Seven Winter Wellness Weekends in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
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.
The Wye Valley is one of the most beautiful and accessible stretches of countryside in the UK. Following the River Wye along the England–Wales border, it’s known for its dramatic river scenery, beautiful woodland, pretty market towns and peaceful walking trails.
A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley is the kind of place people return to year after year for the views, the space to breathe, and the feeling that time slows down a little here.
There’s no one way to experience the Wye Valley and that’s a big part of the appeal. Some come for long riverside walks, birdwatching and peaceful moments by the water. Others arrive with bikes, boots, canoes or paddleboards, ready to explore by land or river. You can stop off at a vineyard, hop on a heritage railway, book a food experience, or just find a bench and watch the world drift by.
This stretch of the Wye is packed with places to explore. Head to Symonds Yat Rock for one of the best views in the country or visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Tintern Abbey just down the river. Stop in at towns like Monmouth, Redbrook, Ross-on-Wye, Brockweir and Llandogo - full of character, independent shops, and good places to eat.
The Wye Valley has no shortage of places to stay, from boutique B&Bs and riverside cottages to quirky glamping spots, hotels, cabins and campsites. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a walking holiday, or a family break, there’s something for every pace and every budget.
Plan your visit with our walking and cycling guides, watersports info, places to eat and places to stay - and discover your own favourite spot in the valley.
Monnington House Garden Cottage and The Cider offer 5 Star accommodation for large groups and… Monnington House Garden Cottage and The Cider offer 5 Star accommodation for large groups and multi-generational families in the beautiful Wye Valley.
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.…
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
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…
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We… As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in…
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…
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…
David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…
Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the… Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and Merlin’s magic -it’s a twelve-hole quest.
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
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…
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern… When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.… Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside. Discover its history, impressive towers, and dramatic ruins, just a short trip…
Prices from:
£70.00
Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,… We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
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!
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Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026
Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…
Dates:
7th Feb 2026 - 7th Feb 2027
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.…
Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2027
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 8th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 8th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 12th Apr 2026
Step into History and Nature with Chepstow Walking Festiva
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Event Dates:
18th Apr 2026 - 18th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Prices from:
£12.75
Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…
Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips that are suitable for everyone, no…
Prices from:
£110.00
Create your own gin at a working distillery in the Wye Valley. Explore botanicals, distill your… Create your own gin at a working distillery in the Wye Valley. Explore botanicals, distill your recipe in a mini copper still, sample craft gins, and take home a full-size…
Prices from:
£20.00
Join a friendly Welsh distillery tour where tasting is part of the adventure. Learn how local… Join a friendly Welsh distillery tour where tasting is part of the adventure. Learn how local flavours come to life in the countryside and soak up the laid-back vibes of…
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.
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.
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!
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
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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