Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- 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
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:
£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.
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups
BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag
Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball… Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball meets the safety and comfort of laser technology.
Families | Accessible
The Dairy at Gage Farm
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.
Families
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go…
Prices from:
£120.00
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature
The Speech House Hotel
A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, two…
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.
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…
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes…
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible
Pedalabikeaway
Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some… Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. After your ride, visit…
Prices from:
£80.00
Groups | Families | Adventure
The Belfry Hotel
The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992 The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992
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
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 | 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.…
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Champagne Brunch
Dates:
1st Jan 2026 - 1st Jan 2026
Join us on New Year’s Day for Champagne Brunch Join us on New Year’s Day for Champagne Brunch
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026
Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Dogs | Relaxation
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate… Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family.
Foodies
Festive Afternoon Tea
Dates:
1st Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Afternoon Tea at the historic Speech House is a suitably festive affair, with fine bone china, a… Afternoon Tea at the historic Speech House is a suitably festive affair, with fine bone china, a tiered cake stand of indulgent Christmas treats
Families | Groups | Nature
Festive Forest
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
View Event
Arts | Groups
Christmas Wreath Paint Club
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Christmas-themed Paint Workshop
View Event
Events
Rockfield Gin Tasting
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Discover the art of gin making with Rockfield Gin at The Rising Sun…
View Event
Foodies
Shania Twain Tribute Night
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
“Let’s Go, Girls!” and join us for an unforgettable night of live music,…
View Event
Foodies
Soul & Mowtown Night
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Get ready to groove the night away with the incredible Reverend Ramoo,…
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Perrygrove Twixmas Opening!
Event Dates:
28th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Visit us between Christmas & New Year for all weather family fun!
View Event
Events
New Years Eve at the Red Hart Inn
Event Dates:
31st Dec 2025 - 1st Jan 2026
Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Perrygrove at New Year!
Event Dates:
2nd Jan 2026 - 4th Jan 2026
Visit us this New Year for all weather family fun before the kids go back…
View Event
Nature
Early January wildlife safari in the Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
9th Jan 2026 - 9th Jan 2026
Experience winter wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean
View Event
Foodies | Nature
Wildly Hormonal
Event Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 2026
Join Liz Knight from Forage Fine Foods to learn how the commonest of wild…
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Groups | Nature
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Nature
Mid-January dusk wildlife safari in the Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
17th Jan 2026 - 17th Jan 2026
Experience winter wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£12.75
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…
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
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.
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.
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
A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies. A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies.
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.
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
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Lee Pullen and find his favourite places.
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Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
Read more
This is the perfect time of year for a taste of autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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