Festive Breaks & Winter Getaways | Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices from:
£200.00
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:
£29.00
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…
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.
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.…
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…
Prices from:
£650.00
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…
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.…
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.
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.
Prices from:
£220.00
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.
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…
Prices from:
£150.00
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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Dates:
27th Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025
Celebrate Halloween at the DHC! Celebrate Halloween at the DHC!
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!
Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 5th Nov 2025
Charity night hosted by WYFC Charity night hosted by WYFC
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
Event Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
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Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 9th Nov 2025
Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light
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Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Join in The BIG PUMPKIN Count and carefully count the Pumpkins hidden…
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Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Spot the giant spooky spiders hiding in Puzzlewood and complete the…
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Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Visit us this half term and enjoy our Autumn Trail as you ride through our…
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Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Burger lovers, rejoice! The Beefy Boys are making their grand return,…
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Get Ready For Spooktacular Outdoor Laser Tag
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Spooky Halloween themed Afternoon Tea at The Speech House Hotel in Forest…
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Prices from:
£50.00
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.
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
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
Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend
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.
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.
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.
Monday to Friday stays only 24 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025 Monday to Friday stays only 24 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24 Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Discover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
Read moreThrough the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
Read moreDiscover the best places for autumn colours in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with our leaf peeping guide, tips, and local highlights.
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