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
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.…
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.
Relaxation | Nature | Groups
Forest Retreats
Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye… Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye Valley. Unwind with yoga, forest bathing, eco spa and holistic therapies.…
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Adventure
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
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.
Prices from:
£80.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Hobbit Huts at Saltbox Escapes
Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort… Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort for couples and families in a child- and dog-friendly meadow.
Foodies | Families
The Lamproom Cafe at Clearwell Caves
The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With… The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite organic…
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
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…
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…
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
Families | History | Nature | Groups | Arts | Accessible
Dean Heritage Centre
We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,… We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum, explore the Gruffalo Trail and playground and shop local in our Gift Shop.
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.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean… Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean with stunning views, great food and a welcoming feel.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | History
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks… Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks linked by heritage railway. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day.…
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
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Date From:
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Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026
Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…
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
Event Dates:
4th Mar 2026 - 4th Mar 2026
Fun & friendly pub quiz in glorious surroundings.
View Event
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…
View Event
Arts
Couples Pottery Wheel Throwing & Heart Hanger Making Evening
Event Dates:
13th Feb 2026 - 13th Feb 2026
Romantic Pottery Making Evening
View Event
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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Nature
Wildly Beautiful
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods for the ultimate galentine to learn how to…
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Dogs | Groups
Pup-entines Day
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Treat your pup to a very special afternoon tea treat!
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Arts | Dogs
Valentine's Pottery Painting
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
A lovely way to celebrate Valentine's Day together painting Valentine's…
View Event
Foodies
Taste of The Caribbean at Valentines!
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Caribbean Feast on Valentines Day
View Event
Arts
Couples Pottery Wheel Throwing & Heart Hanger Making Evening
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Romantic Pottery Making Evening
View Event
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
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£12.75
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…
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
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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Post date:
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