1. History And Heritage

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

SKENFRITH CASTLE 602578409
Families | Groups | History

Skenfrith Castle

Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a…

Darkhill Ironworks archaeological site
Dogs | History | Nature

Foresters' Forest

Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects…

The Speech House Hotel Front

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…

White Castle Cadw 2032693295
Families | Groups | History

White Castle

White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known…

Darkhill Ironworks
History | Relaxation | Nature

Darkhill Ironworks

Darkhill Ironworks can be found on the outskirts of Coleford. The terraces of stone walls are all…

Vdw glouscathedral9 917261146
History | Groups

Gloucester Cathedral

A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of…

The Devil's Pulpit Viewpoint
History | Nature | Relaxation

The Devil's Pulpit

Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's…

Clearwell Caves Lake 1 2059054557
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden…

Nelson's Tower The Kymin credit Linda Wright
History | Nature

The Kymin

When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful…

FDWV Gallery Lydney Harbour Boats
Dogs | History | Nature

Lydney Harbour

Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions,…

7 1286337968
Families | Groups | History

Raglan Castle

Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Cathedral of the forest
History | Relaxation | Accessible

The Cathedral Of The Forest

All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic…

Tintern Abbey
History | Groups | Arts

Tintern Abbey

When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern…

New Fancy Viewpoint Lady Photographing
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History

New Fancy Viewpoint

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views…

Pan Tod Beacon
History | Nature

Pan Tod Beacon

The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed…

History Events

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ABN 03 photosbyabn 569x758 2
Adventure | Families | Foodies | Arts | Nature | History | Accessible

Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle

Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

The Day of the Battle

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Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the…

Gloucester Goes Retro
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible

Gloucester Goes Retro

Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all…

Dean Heritage Centre Kids Event
History | Families

Backstage in the Gage

Dates:
20th Aug 2025 - 20th Aug 2025

Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the collection up close!

History Experiences

CAVING

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?

History Itineraries

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

History Trails

Ross on Wye
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

Coppett Hill Walk
Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
History

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
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…

Our latest History blogs

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint in the Summer
History

The Wye Tour

Post date: 4th April 2025
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