Nature
Through The Local Lens: Neil Baker
Post date:
1st July 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Neil Baker. 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
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.
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.
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs
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 | 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…
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.
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…
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 and Wye Valley.
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…
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.
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…
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
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
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.
Prices from:
£90.00
Families | Groups | Foodies
The King's Head Hotel
A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee… A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee facilities, freeview flatscreen television, free Wi-Fi and car-park.
Events awarded Wye Valley
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Date From:
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Families | Groups | Arts | Nature
Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2026
Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
5th Jul 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 | Groups | Accessible
Proms in the Park
Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026
An extended afternoon of free outdoor music at the Bandstand in Ross An extended afternoon of free outdoor music at the Bandstand in Ross
Dates:
22nd Aug 2026 - 23rd Aug 2026
Over 20 Model Railway Layouts and Demonstrations with traders Over 20 Model Railway Layouts and Demonstrations with traders
Adventure | Dogs | Groups | Nature
Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival
Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 27th Sept 2026
Get off the beaten track with our favourite guided walks in the Ross area with great leaders and… Get off the beaten track with our favourite guided walks in the Ross area with great leaders and stunning scenery. Three days of walks for all abilities and a diverse range…
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
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Families | Groups | Nature
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Event Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
19th Jul 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
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Adventure | Families | Nature
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
18th Jul 2026
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
1st Aug 2026
Spend a full day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your…
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Families | Groups | History
Falconry at the Abbey
Event Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 11th Oct 2026
Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight.
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Arts
farOpen Annual Open Studios Event
Event Dates:
4th Jul 2026 - 12th Jul 2026
The farOpen Art Trail returns this July, offering a vibrant annual…
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Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
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Dogs | Families | Foodies
Ross Carnival
Event Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 1st Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
1st Aug 2026
A day of family fun and entertainment for all at Ross-on-Wye riverside.
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Families | Groups | Arts
National Play Day
Event Dates:
5th Aug 2026 - 5th Aug 2026
Looking for a day packed with laughter, games and unforgettable memories?
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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…
View EventExperiences Awarded Wye Valley
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
Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to…
Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge 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
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
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.
Offers From Wye Valley
Adventure | Families | Groups
Great British Summer Savings 2026
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Great British Summer Savings 2026 Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Great British Summer Savings 2026
Adventure | Families | Groups
Visitor Centre Summers Savings 2026
Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Adventure Golf, Miniature Golf and Butterfly Zoo. Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Adventure Golf, Miniature Golf and Butterfly Zoo.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Visitor Centre Summers Savings 2026
Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Roman Miniature Golf, Indoor Adventure Golf and… Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Roman Miniature Golf, Indoor Adventure Golf and Butterfly Zoo.
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