Festive Breaks & Winter Getaways | Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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.
Prices from:
£120.00
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…
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.…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices from:
£340.00
Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples… Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples looking for adventure a little closer to nature. Take in the Brecon Beacon views…
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…
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…
Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges… Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges with on-site leisure, dining, and woodland adventures.
Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands,… Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands, meadows and ponds. With only 2 fully set-up and furnished bell tents,…
Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever… Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like. When you enter the grounds of Bracelands campsite, you’ll be…
Prices from:
£130.00
Willow Cottage, three-bedroom holiday cottage at the heart of Forest of Dean, next to the Cycle… Willow Cottage, three-bedroom holiday cottage at the heart of Forest of Dean, next to the Cycle Centre and mountain bike trails.
Prices from:
£320.00
Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife… Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife cycling.
Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks… Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks linked by heritage railway. Tickets include unlimited train rides all day.…
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.
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Date From:
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Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Visit us this half term and enjoy our Autumn Trail as you ride through our Autumnal corner of the… Visit us this half term and enjoy our Autumn Trail as you ride through our Autumnal corner of the Forest of Dean
Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Spot the giant spooky spiders hiding in Puzzlewood and complete the Halloween puzzle! Spot the giant spooky spiders hiding in Puzzlewood and complete the Halloween puzzle!
Dates:
2nd Nov 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025
Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the canopy of magnificent beech… Join Alex for a walk in the woods to discover hidden gems beneath the canopy of magnificent beech and oak.
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.
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:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
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Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Venture out on this winter evening safari just before dusk to watch for…
View EventSummer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday Summer hols special 15% OFF Monday to Friday
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
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
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.
Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
Read moreDiscover the best places for autumn colours in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with our leaf peeping guide, tips, and local highlights.
Read moreThrough the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Tim Scanlan. Hidden gems and local stories.
Read more