Adventure
Family Adventures with Cadw in Dean Wye this August
Post date:
28th July 2025
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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
History | Nature
Whitecliff Ironworks
Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the… Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the second coke-fired blast furnace of three built in the Forest of Dean.
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…
History | Nature | Relaxation
The Devil's Pulpit
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's… Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
History
Grosmont Castle
One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White… One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was…
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…
Dogs | History | Nature
Lydney Harbour
Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions,… Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions, parking and ideas for things to do nearby.
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.
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History
New Fancy Viewpoint
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views… Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access…
Groups | History | Families
Goodrich Castle
Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a… Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it…
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
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.
Prices from:
£70.00
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Foodies | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation
Symonds Yat Rock Lodge
Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.
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 | Accessible
Newent Town Council
Located at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, Newent is a vibrant market town with deep… Located at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, Newent is a vibrant market town with deep roots in agriculture, heritage and local enterprise.
History | Nature
The Kymin
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful… When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Families | Groups | History
Skenfrith Castle
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a… Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which…
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…
History Events
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Adventure | Nature | History
Guided Woodland Walk
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.
History Experiences
Prices from:
£0.00
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
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…
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History
Film & TV Trail
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…
Our latest History blogs
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.
Read more
The Wye Tour was the first organised tour in Britain, leading to the area being dubbed 'the birthplace of British Tourism'. It consisted of a boat tour down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye in the north to Chepstow in the south.
Read more
Uncover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean, from magical creatures and ancient spirits to local folklore passed down through generations.
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