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.
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. .
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.
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.
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…
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
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Freedom Leisure Lydney has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness… Freedom Leisure Lydney has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, squash, outdoor pitches, netball courts and tennis.
Freedom Leisure Cinderford has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness… Freedom Leisure Cinderford has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, squash and tennis.
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…
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.
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Dates:
12th Aug 2025 - 12th Aug 2025
Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the… Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean on a Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari.
Dates:
13th Aug 2025 - 13th Aug 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:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Dates:
15th Aug 2025 - 15th Aug 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always… A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always wanted to do’ activities. This incredibly enjoyable 90-minute experience…
Event Dates:
16th Aug 2025 - 16th Aug 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
17th Aug 2025 - 17th Aug 2025
Growing the Medicine with Wild Remedy Join us here at Leaf with Sophie…
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Event Dates:
21st Aug 2025 - 21st Aug 2025
Enjoy afternoon Tea on Thursday 21st August The Fernery at Leaf Creative.
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Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…
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Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Join us for fresh stone baked pizzas every Friday night 5-7pm
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Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
24th Aug 2025 - 24th Aug 2025
Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…
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Event Dates:
27th Aug 2025 - 27th Aug 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
30th Aug 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…
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Event Dates:
4th Sept 2025 - 4th Sept 2025
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
View EventExpires: 31st Aug 2025
Family Rafted Canoe's This Summer Family Rafted Canoe's This Summer
Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut
Prices from:
£40.00
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
Prices from:
£40.00
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£40.00
Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
Prices from:
£179.99
Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an… Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an afternoon tea.
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.
The hidden gem that it is, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are great for those seeking serenity and calm, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.
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.
Read moreFind the most spectacular bluebell carpets in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - peak bloom times, trail ideas and photo tips.
Read moreThe 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.
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