Nature
Through The Local Lens: Kimberley Davies
Post date:
1st November 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Kimberley Davies. From her favourite places to top photography tips.
- 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
Prices from:
£2,500.00
Dogs | Groups | Families
Mill End Mitcheldean
Mill End is a medieval country house, fab for hen parties, family events, team building & retreats… Mill End is a medieval country house, fab for hen parties, family events, team building & retreats with in-house catering, hospitality & entertainment.
Foodies | Groups | Families
Dining at Bells Hotel and Country Club
We offer a range of light bites, main meals and daily specials, as well as a children’s menu. The… We offer a range of light bites, main meals and daily specials, as well as a children’s menu. The Club House is open for anyone to visit for a drink or bite to eat.
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…
Families | Groups | Adventure
Whitemead Forest Park Activities
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,… Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora…
Families | Groups
Hidden Gems
Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect… Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect for group getaways and outdoor adventures.
Families | Groups | History
Hopewell Colliery - Working Mine and Cafe
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
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.
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.
Families | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Coleford Library
Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect,… Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect, helping people build skills and confidence.
Prices from:
£130.00
Families
Dinglewood Retreat
Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer… Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer the perfect countryside getaway.
Prices from:
£196.00
Families | Dogs
The Roost Retreats
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…
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a visitor centre in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative… Taurus Crafts is a visitor centre in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food.
Families | Nature
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean, is a great place for a day out in… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean, is a great place for a day out in the forest. Trails, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
Family friendly visitor attraction with indoor & outdoor play areas and woodland walks. Tickets… Family friendly visitor attraction with indoor & outdoor play areas and woodland walks. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day. Dog friendly & Cafe.
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
BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Festive Forest
Dates:
28th Nov 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
28th Nov 2026
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for… Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for Christmas in their own special way.
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…
Adventure | Families | Nature
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Dates:
31st Jul 2026 - 16th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
15th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Groups | Nature | Accessible
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 11th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
28th Feb 2027
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
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Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
27th Aug 2026 - 2nd Apr 2027
Next Event Date:
7th Mar 2027
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
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Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
4th Sept 2026 - 25th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
12th Nov 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
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Groups | Arts
Your World, Our Eyes - Photography Exhibition
Event Dates:
12th Sept 2026 - 28th Nov 2026
Photography exhibition by Forest of Dean Camera Club
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Dogs | Families | Foodies
Fun & Friendly Pub Quiz in the Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
16th Sept 2026 - 11th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
11th Nov 2026
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Pasta & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
15th Oct 2026 - 18th Feb 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Go Ape Forest of Dean’s Sundown Adventures - Ziplines at Night
Event Dates:
16th Oct 2026 - 8th Nov 2026
Sundown Adventures – Get glowing, Go Ape at Night!
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Adventure | Families | Arts
Room on the Broom Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
4th Nov 2026 - 27th Jan 2027
Join Witch and her friends on a magical Christmas adventure at…
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Arts | Families
farOpen Autumn Exhibition
Event Dates:
10th Nov 2026 - 21st Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
10th Nov 2026
A two week exhibition, open TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS, 10am-4pm with a wide…
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Arts | Relaxation | Accessible
RBO 2026-27: The Royal Opera - Carmen
Event Dates:
10th Nov 2026 - 10th Nov 2026
The ballet comes to Coleford! This screening at The Studio Cinema offers a…
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Groups | Arts | Relaxation
Hadestown: The Musical
Event Dates:
13th Nov 2026 - 13th Nov 2026
The international hit musical comes to the big screen and is showing in…
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Events
A Country Christmas - The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery
Event Dates:
14th Nov 2026 - 24th Dec 2026
The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery celebrate the festive season with an…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
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:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
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!
Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean
A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations,… A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations, from Otis's house to Wintour's Leap and a river cruise.
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, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain… Ride world-class downhill trails, 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
Discounted price per person for group bookings: Discounted price per person for group bookings:
15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite 15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite
10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite 10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite
Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite
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