Nature
Through The Local Lens: Patrick Cal Callaby
Post date:
2nd February 2026
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite 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
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,… Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food within a supportive community…
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 | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Roman Miniature Golf
Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball! Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball!
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Puzzlewood
Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
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
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…
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
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature
Whitemead Forest Park
Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges… Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges with on-site leisure, dining, and woodland adventures.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
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…
Families | Accessible
Cowshed Cottage
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.
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature | Relaxation
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
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.
Business Directory
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.
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.…
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…
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | 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
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Groups
Pub Quiz Night
Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings. Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Celebrate the Year of the Horse
Dates:
20th Feb 2026 - 20th Feb 2026
Its the lunar New Year, we're serving a Chinese Feast! Its the lunar New Year, we're serving a Chinese Feast!
Groups
Pub Traitors
Dates:
26th Feb 2026 - 26th Feb 2026
Deception. Missions. Banishment. Can you spot the Traitors? Deception. Missions. Banishment. Can you spot the Traitors?
Groups | Dogs
Pub Quiz Night
Dates:
4th Mar 2026 - 4th Mar 2026
Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings. Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings.
Groups | Dogs
Pub Quiz Night
Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings.
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…
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Families | Groups | History
February Half-Term - No such thing as bad weather!
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 22nd Feb 2026
Join us this February Half-term for some family fun.
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Families | Arts | Accessible
Sister Act the Musical
Event Dates:
19th Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Award-winning 'Perform Chepstow' presents Sister Act, the feel-good…
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Foodies
Live Fire Dining Popup @ The Apple Barn - Middle Eastern Feast
Event Dates:
28th Feb 2026 - 28th Feb 2026
Theo’s 2nd Solo Menu – Middle Eastern Feast
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Nature
Mid-March daytime wildlife safari in the Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
13th Mar 2026 - 13th Mar 2026
Experience early spring wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of…
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Groups
Comedy & Curry Night
Event Dates:
13th Mar 2026 - 13th Mar 2026
Comedy & Curry Night
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Dogs | Families | Groups
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
15th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026
Mother's Day Unique Pottery and Food Experience
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Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing
Event Dates:
20th Mar 2026 - 20th Mar 2026
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely cosy, rural pottery…
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Groups
Neil Diamond Tribute Night
Event Dates:
20th Mar 2026 - 20th Mar 2026
Neil Diamond Tribute Night
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Nature
Stargazing Safari
Event Dates:
21st Mar 2026 - 21st Mar 2026
Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel.…
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Families | Arts
Pasta & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
Combine Pottery Making with Food
View EventExperiences Awarded 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.
Prices from:
£198.00
Relaxation
Trio float
Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room
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.
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
Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24 Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24
A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies. A two night winter escape for explorers and foodies.
Free Drinks! Free Drinks!
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
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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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