1. Relaxation

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

Serenity room at Float in the Forest

Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Cyril Hart Arboretum Entrance
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible

Cyril Hart Arboretum

An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the…

Harts Barn Cookery School Group
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation

Harts Barn Cookery School

Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

Child playing in the water at Wenchford
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Wenchford

A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature | Relaxation

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

Forest Retreats - Yoga, Wellbeing and Forest Bathing
Relaxation | Nature | Groups

Forest Retreats

Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye…

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Tidenham Chase

A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close…

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Dogs | Nature | Relaxation

Speech House Lake

A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.

New Fancy Viewpoint Lady Photographing
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History

New Fancy Viewpoint

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife guides Wild boar
Families | Nature | Groups | Relaxation

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest…

FOD Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Arts | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation

Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and…

Stella & Rose's Books shop front

25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock.  Open every day.  Art to zoology, something for…

Cathedral of the forest
History | Relaxation | Accessible

The Cathedral Of The Forest

All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic…

Walking path through Nagshead Nature Reserve
Dogs | Nature | Relaxation

Nagshead Nature Reserve

Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for…

Relaxation Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

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Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation

Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026

Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace…

PWC group on stairs June 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

PWC Jake Sept 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
14th Jan 2026 - 14th Jan 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

PWC Simon August 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

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Nature | Relaxation

Early February dusk wildlife safari in the Forest of Dean

Event Dates:
1st Feb 2026 - 1st Feb 2026

Experience winter wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean

Couples one day
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
7th Feb 2026 - 7th Feb 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Nature | Relaxation

Mid-February dusk wildlife safari in the Forest of Dean

Event Dates:
10th Feb 2026 - 10th Feb 2026

Experience winter wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean

Couple holding their creations at Eastnor Pottery
Arts | Relaxation | Families

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Potter's wheel course in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Potter's wheel course in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Couples one day
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Weekend Course

Event Dates:
28th Feb 2026 - 1st Mar 2026

Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…

Potter's wheel group inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Day course inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Day course at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 8th Apr 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Day course group outside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
18th Apr 2026 - 18th Apr 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

PWC friends August 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Weekend Course

Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 26th Apr 2026

Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…

Relaxation Experiences

Float in the Forest
Relaxation

Long float

Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and…

Float in the Forest 2 Trio float

Prices from:
£198.00

Relaxation

Trio float

Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room

Float in the Forest Bring a Friend

Prices from:
£132.00

Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend

Float in the Forest Serenity

Prices from:
£66.00

Relaxation

Float

A one hour float for one person - pure bliss!

Relaxation Trails

Kids cycling at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
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…

12 Easy Walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks

Distance 0.75 - 3 miles

Ross on Wye
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

Coppett Hill Walk
Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Our latest Relaxation blogs

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025

Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

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