Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tim Scanlan
Post date:
2nd September 2025
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Tim Scanlan. Hidden gems and local stories.
- 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
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…
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food &… A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food & drink. Taurus Crafts is part of Camphill Village Trust Ltd
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.
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.
Prices from:
£196.00
Families | Dogs
The Roost Luxury Cabins
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…
Families | History | Nature | Groups | Arts | Accessible
Dean Heritage Centre
We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,… We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum, explore the Gruffalo Trail and playground and shop local in our Gift Shop.
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 | 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.
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…
Families | Groups | Nature
Forest Holidays
With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this… With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this Forest Holiday is one you aren't likely to forget. This is a chance to escape…
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.…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Wenchford
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
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…
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…
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Forest Showcase Food Festival
Dates:
5th Oct 2025 - 5th Oct 2025
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.
Nature
Autumn Foraging
Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 25th Oct 2025
On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow. On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric, Kerry or Marlow.
Families
Halloween - Spooky Celebrations!
Dates:
27th Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025
Celebrate Halloween at the DHC! Celebrate Halloween at the DHC!
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!
Dogs | Foodies | Groups
Taste of Asia at Christmas
Event Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025
a delicious fusion of traditional cheer and bold Asian flavours
View Event
Families | Foodies | Dogs
Newent Monthly Market
Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 20th Sept 2025
Enjoy the Newent Monthly Market, every 3rd Saturday of the Month from 9am…
View Event
Foodies | Groups | Nature
Autumn Candle Making
Event Dates:
9th Oct 2025 - 9th Oct 2025
Join us and Time to Burn candles and create your very own warm Autumn…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Nature
October Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
10th Oct 2025 - 10th Oct 2025
Experience wildlife in autumn on a captivating journey through the ancient…
View Event
Dogs | Families | Groups
Heritage Railway "Anything Goes" Gala
Event Dates:
11th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025
Join us for our "Anything Goes" Gala where no two trains are the same and…
View Event
Arts
Autumn Colours Bouquet
Event Dates:
11th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025
Join Jo from Wye Valley Flowers to make an autumn colours bouquet.
View Event
Nature
Nature Journal Safari
Event Dates:
12th Oct 2025 - 12th Oct 2025
This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to…
View Event
Dogs | Families
Dog Show
Event Dates:
12th Oct 2025 - 12th Oct 2025
Get ready for a tail-wagging day of fun with your furry friends at the…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Groups
Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Beechenhurst Lodge
Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 9th Nov 2025
Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light
View Event
Foodies
Whisky Tasting Evening
Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 17th Oct 2025
At The Speech House Hotel, we love to bring Tasting Menus & Experiences to…
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Groups
Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon
Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025
A running race that takes you on a wonderful journey through the Forest of…
View Event
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing
Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Relaxation
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
Prices from:
£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
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
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.
Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24 Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature
Canoeing summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to…
Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
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