Groups
Photography in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
21st August 2025
If you love photography, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the perfect place to visit, find out why here.
- 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 | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
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.
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…
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…
Families | Groups
Forest & Wye Valley Camping
This wonderful site has excellent facilities and is very close to the many different amenities you… This wonderful site has excellent facilities and is very close to the many different amenities you may need to make your stay perfect. All the pitches have electric hook ups…
Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during the annual Open Studios Event in the Forest… Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during the annual Open Studios Event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, along the Severn and Gloucester.
Itineraries Awarded St Briavels
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…
Our latest St Briavels blogs
History
HRH The Princess Royal visits Coleford to celebrate the town's twinning links
Post date:
16th May 2023
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Coleford for the naming of St. Hilaire Avenue and Sion Place, during a celebration of the towns twinning with Saint Hilaire de Riez.
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