Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tristan Shipley
Post date:
1st September 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer and videographer Tristan Shipley. 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 | 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.
Foodies
Saracens Head Inn
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | History
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
Family friendly visitor attraction with indoor & outdoor play areas and woodland walks. Tickets… Family friendly visitor attraction with indoor & outdoor play areas and woodland walks. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day. Dog friendly & Cafe.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful… Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Our six-En Suite bedrooms offer stylish,…
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
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs
Canoe the Wye Ltd
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
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
Families | Groups | Foodies
Forest Deli Hampers & Gifts
Browse our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own by choosing your hamper style, and select… Browse our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own by choosing your hamper style, and select from any of the contents available in our Online Shop.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in Parkend. A Cafe, serving coffee, cake &… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in Parkend. A Cafe, serving coffee, cake & ice cream. A bike shop and workshop.
Families | Groups | Accessible
Lydney Library
At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,… At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly, inclusive space that supports learning, creativity and community connection.
Prices from:
£130.00
Families
Dinglewood Retreat
Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer… Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer the perfect countryside getaway.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible | Foodies
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…
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.
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…
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
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Date From:
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Adventure | Nature
Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon
Dates:
13th Sept 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Aiming for a PB in your half marathon, or wanting to do more trail running, join the Forest of Dean… Aiming for a PB in your half marathon, or wanting to do more trail running, join the Forest of Dean Autumn Half to take in gorgeous views while you run!
Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Wild Boar Chase
Dates:
20th Sept 2026 - 20th Sept 2026
An off-road challenge with up to 51 miles of Forest tracks and Bridleways with short sections of… An off-road challenge with up to 51 miles of Forest tracks and Bridleways with short sections of quiet roads in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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
Dates:
10th Oct 2026 - 10th Oct 2026
Return of the World Famous Treorchy Male Choir this Autumn Return of the World Famous Treorchy Male Choir this Autumn
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
Couples Pottery Wheel Throwing & Heart Hanger Making Evening
Event Dates:
12th Feb 2026 - 13th Feb 2027
Next Event Date:
12th Feb 2027
Romantic Pottery Making Evening
View Event
Foodies
Cheese & A Local Brew
Event Dates:
4th Jul 2026 - 26th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
5th Sept 2026
Cheese and Local Drink Tastings on Selected Saturdays at Forest Deli
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:
9th Sept 2026
Summer and Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
View Event
Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
5th Sept 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
View Event
Groups | Nature | Accessible
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 11th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
28th Feb 2027
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
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Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
27th Aug 2026 - 2nd Apr 2027
Next Event Date:
7th Mar 2027
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
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Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
4th Sept 2026 - 25th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
16th Oct 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
View Event
Adventure | Groups
Hope Women's Enduro
Event Dates:
5th Sept 2026 - 6th Sept 2026
The Hope Women Enduro returns for 2026 bigger and better than ever. A…
View Event
Nature | Foodies
Wild Food with Liz Knight
Event Dates:
5th Sept 2026 - 5th Sept 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
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, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain… Ride world-class downhill trails, 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.
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Explore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
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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.
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