Through The Local Lens: James Kelly-Smith
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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.
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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.
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.
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…
Indoor Adventure Golf and outdoor Mini Golf. Never mind the weather, you can always play together. Indoor Adventure Golf and outdoor Mini Golf. Never mind the weather, you can always play together.
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
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.
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…
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
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…
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.
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Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
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…
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our… Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a Festive Tasting of our award-winning wines in the historic setting of the Long Room at Wythall Manor.
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Torchlit procession and carol service at Tintern Abbey on 6 December 2025. A festive family evening… Torchlit procession and carol service at Tintern Abbey on 6 December 2025. A festive family evening in a stunning historic setting in the Wye Valley.
Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Make your own delicious range of Christmas Macarons Make your own delicious range of Christmas Macarons
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…
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Event Dates:
14th Dec 2025 - 14th Dec 2025
Festive Baking- Cakes and biscuits
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Event Dates:
14th Dec 2025 - 14th Dec 2025
Learn how to make delicious Festive Breads
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Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Santa’s reindeers have been grazing (and pooing!) at Chepstow Castle.
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Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Experience the magic of Wythall Estate this Christmas and join us for a…
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Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Kids Christmas BAking
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Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 21st Dec 2025
Create something festive to take home and hang on your Christmas tree!
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Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Kids Edible Gifts
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Event Dates:
21st Dec 2025 - 21st Dec 2025
Join us for a Christmas themed Chocolate Dreams course
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Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th 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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Prices from:
£0.00
A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites. A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites.
Prices from:
£250.00
Take the challenge! Descend from up to 90 feet in the Wye Valley or South Wales Take the challenge! Descend from up to 90 feet in the Wye Valley or South Wales
Prices from:
£250.00
Reach for the skies with a Wye Valley or South Wales rock climbing adventure Reach for the skies with a Wye Valley or South Wales rock climbing adventure
Prices from:
£249.00
Advanced 4x4 off road driving experience. Land Rovers - Defenders & Discoveries. Advanced 4x4 off road driving experience. Land Rovers - Defenders & Discoveries.
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.
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Read moreDiscover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
Read moreThrough the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
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