Adventure
Paddle into Summer!
Post date:
6th May 2025
Everything, you need to know about canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the stunning River Wye at Symonds Yat West!
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
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful… Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has…
Families | Groups | Nature
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…
Families | Groups | Nature
Lancaut and Wintour's Leap
Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From… Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From Wintour's Leap take in a horseshoe bend of the Wye, walk down the cliffs to the…
Families | Groups | Nature
Forest Retreats - Yoga, Wellbeing and Forest…
Yoga and wellbeing retreats in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Offering day and weekend retreats… Yoga and wellbeing retreats in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Offering day and weekend retreats at our base above Tintern, we can also arrange bespoke retreats for your…
Families | Groups | Nature
Bracelands Campsite – Cosy glamping pods
Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever… Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like. When you enter the grounds of Bracelands campsite, you’ll be…
Families | Groups | Nature
Stay at Lydney Park Estate
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
Families | Groups | Nature
The Eagle's Nest Viewpoint and Wyndcliffe
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep,… Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
Families | Groups | Nature
Wenchford
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Nature Events
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Date From:
Date To:
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The…
Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the… A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the Forest of Dean
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Father's Day
Dates:
15th Jun 2025 - 15th Jun 2025
Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre! Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre!
Families | Arts | History | Nature
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…
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Coleford Area Walking Festival
Dates:
10th May 2025 - 18th May 2025
This annual festival is based in & around the town of Coleford in the Forest of Dean, with walks… This annual festival is based in & around the town of Coleford in the Forest of Dean, with walks organised for all abilities ages & capabilities. With a varied walk programme…
Families | Arts | History
Foraging & Making with Liz Knight
Event Dates:
17th May 2025 - 17th May 2025
Liz Knight has spent the last 10 years gathering and playing with wild…
View Event
Families | Arts | History
Foraging & Making with Liz Knight
Event Dates:
17th May 2025 - 17th May 2025
These courses are designed to open you eyes to how the commonest of weeds…
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 blogs
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.
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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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