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.
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.
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.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
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.
Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden… Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees – an exciting underground experience for the whole family.
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
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:
£543.00
5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside… 5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside or Out | Child and Pet friendly | Event Spaces
Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only… Two unique, hand built cedar cabins at The Roost Luxury Cabins - a multi-award winning, adults only site set in over 2 acres of woodside meadow within an SAC (Special Area of…
Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
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.
The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below.… The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below. With homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite…
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…
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.
Prices from:
£650.00
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…
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
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.
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Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in… A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in the beautiful Wye Valley Sculpture Garden just one mile from Tintern Abbey.
Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own… We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own seasonal display.
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own… We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own seasonal display.
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Join Anna from Made at the Hut for the mindful art of Indian Block…
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Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 25th Oct 2025
On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…
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Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Event Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 17th Oct 2025
At The Speech House Hotel, we love to bring Tasting Menus & Experiences to…
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Event Dates:
16th Oct 2025 - 16th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
12th Oct 2025 - 12th Oct 2025
This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to…
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Prices from:
£179.99
Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an… Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an afternoon tea.
Prices from:
£249.99
Farm experience and animal enrichment, providing a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with… Farm experience and animal enrichment, providing a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued and resident animals.
Prices from:
£69.99
Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued pigs… Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued pigs here at Briery Hill Llamas before enjoying a cream tea.
Prices from:
£59.99
Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued pigs… Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued pigs here at Briery Hill Llamas.
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.
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.
Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays! Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!
Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut
EXCLUSIVE JUNE OFFER - 10 % OFF Remaining Glamping Breaks for stays until 25/7/2025. EXCLUSIVE JUNE OFFER - 10 % OFF Remaining Glamping Breaks for stays until 25/7/2025.
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.
The hidden gem that it is, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are great for those seeking serenity and calm, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.
Discover six scenic parkruns, PB-friendly routes, and family-friendly trails in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - your next running weekend awaits.
Read moreUncover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean, from magical creatures and ancient spirits to local folklore passed down through generations.
Read moreThe Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to a huge variety of birds throughout the year. Some are resident and can be seen in great numbers while others come here for the spring and summer, or autumn and winter.
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