Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- Locations
- Wye Valley
Wye Valley
A place to wander, paddle, picnic and pause
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.
Something for every kind of visitor
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.
Places worth making a day of
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.
Stay by the river or in the hills
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.
Find your own way through the Wye Valley
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.
Businesses related to Wye Valley
Dogs
Monnington House
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.
Arts | Nature | Groups
David Broadbent Photography
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…
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
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…
Families
Tintern Abbey Cottage
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…
Accessible | Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Indoor Adventure Golf
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.
Foodies
Saracens Head Inn
16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales. 16th Century riverside Inn offering a variety of high quality food and real ales.
Families | Groups | History
Raglan Castle
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature
Canoe the Wye Ltd
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…
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
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
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…
History | Groups | Arts
Tintern Abbey
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Adventures
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.
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.…
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.
Events awarded Wye Valley
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
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…
Events
Rockfield Gin Tasting
Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Discover the art of gin making with Rockfield Gin at The Rising Sun Woodcroft. First Rockfield Gin… Discover the art of gin making with Rockfield Gin at The Rising Sun Woodcroft. First Rockfield Gin and mixer plus antipasti.
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 10 January 2026
Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 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.…
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 14 January 2026
Dates:
14th Jan 2026 - 14th Jan 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.…
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 24 January 2026
Event Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 7 February 2026
Event Dates:
7th Feb 2026 - 7th Feb 2027
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Arts | Relaxation | Families
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Arts | Families
Potter's Wheel Day Course 18 February 2026
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2027
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 14 March 2026
Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 18 March 2026
Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View EventExperiences Awarded Wye Valley
Prices from:
£12.75
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
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…
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Canoeing on the River Wye
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
Groups | Foodies
Make Your Own Gin
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
Foodies | Groups
Distillery Tour and Tasting
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…
Itineraries Awarded Wye Valley
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 Wye Valley
History | Accessible
Thomas Blake Trail
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!
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
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.
Our latest Wye Valley blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Lee Pullen and find his favourite places.
Read more
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
Read more
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
