Autumn colour 2026 forecast
Peak autumn colour in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is due late October to early November 2026. Ed Drewitt on where and when.
Monmouthshire is where the outdoors meets something a little more refined.
This is a place where you can start the day with a riverside walk, stop for lunch at a market town pub, and finish with a wander around an independent gallery or one of Britain's most iconic abbey ruins. It doesn't ask you to choose between fresh air and good food, between countryside and culture. You get both.
The towns here have something about them. Abergavenny has earned its reputation as one of Wales's top food destinations, with producers, delis and restaurants that take local seriously. Monmouth sits where the River Wye and River Monnow meet, full of independent shops, a medieval bridge you won't see anywhere else, and centuries of history layered into every street. Chepstow, with its castle perched above the river, feels like the gateway to something bigger. And Usk, quieter and often overlooked, rewards those who slow down long enough to notice it.
Between the towns, you'll find the Usk Valley, the Wye Valley, quiet lanes that cyclists love, and hills that reward those who climb them. Tintern Abbey stands in the wooded valley below, as impressive now as it was to the Romantic poets who made it famous. The Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains offer proper walks with views across to the Brecon Beacons.
It's varied, unspoilt, and close enough to feel like a proper escape without the long drive. Whether you're after a weekend of walking and eating well, a cultural day out, or simply somewhere beautiful to slow down, Monmouthshire delivers.
Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales. Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales.
Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily… Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily accommodate large groups of up to 26 people.
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.
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…
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!
Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming… Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming luxury character cottage with every convenience from superfast WiFi to an…
Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up… Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up encounters. Open year-round in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
Step into a world of mystery at the new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the legends of King… Step into a world of mystery at the new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and Merlin’s magic, it’s a twelve-hole quest.
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing,… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley…
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,… Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and… Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of…
Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest… Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Home to Wye Valley Gin and series of small batch limited edition seasonal spirits, Silver Circle… Home to Wye Valley Gin and series of small batch limited edition seasonal spirits, Silver Circle Distillery is a great place to spend an hour or two tasting unique spirits…
2027 farOpen art trail dates for your diary, 3-11 July. farOpen also holds events throughout the… 2027 farOpen art trail dates for your diary, 3-11 July. farOpen also holds events throughout the year in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
A beautiful perfectly formed cottages designed so you can unwind and take life at a slower pace. A beautiful perfectly formed cottages designed so you can unwind and take life at a slower pace.
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Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Festive nights in our winter Chalet Festive nights in our winter Chalet
Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
29th Dec 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey. Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey.
Dates:
13th Oct 2026 - 12th Jan 2027
Next Event Date:
10th Nov 2026
Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork
Dates:
5th Nov 2026 - 5th Nov 2026
The skies above Abergavenny will be showered with colour in this unforgettable annual firework… The skies above Abergavenny will be showered with colour in this unforgettable annual firework display, perfect for all of the family.
Event Dates:
19th Nov 2026 - 19th Nov 2026
Vinyasa flow yoga to an immersive soundtrack in our working distillery,…
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Event Dates:
26th Nov 2026 - 26th Nov 2026
Be the first to try our four brand-new Christmas cocktails, with a…
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Event Dates:
3rd Dec 2026 - 3rd Dec 2026
Five festive wines hand-picked by Tom from Branch & Vine in Tintern, at…
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Event Dates:
27th Dec 2026 - 27th Dec 2026
Get ready for the biggest day in Welsh racing as the legendary Coral Welsh…
View EventA 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.
Peak autumn colour in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is due late October to early November 2026. Ed Drewitt on where and when.
Through the Local Lens: with photographer and videographer Tristan Shipley. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
Read moreExplore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
Read moreFind swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
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