Through The Local Lens: James Kelly-Smith
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and… A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean.
Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness… Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, myride cycling studio and a large sports hall.
Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the… Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the Forest of Dean. Great value, great location.
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and… The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and is one of the top things to see when visiting Tintern and the Wye Valley. .
Privately situated and detached cottage on the River Wye, blessed with a big beautiful view and an… Privately situated and detached cottage on the River Wye, blessed with a big beautiful view and an electric cedar-clad hot tub
Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural… Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural beauty 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.
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.
A nature reserve and lake in the heart of the Forest of Dean which is home to a wide range of… A nature reserve and lake in the heart of the Forest of Dean which is home to a wide range of plants and animals, many miles of footpaths and open forest views. The…
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.
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Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate… Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family.
Dates:
22nd Nov 2025 - 22nd Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.…
Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll… Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll get to throw, trim, assemble and decorate your pottery to an extremely high…
Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Bring your group to join our unique Christmas Party Night!
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View EventDivine December Offer Divine December Offer
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
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.
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.
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