Adventure
Watersports on the River Wye
Post date:
18th April 2025
Discover canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - from gentle paddles to full-day and multi-day trips.
Nature
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
If it’s nature you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most naturally rich and scenic destinations in the UK - home to ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, river valleys, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints a plenty.
Whether you're here to spot wildlife, take in the seasonal changes, or simply enjoy the peace that comes with time outdoors, you’ll find countless ways to connect with the natural world. From easy-access nature trails and RSPB reserves, to stargazing spots and guided wildlife walks, this is a landscape that rewards slowing down and looking closer.
In this section, you’ll find a handpicked collection of accommodation, experiences, attractions and places to eat that help you stay close to nature - from off-grid retreats and eco-stays to outdoor cafés and activity providers that celebrate the beauty of the landscape around them.
Explore below and plan a visit that puts nature first - whether you're wandering through bluebells, watching wild boar at dusk, or simply listening to birdsong from your cabin doorstep.
Nature Businesses
History | Nature | Families
Puzzlewood Cottages
Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside… Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside of normal hours with direct access from the cottages. Kids love feeding our…
History | Nature | Families
Chepstow Park Wood
This medieval hunting park covering survives intact as the Forest Commission's Chepstow Park Wood.… This medieval hunting park covering survives intact as the Forest Commission's Chepstow Park Wood. The wood is 7 km north-west of Chepstow Castle and was originally used by…
History | Nature | Families
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that… Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that seamlessly blends contemporary art with the natural beauty of ancient woodlands.
History | Nature | Families
Whitecliff Ironworks
Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the… Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the second coke-fired blast furnace of three built in the Forest of Dean.
History | Nature | Families
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden is the creation of artist Gemma Kate Wood, that she has built over… The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden is the creation of artist Gemma Kate Wood, that she has built over the last 20 years.
History | Nature | Families
Mallards Pike Cafe
Set in the heart of the beautiful Forest of Dean, our glass fronted lakeside cafe is at Mallards… Set in the heart of the beautiful Forest of Dean, our glass fronted lakeside cafe is at Mallards Pike overlooking the lake.Our friendly cafe prides itself on serving the…
History | Nature | Families
Forest Holidays
With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this… With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this Forest Holiday is one you aren't likely to forget. This is a chance to escape…
History | Nature | Families
Soudley Ponds
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
Nature Events
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Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Wildlife Safari
Dates:
31st May 2025 - 31st May 2025
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective to provide… We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective to provide fascinating, entertaining and hopefully fun Wildlife Safaris around the Forest of…
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Foraging & Making with Liz Knight
Dates:
17th May 2025 - 17th May 2025
Liz Knight has spent the last 10 years gathering and playing with wild food. Her courses are… Liz Knight has spent the last 10 years gathering and playing with wild food. Her courses are designed to open you eyes to how the commonest of weeds can be transformed into…
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Foraging with Ed Drewitt
Dates:
10th May 2025 - 10th May 2025
Ed is a naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective. He will take you for a two and a half hour… Ed is a naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective. He will take you for a two and a half hour walk from Tudor Farmhouse Hotel to find the edible goodies available…
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Stargazing Safari
Dates:
10th May 2025 - 10th May 2025
Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. You will go up the hill… Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. You will go up the hill to enjoy the clear skies over Clearwell and learn more about the stars and…
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Traditional Charcoal Burn
Event Dates:
1st May 2025 - 5th May 2025
Our Traditional Charcoal Burn event is back again for the Early May Bank…
View EventNature Trails
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Cycling Trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye…
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest… Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers something for everyone on two wheels.
Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to… Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | 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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Film & TV Trail
Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Our latest Nature articles
Dogs
The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
17th April 2025
Discover the best places in the UK to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with peaceful woodland walks and seasonal displays across the region.
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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most admired cycling spots in the UK. There is so much to see & so many miles to ride that you won’t want to miss any of it, so it's worth considering going electric if you want to take full advantage.
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For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.
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