Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tristan Shipley
Post date:
1st September 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer and videographer Tristan Shipley. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
- 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
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.
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.
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…
Dogs | Groups | Families
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.
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.
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…
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up… Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up encounters. Open year-round in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
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.
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…
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
Borderlands Outdoor
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,… Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Families | Groups
Hidden Gems
Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect… Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect for group getaways and outdoor adventures.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock Cafe
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
Adventure | Families | Groups
Inspire2Adventure
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and… Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of…
Prices from:
£80.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Hobbit Huts at Saltbox Escapes
Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort… Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort for couples and families in a child- and dog-friendly meadow.
Families | Groups | History
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow… Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Events awarded Wye Valley
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Families | Groups | Arts | Nature
Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2026
Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
5th Sept 2026
Showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is designed as an… Showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is designed as an experience, offering space to slow down, reflect & engage.
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
5th Sept 2026
Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own wheel, lots of clay &… Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own wheel, lots of clay & expert tuition. £180 per person. Multiple dates available.
Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
19th Sept 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey. Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey.
Families | Groups | History
Falconry at the Abbey
Event Dates:
8th Aug 2026 - 11th Oct 2026
Next Event Date:
10th Oct 2026
Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight.
View Event
Families | Foodies
Ross Cider Festival
Event Dates:
4th Sept 2026 - 6th Sept 2026
Enjoy a weekend of delicious food, excellent music, wide ranging beer and…
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Foodies | Groups | Arts
Saturday Night Club - Lara Rose & Florence Hills
Event Dates:
5th Sept 2026 - 5th Sept 2026
Live Music event showcasing the best up and coming musicians throughout…
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Foodies | Groups | Arts
Jazz Club with Crash Collective Big band
Event Dates:
11th Sept 2026 - 11th Sept 2026
Crash Collective is sixteen of the Midlands’ finest jazz players…
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Families | Groups | History
Medieval Mayhem with Bowlore
Event Dates:
12th Sept 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
12th Sept 2026
Experience the sights and sounds of medieval life, as historical…
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Groups | History
Dean Close St John's - The Story of Tutshill House and St John's School
Event Dates:
17th Sept 2026 - 17th Sept 2026
Discover the history of one of Tutshill's most significant Grade II listed…
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Dogs | Groups | Nature
Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival
Event Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 27th Sept 2026
Plan a walking weekend at the Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival (25–27 Sept…
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Foodies | Groups | Arts
Comedy Club with Rob Rouse
Event Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 25th Sept 2026
Topping the bill is Rob Rouse, ever exuberant and recognizable from his…
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Marblehead
Event Dates:
26th Sept 2026 - 26th Sept 2026
Marblehead A Brit Pop Tribute Band
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Foodies | Groups | Arts
Best of Grohl
Event Dates:
9th Oct 2026 - 9th Oct 2026
"The Best Of Grohl" is the UK's ultimate rock tribute show celebrating the…
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Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Weekend Courses
Event Dates:
31st Oct 2026 - 28th Nov 2027
Next Event Date:
31st Oct 2026
Spend 2 creative and awe-inspiring days exploring potter's wheel…
View EventExperiences Awarded Wye Valley
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£35.00
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat
1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat 1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat
Prices from:
£35.00
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat
Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat
Itineraries Awarded Wye Valley
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
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.
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