Through The Local Lens: Richard Giles
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
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.
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.
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water… Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle… Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
The SELF Centre in Lydney offers welcoming, community-focused sauna, ice-baths and wellbeing… The SELF Centre in Lydney offers welcoming, community-focused sauna, ice-baths and wellbeing experiences in the heart of the Forest of Dean.
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
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
Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses,… Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses, baking workshops and inspiring food experiences.
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest… Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views… Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access…
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin. A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close… A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close to the Offa's Dyke Path and the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint.
Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for… Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with woodland walks, ponds and hides.
25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for… 25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for everyone.
Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot… Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot to enjoy a slower pace and reconnect with nature.
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's… Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 12th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
14th Nov 2026
Join Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective for a fascinating Wildlife Safari… Join Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective for a fascinating Wildlife Safari around the Forest of Dean.
Dates:
13th Oct 2026 - 12th Jan 2027
Next Event Date:
10th Nov 2026
Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork
Dates:
20th Oct 2026 - 20th Oct 2026
Perfect for a rainy evening, theatre lovers and cinephiles, The Studio Cinema in Coleford is… Perfect for a rainy evening, theatre lovers and cinephiles, The Studio Cinema in Coleford is showing Macbeth in opera!
Dates:
24th Oct 2026 - 25th Oct 2026
Celebrate the SELF Centre’s new Lydney space with £10 sauna sessions, free wellbeing talks and… Celebrate the SELF Centre’s new Lydney space with £10 sauna sessions, free wellbeing talks and classes, plus taster treatments, 24-25 October.
Event Dates:
27th Oct 2026 - 27th Oct 2026
The ballet comes to Coleford! This screening at The Studio Cinema offers a…
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Event Dates:
5th Nov 2026 - 5th Nov 2026
No need to write the evening off, The Studio Cinema is showing a recent…
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Event Dates:
10th Nov 2026 - 10th Nov 2026
The ballet comes to Coleford! This screening at The Studio Cinema offers a…
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Event Dates:
27th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
A two-night Christmas retreat in Newnham-on-Severn with foraging,…
View EventStay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%… Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15% discount
Prices from:
£40.00
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£53.00
Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and… Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and explore further with a longer float.
Prices from:
£198.00
Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room
Prices from:
£132.00
Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and… Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and traffic-free routes to mountain biking adventures.
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.
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.
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
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Read moreFind swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
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