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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

Cowshed Cottage
Families | Accessible

Cowshed Cottage

Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.…

New garden 2 1710856430

13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats.

Heritage Coffee Shop Mill pond view and iced latte
Foodies | Families | Dogs | Groups | Accessible

Heritage Coffee Shop

Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax…

The Dairy at Gage Farm
Families | Accessible

The Dairy at Gage Farm

4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.…

Nuthatch Retreat Living Room Double aspect

Prices from:
£200.00

Families | Accessible

Nuthatch Retreat

A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV…

Bracelands Campsite

Prices from:
£29.00

Dogs | Families | Groups

Bracelands Camping

Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

20180902 143655 2 1814287848
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | History

Perrygrove Railway Adventure

Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks…

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom

Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside…

The Coach House - Newland Garden

Prices from:
£650.00

Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn…

A 163602629

Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in…

Puzzlewood Forest
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,…

Saracens Head Inn

16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales.

Vdw rookerycottage 1 696152749

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…

Leaf Creative Garden Centre Evening Event
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible

Leaf Creative

Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant…

Resilient Woodland Retreat Cabin from above

Prices from:
£150.00

Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the…

Events awarded Forest of Dean

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

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Dates:
27th Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025

Celebrate Halloween at the DHC!

The Red Hart Inn - Mexican food
Families | Foodies | Groups

Celebrate the Day of the Dead

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!

Fireworks Red Hart

Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 5th Nov 2025

Charity night hosted by WYFC

The Red Hart Inn -Asian Christmas
Dogs | Foodies | Groups

Taste of Asia at Christmas

Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

a delicious fusion of traditional cheer and bold Asian flavours

Market House and Christmas tree
Families | Foodies

Christmas Fayre

Event Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025

Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…

Bracknell Sundown 1
Adventure | Families | Groups

Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Beechenhurst Lodge

Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 9th Nov 2025

Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light

The Big Pumpkin count at Clearwell Caves
Adventure | Families | Groups

The BIG PUMPKIN Count

Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Join in The BIG PUMPKIN Count and carefully count the Pumpkins hidden…

Puzzlewood Halloween 2025
Nature

Halloween Half Term at Puzzlewood

Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Spot the giant spooky spiders hiding in Puzzlewood and complete the…

Perrygrove Adventure Autumn Trail
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Autumn Trail

Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Visit us this half term and enjoy our Autumn Trail as you ride through our…

Hot pot pottery halloween
Families | Arts | Dogs

Halloween Pottery Painting

Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Screenshot 2025 09 30 112251
Foodies

The Beefy Boys

Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Burger lovers, rejoice! The Beefy Boys are making their grand return,…

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

October half term 960 x 640 px
Adventure | Groups

Halloween Pay and Play At Battlesports Glos

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Get Ready For Spooktacular Outdoor Laser Tag

Speech House Hotel Halloween Afternoon Tea
Foodies

Halloween Afternoon Tea

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Spooky Halloween themed Afternoon Tea at The Speech House Hotel in Forest…

Hot pot pottery halloween
Families | Arts | Dogs

Halloween Pottery Painting

Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot pot pottery halloween
Dogs | Families | Groups

Halloween Pottery Painting

Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Experiences Awarded Forest of Dean

Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar at The Angel Hotel

Prices from:
£50.00

Fondue Nights in The Ski Bar are an essential part of Christmas at The Angel, bringing the ambience…

Float in the Forest
Relaxation

Long float

Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and…

Float in the Forest 2 Trio float

Prices from:
£198.00

Relaxation

Trio float

Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room

Float in the Forest Bring a Friend

Prices from:
£132.00

Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend

Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

Offers From Forest of Dean

Go Ape Treetop Challenge II
Adventure

SAVE 15% off Go Ape Treetop Challenge

Expires: 31st Dec 2025

Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri.

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Offers

4 nights for price of 3!

Expires: 19th Dec 2025

Monday to Friday stays only 24 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025

Vdw rookerycottage 7 949083212
Dogs | Families | Groups | Relaxation

December Offer

Expires: 19th Dec 2025

Divine December Offer

The Red Hart Inn Blaisdon
Dogs | Foodies | Families | Groups

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 16th Nov 2025

Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24

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