Families
Summertime at Tintern Abbey
Post date:
7th May 2026
Tintern Abbey is a must visit destination, find out why it should be on your bucket list this summer.
History & Heritage
Of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
We have a very rich heritage here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of which we are rightly proud. A former royal hunting forest, the Dean has a long past as a source of timber for ships and building, coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre and limestone. Archaeological studies have dated the earliest use of coal to Roman times. But the area was inhabited well before that in Mesolithic times and there are even remains of megalithic monuments. One of the few surviving ancient woodlands in England, a large area was reserved for royal hunting before 1066, and remained as the second largest crown forest in England. The Speech House Hotel was built in 1682 to host the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech" and you can still eat in the Verderers Court today.
The area has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to tourism, and we are lucky that because of this many important sites have been preserved for future generations. From the pick axe marks on the walls at Clearwell Caves to the underground mine tours at Hopewell Colliery, the monuments to fallen miners in towns and in the forest, to the museums which tell their story such as the Dean Heritage Centre, to the old railway lines and bridges now cycle paths and footbridges and the Dean Forest Railway still running steam trains through the forest today... the heritage is such an important part of what makes this area so special.
The Wye Valley is considered to be both the birthplace of British tourism and also the birthplace of the industrial revolution. With more castles than anywhere else in the UK, there is a strong history of conflict and defence, as well as religion and craftsmanship. From Tintern Abbey to Goodrich Castle, Monnow Bridge to Offa's Dyke, the Wye Valley has a wealth of heritage to see and explore to this day. With its beauty it is easy to forget why some of these fortifications were built, but the arrow slits, cannons and dungeons remind us of their history too.
History Businesses
Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
History | Groups | Arts
Tintern Abbey
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern… When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
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 | Adventure | Groups | History
Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at…
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible
Cinderford Library
At Cinderford Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,… At Cinderford Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly, inclusive space that supports learning, creativity and community…
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…
Families | Groups | History
Hopewell Colliery - Working Mine and Cafe
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible
Coleford Library
Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect,… Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect, helping people build skills and confidence.
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
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.
Families | Groups | History
Raglan Castle
Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.… Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside. Discover its history, impressive towers, and dramatic ruins, just a short trip…
Families | Groups | History
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow… Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible
Newent Library
Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect,… Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect, supporting wellbeing, creativity and digital skills.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | History
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
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.…
Arts | History
Wobage Maker's Gallery
Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by… Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by the makers. Ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, kitchenwood, basketry,…
History | Groups
Gloucester Cathedral
A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of… A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of Gloucester is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country where…
History Events
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Groups | History
Backstage in the Gage - Ruspidge Burial Society
Dates:
17th Jun 2026 - 17th Jun 2026
Come to the Collections room to get a glimpse behind the scenes, see objects not on display, and… Come to the Collections room to get a glimpse behind the scenes, see objects not on display, and chat with our staff and dedicated volunteers.
Families | Groups | Nature | History
Summer Holidays - Free Entry
Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun! Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun!
Arts | History
Beyond the Books Exhibition
Dates:
16th May 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Forest of Dean Writers Collection Exhibition Forest of Dean Writers Collection Exhibition
Dates:
20th May 2026 - 20th May 2026
A great opportunity to get close to history and discover some of the many wonderful stories in our… A great opportunity to get close to history and discover some of the many wonderful stories in our collection.
Foodies | Groups | History
Meet The Producer - Plumphill Farm
Event Dates:
22nd May 2026 - 22nd May 2026
Meet Deb from Plumphill Farm at this special tasting evening celebrating…
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Adventure | Families | History
May Half-Term
Event Dates:
23rd May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Bring the whole family to the Dean Heritage Centre this May Half Term for…
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Families | Groups | History
Medieval Murder Mystery
Event Dates:
24th May 2026 - 25th May 2026
Join us at Raglan castle to discover who has committed the dastardly deeds…
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Families | History
Let’s Discover...Medieval Beekeeping
Event Dates:
26th May 2026 - 26th May 2026
Learn about beekeeping during the medieval period, and how it compares…
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Fifteen Inch Frontier Weekend
Event Dates:
30th May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Five visiting locomotives, classic cars, line dancing and a Stateside…
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Families | Arts | History
Sand Art: Medieval Shields
Event Dates:
30th May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Visit Chepstow Castle and create your own medieval shield picture using…
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Families | Groups | Arts
Medieval Music Day
Event Dates:
30th May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Step back in time and experience the magical melodies of the medieval era.
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History
Remembering the 1926 Miners Strike - Talk & Presentation
Event Dates:
30th May 2026 - 30th May 2026
Marking 100 years since the 1926 Miners Strike
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Arts | History
Book Launch: Chris Lloyd
Event Dates:
1st Jun 2026 - 1st Jun 2026
Celebrate the launch of Chris Lloyd's fourth book in the Occupation series!
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Families | History
Chepstow Under Siege 1645
Event Dates:
6th Jun 2026 - 6th Jun 2026
Chepstow Castle is under attack from the forces of Parliament! Experience…
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Families | Groups | History
William Marshal’s Visit to Tintern Abbey
Event Dates:
6th Jun 2026 - 7th Jun 2026
An interactive introduction to medieval life, for all ages.
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Families | Groups | History
Falconry at the Abbey
Event Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 11th Oct 2026
Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight.
View EventHistory Experiences
Prices from:
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History
Museum Without Walls
A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites. A free augmented reality (AR) app showing the town's history across 12 different sites.
Prices from:
£35.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | History
Adventure Caving
It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
History Itineraries
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
History Trails
History | Accessible
Thomas Blake Trail
Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake! Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake!
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.
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.
Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed… Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets and hidden stories in this charming…
Our latest History blogs
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.
Read more
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.
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