Through The Local Lens: Paul Bennell
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
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.
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…
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive… A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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…
Freedom Leisure Sedbury has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, tennis… Freedom Leisure Sedbury has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, tennis courts, 5 a side football and badminton!
Prices from:
£110.00
4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat… 4* very comfortable self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat in peaceful village setting. Many local walks here in the beautiful Wye…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Dates:
4th Nov 2025 - 4th Nov 2025
Experience the wonders of autumn in early November on a captivating journey through the ancient… Experience the wonders of autumn in early November on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
Dates:
7th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 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…
Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 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…
Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the Roxiva RX1 light machine Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the Roxiva RX1 light machine
Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
12th Nov 2025 - 12th Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
13th Nov 2025 - 13th Nov 2025
Jay Riley Quartet Featuring Jay on Tenor Sax, Matt Ball on piano, Russ…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
Experience the autumn colours and wildlife at dusk in the Forest of Dean…
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Event Dates:
17th Nov 2025 - 17th Nov 2025
Local artist @siangibbs_art is back on Monday 17th November 2025.
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Event Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
22nd Nov 2025 - 22nd Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…
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Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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.
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
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