- Seasonal Guides
- Summer
Summer
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Long days. Lush landscapes. Limitless adventures.
Summer is when the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley truly comes alive. With daylight stretching into the evening and the landscape bursting with colour, it’s the perfect season to get outside, slow down, and make the most of the natural playground all around us. Whether you’re after lazy riverside picnics, outdoor adventures, family fun, or simply a dose of fresh air and freedom, summer here has something for everyone.
Sunshine Days in the Great Outdoors
Our forest canopy offers a cool escape on the hottest days, and with hundreds of miles of trails to explore on foot or by bike, there’s no shortage of ways to stretch your legs and discover hidden corners. The Wye River offers countless opportunities to cool off – try canoeing, paddleboarding, wild swimming, or just dangle your feet from a riverside jetty with a book and a picnic.
Perfect for Families
With school holidays in full swing, our region is full of family-friendly fun. We have tree-top adventures, crazy golf, steam trains, wildlife parks, treasure trails, forest dens, open-air theatre and much more - the list goes on! Many of our attractions put on special summer events, and there’s no shortage of space for kids to run wild.
Events, Festivals and Local Fun
From open studios and summer fêtes to music, food, and arts festivals – there’s always something happening. Enjoy live music in village greens, Shakespeare in the woods, and local craft fairs packed with personality.
Seasonal Feasts and Al Fresco Eats
Summer means outdoor dining, picnic stops and vibrant food festivals. Tuck into fresh seasonal produce at farm shops, cafes, beer gardens and riverside pubs. For a real treat, try a feast cooked over an open fire or join a guided foraging walk followed by a wild food cook-up.
Stay Somewhere Special
Whether you’re pitching a tent, booking a cabin, or staying in a cosy cottage, summer is the perfect time to soak up our landscapes. Many accommodation providers offer hot tubs, fire pits and outdoor spaces ideal for making the most of warm summer nights. From glamping under the stars to woodland lodges with forest views, summer stays are something truly special.
Wellbeing and Wild Retreats
The sunshine invites you to slow down. Join a yoga session in the woods, take part in forest bathing or unwind with a massage after a long walk. This is your time to reconnect – with nature, your loved ones, and yourself.
Wellbeing and relaxation
Discover more:
- Things to do in summer
- What's on this summer
- Walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
- Mountain biking and cycling
- Outdoor dining & picnic spots
- Where to stay this summer
Let the sunshine guide your way. Summer in the Dean Wye is all about making memories that last a lifetime. Ready to find your freedom?
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