Nature
Through The Local Lens: Kimberley Davies
Post date:
1st November 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Kimberley Davies. From her favourite places to top photography tips.
Nature
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
If it’s nature you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most naturally rich and scenic destinations in the UK - home to ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, river valleys, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints a plenty.
Whether you're here to spot wildlife, take in the seasonal changes, or simply enjoy the peace that comes with time outdoors, you’ll find countless ways to connect with the natural world. From easy-access nature trails and RSPB reserves, to stargazing spots and guided wildlife walks, this is a landscape that rewards slowing down and looking closer.
In this section, you’ll find a handpicked collection of accommodation, experiences, attractions and places to eat that help you stay close to nature - from off-grid retreats and eco-stays to outdoor cafés and activity providers that celebrate the beauty of the landscape around them.
Explore below and plan a visit that puts nature first - whether you're wandering through bluebells, watching wild boar at dusk, or simply listening to birdsong from your cabin doorstep.
Nature Businesses
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Briery Hill Llamas
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Clearwell Caves
Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting… Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting underground world for the whole family to discover.
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible
Monmouth Town Council
Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales. Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales.
Families | Groups | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible
Cyril Hart Arboretum
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.
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple 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…
Prices from:
£120.00
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature
The Speech House Hotel
A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, two…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Puzzlewood
Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up… Indoor Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up encounters. Open year-round in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
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.
Families | Nature
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean, is a great place for a day out in… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean, is a great place for a day out in the forest. Trails, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Cannop Ponds
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle… Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Wenchford
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
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible | Foodies
Leaf Creative
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock
Famous viewpoint with stunning views over the Wye Valley. On-site car park and cafe, and plenty of… Famous viewpoint with stunning views over the Wye Valley. On-site car park and cafe, and plenty of woodland walks including down to Symonds Yat East village.
Dogs | Nature | Relaxation
Speech House Lake
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.
Nature Events
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Festive Forest
Dates:
28th Nov 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
28th Nov 2026
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for… Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for Christmas in their own special way.
Adventure | Families | Nature
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Dates:
31st Jul 2026 - 16th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime) Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
15th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Groups | Nature | Accessible
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 11th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
28th Feb 2027
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 12th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
14th Nov 2026
Join Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective for a…
View Event
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Sanctuary Sessions: Qi Gong & Breathwork
Event Dates:
13th Oct 2026 - 12th Jan 2027
Next Event Date:
10th Nov 2026
Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork
View Event
Adventure | Families | Arts
Room on the Broom Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
4th Nov 2026 - 27th Jan 2027
Join Witch and her friends on a magical Christmas adventure at…
View Event
Dogs | Foodies | Nature
Severnside Christmas - Wreath Making Weekend
Event Dates:
27th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
A two-night Christmas retreat in Newnham-on-Severn with foraging,…
View Event
Nature
Stargazing Safari
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2026 - 12th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
14th Nov 2026
Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel.…
View Event
Groups | Nature
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Jan 2027 - 11th Dec 2027
Next Event Date:
2nd Jan 2027
Join Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective for a…
View Event
Foodies | Nature
Wildly Hormonal
Event Dates:
16th Jan 2027 - 16th Oct 2027
Next Event Date:
16th Jan 2027
Join Liz Knight from Forage Fine Foods to learn how the commonest of wild…
View Event
Nature | Foodies
Wild Food with Liz Knight
Event Dates:
20th Mar 2027 - 25th Sept 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Mar 2027
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to forage and make a tincture to take home.
View Event
Nature
Wildly Beautiful
Event Dates:
22nd May 2027 - 17th Jul 2027
Next Event Date:
22nd May 2027
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods for the ultimate galentine to learn how to…
View Event
Nature | Foodies | Groups
Wildly Well
Event Dates:
6th Nov 2027 - 6th Nov 2027
Join Liz from Forage Fine Foods to learn how to turn plants in a store…
View EventNature Offers
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation
Stay & Save Offer
Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%… Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15% discount
Nature Experiences
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari
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
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
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.
Nature Itineraries
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
Nature Trails
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Cycle Routes and Bike Trails in the Forest of…
Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and… Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and traffic-free routes to mountain biking adventures.
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks
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.
A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with… A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with optional tour/tasting and stays.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
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.
Our latest Nature blogs
Peak autumn colour in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is due late October to early November 2026. Ed Drewitt on where and when.
Read more
Five family activities for half term in the Forest of Dean, from meeting the Gruffalo at Beechenhurst to Halloween clues on the Room on the Broom trail.
Read more
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
