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
- 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 | Nature | Arts | History
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.
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 | 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.
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…
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.
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,…
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…
Events awarded St Briavels
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Foodies | Groups | History | Relaxation
French Tasting Menu Evening
Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026
Experience a classic French tasting evening at The Speech House Hotel with onion soup, Coq au Vin… Experience a classic French tasting evening at The Speech House Hotel with onion soup, Coq au Vin and crème brûlée in the heart of the Forest of Dean.
Foodies | Groups | History | Relaxation | Arts
Mediumship Evening - The House That Speaks
Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 10th Apr 2026
Experience an intimate mediumship evening with Simone Jones at The Speech House Hotel, exploring… Experience an intimate mediumship evening with Simone Jones at The Speech House Hotel, exploring spirit communication in a welcoming Forest of Dean setting
Foodies | Groups | History | Relaxation
Indian Tasting Menu Evening
Dates:
30th Apr 2026 - 30th Apr 2026
Enjoy a vibrant Indian tasting evening at The Speech House featuring Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan… Enjoy a vibrant Indian tasting evening at The Speech House featuring Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, pilau rice and traditional flavours.
Foodies | Groups | History | Relaxation
Meet The Producer - Plumphill Farm
Dates:
22nd May 2026 - 22nd May 2026
Meet Deb from Plumphill Farm at this special tasting evening celebrating local farming, provenance… Meet Deb from Plumphill Farm at this special tasting evening celebrating local farming, provenance and seasonal dishes at The Speech House.
Foodies | Groups | History
Spanish Tapas Evening
Event Dates:
25th Jun 2026 - 25th Jun 2026
A relaxed Spanish tapas night at The Speech House with Patatas Bravas,…
View Event
Foodies | Groups | History
Greek Tasting Menu Evening
Event Dates:
22nd Jul 2026 - 22nd Jul 2026
Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours come to The Speech House with…
View EventItineraries 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
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.
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Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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