Adventure
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Post date:
7th March 2026
Find the perfect Mother's Day gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- 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:
£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…
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:
£650.00
Dogs | Families
The Coach House - Newland
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…
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible
Pedalabikeaway
Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some… Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. After your ride, visit…
Relaxation
Float in the Forest
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water… Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
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.…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and… Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to…
Groups
Big House Holiday Lets
Our 10 beautiful our self-catering, large holiday homes nestle in the heart of the Wye Valley and… Our 10 beautiful our self-catering, large holiday homes nestle in the heart of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean and each can easily accommodate large groups of up to 26…
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.
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.
Families
Puzzlewood Cottages
Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside… Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside of normal hours with direct access from the cottages. Kids love feeding our…
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.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful… Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Our six-En Suite bedrooms offer stylish,…
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…
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
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Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Apr 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Adventure | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife…
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
27th Mar 2026
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Nature | Relaxation
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Experience Early Morning Bird Song Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Forest Showcase Food Festival
Dates:
4th Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th, 10am-4pm. Local producers,… Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th, 10am-4pm. Local producers, tastings & family fun in Forest of Dean.
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
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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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Foodies
Cheese & A Local Brew
Event Dates:
7th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
Next Event Date:
21st Mar 2026
Cheese and Local Drink Tastings on Selected Saturdays at Forest Deli
View Event
Groups | History
Free Musuem Gallery Tours
Event Dates:
10th Mar 2026 - 26th Mar 2026
Next Event Date:
24th Mar 2026
Free guided tours around the museum.
View Event
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
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Adventure | Families | History
Easter Holidays
Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 12th Apr 2026
Join us this Easter Holiday for some family fun.
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Groups | Nature
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
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Foodies | Groups | History
French Tasting Menu Evening
Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
Experience a classic French tasting evening at The Speech House Hotel with…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Mosaic Sun & Moon Workshop
Event Dates:
29th Mar 2026 - 29th Mar 2026
Sun & Moon Mosaic Workshop
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Families | Groups | Nature
British big cats – the art & the science
Event Dates:
2nd Apr 2026 - 4th May 2026
Exhibition and events featuring British big cat artwork in the gallery, &…
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Families | Groups | Dogs
Easter Themed Pottery Painting
Event Dates:
2nd Apr 2026 - 2nd Apr 2026
Easter Pottery Painting with Friends or Family
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
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:
£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
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation
Stay & Save Offer
Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%… Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15% discount
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite places.
Read more
Nature
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.
Read more
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Tom Keddie and find his favourite places.
Read moreStay up to date
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