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.
Relaxation
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
If you're craving a slower pace, you've come to the right place. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the perfect setting to switch off, breathe out, and take some time for yourself - whether that's with a quiet walk through the trees, a hot tub under the stars, or a slow afternoon in a cute café.
In this section, you’ll find peaceful places to stay, gentle experiences, and welcoming spots to eat and drink - all handpicked to help you rest, recharge, and reconnect. From luxury retreats and spa treatments to nature-inspired wellbeing sessions, forest bathing, and quiet corners to enjoy a book, there are plenty of ways to unwind.
Whether you're here for a short break or a longer escape, relaxation in the Dean Wye isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about finding space to slow down, enjoy the view, and feel good in your own time.
Explore below to plan a trip that leaves you feeling rested, restored, and ready for whatever comes next.
Relaxation Businesses
History | Relaxation | Accessible
The Cathedral Of The Forest
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic… All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Cyril Hart Arboretum
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Darkhill Ironworks
Darkhill Ironworks can be found on the outskirts of Coleford. The terraces of stone walls are all… Darkhill Ironworks can be found on the outskirts of Coleford. The terraces of stone walls are all that remain of the important ironworks where David and Robert Mushet carried…
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Symonds Yat Canoe Hire
With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of… With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, we are in the perfect location for you to begin your…
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
History | Relaxation | Accessible
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…
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Whitestone and Cleddon Falls
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive… A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest…
History | Relaxation | Accessible
Blaize Bailey Viewpoint
Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River Severn and on a fine day,… Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River Severn and on a fine day, you will be able to see Gloucester Cathedral, Newnham and the Cotswold Hills.
Relaxation Events
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing - 19th Dec 2025
Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
Pasta & Pottery Experience - 29th Nov 2025
Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing - 15th Nov 2025
Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 30th October 2025
Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting! Spooky pottery painting!
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
Pasta & Pottery Experience - 29th Oct 2025
Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
View Event
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 28th October 2025
Event Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
View Event
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing - 18th Oct 2025
Event Dates:
18th Oct 2025 - 18th Oct 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
View Event
Arts | Groups | Relaxation
Pasta & Pottery Experience - 16th Oct 2025
Event Dates:
16th Oct 2025 - 16th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
View EventRelaxation 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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks
Distance 0.75 - 3 miles
Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye… Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley—perfect for families and casual strollers.
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.
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Our latest Relaxation blogs
Dogs
The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
17th April 2025
Find the most spectacular bluebell carpets in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - peak bloom times, trail ideas and photo tips.
Read more
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to a huge variety of birds throughout the year. Some are resident and can be seen in great numbers while others come here for the spring and summer, or autumn and winter.
Read more
Stay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
