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.
Offers From Forest of Dean
Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite
10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite 10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite
15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite 15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite
Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 20% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY20. Sun-Fri. Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 20% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY20. Sun-Fri.
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Explore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
Read more
Find swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
Read more
Dogs
5 Family Activities for Summer in the Forest of Dean | Forestry England
Post date:
14th July 2026
Beat the heat with five family-friendly activities in the Forest of Dean this summer, from cycling and woodland picnics to Gruffalo adventures and camping
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
