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.
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…
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.
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.
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
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.
Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye… Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye Valley. Unwind with yoga, forest bathing, eco spa and holistic therapies.…
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
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site,… Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site, tucked away in a quiet rural area, on the edge of The Forest of Dean.
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.
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.
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Apr 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
13th Mar 2026
Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Experience Early Morning Bird Song Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
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.
Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 8th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
18th Apr 2026 - 18th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 26th Apr 2026
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…
View Event
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
1st Jun 2026 - 30th Jun 2026
Next Event Date:
1st Jun 2026
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
View Event
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 19th Sept 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
View Event
Event Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 27th Sept 2026
Plan a walking weekend at the Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival (25–27 Sept…
View Event
Prices from:
£40.00
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
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.
From forests that inspired Tolkien and Rowling to trails that bring storybooks to life, discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley's rich literary heritage.
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite places.
Read moreSlow down this winter with seven wellness weekend ideas in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from forest bathing and yoga to saunas, creative retreats and seasonal food.
Read moreThrough the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Tom Keddie and find his favourite places.
Read moreBe the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
