Nature
Through The Local Lens: Mark Adams
Post date:
9th April 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Mark Adams. 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
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and… Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to…
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…
Adventure
Golf at Bells Hotel and Country Club
Founded in 1973 the course is known for its unique rolling parkland, beautiful lakes, streams and… Founded in 1973 the course is known for its unique rolling parkland, beautiful lakes, streams and spectacular woodland. The 18 hole, par 69 golf course poses challenges for…
Prices from:
£195.00
Families | Accessible
Nuthatch Retreat
A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - valley views, generous gardens, Cinema, EV… A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - valley views, generous gardens, Cinema, EV Charger and outdoor tub - for romantic getaways and family escapes.
Families | Groups
Stay at Lydney Park Estate
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
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:
£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…
Families | Foodies | Dogs
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
13th Century Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant. 13th Century Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant.
Groups | Relaxation
Hill Farm, Tintern
Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to… Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peace and serenity of this fabulous location –…
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.
Foodies
Cinderhill Farm
Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to… Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to reflect and protect the richness of the place we live and work through the food…
Prices from:
£70.00
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Clearwell Caves
Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting… Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting underground world for the whole family to discover.
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…
Groups
The Wilderness Centre
Group accommodation for up to 80 people in private estate with wildflower meadows and ancient… Group accommodation for up to 80 people in private estate with wildflower meadows and ancient woodland
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
25th Apr 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Adventure | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife…
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
24th Apr 2026
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Groups
Pub Traitors
Dates:
23rd Apr 2026 - 23rd Apr 2026
Deception. Missions. Banishment. Can you spot the Traitors? Deception. Missions. Banishment. Can you spot the Traitors?
Groups | Dogs
Pub Quiz Night
Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings. Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings.
Nature | Relaxation
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Event Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
View Event
Dogs | Families | Foodies
Forest Showcase Food Festival
Event Dates:
4th Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th,…
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
Families | Groups | Nature
British big cats – the art & the science
Event Dates:
2nd Apr 2026 - 4th May 2026
Exhibition and events featuring British big cat artwork in the gallery, &…
View Event
Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
9th Apr 2026 - 2nd Jul 2026
Next Event Date:
28th May 2026
Throw your own mugs and tea cups on the potter's wheel, paint pottery…
View Event
Groups | History
Free Museum Gallery Tours
Event Dates:
16th Apr 2026 - 1st May 2026
Next Event Date:
23rd Apr 2026
Our free guided tours run weekly during term time
View Event
Nature | Foodies
Wild Food with Liz Knight
Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 25th Apr 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
View Event
Arts | Groups
Learn to paint Tea & Biscuits
Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 25th Apr 2026
Tea & Biscuits-themed Paint Workshop
View Event
Foodies
Live Fire Dining Popup @ The Apple Barn Tomahawk Steak Night
Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 25th Apr 2026
Join us in the Apple Barn for quality food smoked over quality Birchwood…
View Event
Families | Groups | Arts
'Fun Together' Mosaic Taster for Two Workshop
Event Dates:
26th Apr 2026 - 26th Apr 2026
Taster Mosaic Workshop
View Event
Foodies | Groups | History
Indian Tasting Menu Evening
Event Dates:
30th Apr 2026 - 30th Apr 2026
Enjoy a vibrant Indian tasting evening at The Speech House featuring…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
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!
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.
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
Find the perfect Mother's Day gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Read more
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite places.
Read more
Nature
Seven Winter Wellness Weekends in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
13th January 2026
Slow down this winter with seven wellness weekend ideas in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from forest bathing and yoga to saunas, creative retreats and seasonal food.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
