Nature
Through The Local Lens: Richard Giles
Post date:
2nd October 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
- Locations
- St Briavels
St Briavels
St Briavels (pronounced Brevels) is a vibrant little village in the Forest of Dean, having a pub, a deli, a church and a castle. There is also a nearby thriving community shop between St Briavels and Brockweir.
A monthly farmers' market is held in the village on the first Saturday morning of every month, where you can buy many locally produced delights, including bread and cakes, cider and real ale, fish, and speciality meats.
Built in the early 12th century, St Briavels was an important royal castle on the frontier with Wales and the administrative and judicial centre of the Forest of Dean. Edward I added a fine twin-towered gatehouse to St Briavel's in 1292. During his reign the castle was a crossbow bolt factory, using local Forest of Dean iron to produce weapons for his campaigns against the Welsh and Scots. After the conquest of Wales the gatehouse became a debtor's prison, and the castle is now a youth hostel, set in wonderful walking country.
Each year on Whit Sunday the St Briavels Bread and Cheese Dole takes place. Originating in the 12th century, bread and cheese is thrown from the wall of the castle to local 'Dole Claimers' dressed in medieval costume. 'Dole claimers' could be anyone who paid a penny to the incumbent Earl of Hereford entitling them to gather firewood from the nearby Hudnalls wood. Some believe in the power of these edible morsels and preserve them for good luck - the miners originally used them as charms to protect against accidents underground.
Businesses related to St Briavels
Adventure | Families | Groups
DBC Leisure
Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners,… Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners, stag/hen parties, corporate events, & private shooting parties. On-site catering.
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…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
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…
Foodies
Cinderhill Farm
Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to… Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to reflect and protect the richness of the place we live and work through the food…
Adventure
Newnham Private Hire
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.
4-12 July 2026 are the farOpen art trail dates for your diary. Visit artists in their workshops and… 4-12 July 2026 are the farOpen art trail dates for your diary. Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during this annual event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley,…
Prices from:
£360.00
Business Directory
Oakgrove Cottage
Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife… Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife cycling.
Families | Groups
Forest & Wye Valley Camping
An excellent facility which is close to the many different amenities you may need for a stay… An excellent facility which is close to the many different amenities you may need for a stay perfect. All pitches have electric hook ups and TV points.
Foodies | Groups
Infamous Catering
We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private… We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private events for 20 to around 200 people.
Itineraries Awarded St Briavels
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.
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 St Briavels
History
The Agincourt Trail
The Battle of Agincourt, on 25 October 1415, is one of the best-known events in British history.… The Battle of Agincourt, on 25 October 1415, is one of the best-known events in British history. Follow the Agincourt Trail to discover the important historic landmarks of…
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