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
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:
£80.00
Groups | Families
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
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…
Adventure | Families | Groups
DBC Leisure
Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners,… Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners, stag/hen parties, corporate events, & private shooting parties. On-site catering.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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 | 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…
Foodies
Forest Deli Tasting Corner
Share our love of local and join us here at Forest Deli for a unique tasting experience in our… Share our love of local and join us here at Forest Deli for a unique tasting experience in our bespoke Tasting Corner sampling some of our delicious local produce.
Families | Nature
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…
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…
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.
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
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
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Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
3rd May 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:
8th May 2026
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Nature | Relaxation
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Experience Early Morning Bird Song Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Arts | Accessible
Sherlock Holmes - The Mystery of the Governor's…
Dates:
30th Sept 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Join us at All Saints Church Newland as we host Jenny Wren Theatre for a comic play Join us at All Saints Church Newland as we host Jenny Wren Theatre for a comic play
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,…
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Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
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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…
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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, &…
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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…
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Groups | History
Free Museum Gallery Tours
Event Dates:
16th Apr 2026 - 1st May 2026
Next Event Date:
30th Apr 2026
Our free guided tours run weekly during term time
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Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
1st May 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
1st May 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
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History
Traditional Charcoal Burn
Event Dates:
2nd May 2026 - 4th May 2026
Join us for our 2026 Charcoal Burn!
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Groups | Nature
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd May 2026 - 2nd May 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Events
Bank Holiday BBQ
Event Dates:
3rd May 2026 - 3rd May 2026
Celebrate the Bank Holiday with us for a fun-filled Sunday the whole…
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Groups | Arts
A Mosaic House Number Workshop
Event Dates:
8th May 2026 - 8th May 2026
Make your house number in mosaic
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Coleford Area Walking Festival
Event Dates:
9th May 2026 - 17th May 2026
This annual festival is based in & around the town of Coleford in the…
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.
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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.
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