1. Relaxation

Relaxation

In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

If you're craving a slower pace, you've come to the right place. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the perfect setting to switch off, breathe out, and take some time for yourself - whether that's with a quiet walk through the trees, a hot tub under the stars, or a slow afternoon in a cute café.

In this section, you’ll find peaceful places to stay, gentle experiences, and welcoming spots to eat and drink - all handpicked to help you rest, recharge, and reconnect. From luxury retreats and spa treatments to nature-inspired wellbeing sessions, forest bathing, and quiet corners to enjoy a book, there are plenty of ways to unwind.

Whether you're here for a short break or a longer escape, relaxation in the Dean Wye isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about finding space to slow down, enjoy the view, and feel good in your own time.

Explore below to plan a trip that leaves you feeling rested, restored, and ready for whatever comes next.

Relaxation Businesses

Forest Retreats - Yoga, Wellbeing and Forest Bathing
Relaxation | Nature | Groups

Forest Retreats

Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye…

Cannop Ponds and bridge
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Cannop Ponds

Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

Cyril Hart Arboretum Entrance
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…

Serenity room at Float in the Forest

Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Harts Barn Cookery School Group
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation

Harts Barn Cookery School

Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many…

Child playing in the water at Wenchford
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Wenchford

A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area

Forest Retreats Yurt
Groups | Relaxation

Hill Farm, Tintern

Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to…

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…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife guides Wild boar
Families | Nature | Groups | Relaxation

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest…

Stella & Rose's Books shop front

25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock.  Open every day.  Art to zoology, something for…

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Holly Cottage Holiday Home

Holly Cottage is a haven for those seeking an idyllic woodland retreat. With its rustic charm and…

FOD Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Arts | Nature | Relaxation

Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and…

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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.

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Tidenham Chase

A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close…

Relaxation Events

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Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
3rd May 2026

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Great tit
Adventure | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife…

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
8th May 2026

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)

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Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026

Experience Early Morning Bird Song

Day course at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
9th May 2026

Spend a full day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own wheel, plenty of…

Coleford Walking Festival
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Coleford Area Walking Festival

Event Dates:
9th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

This annual festival is based in & around the town of Coleford in the…

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Meat the producer Plumphill Farm tasting menu -The Speech House
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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Nature | Relaxation

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Event Dates:
1st Jun 2026 - 30th Jun 2026

Next Event Date:
1st Jun 2026

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

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Families | Arts | Relaxation

Taurus Crafts Throwback Festival

Event Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Antiques, vintage clothes, music and dancing!

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Tapas night 25 June - The Speech House
Foodies | Groups | History

Spanish Tapas Evening

Event Dates:
25th Jun 2026 - 25th Jun 2026

A relaxed Spanish tapas night at The Speech House with Patatas Bravas,…

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Greek night 22nd july - The Speech House
Foodies | Groups | History

Greek Tasting Menu Evening

Event Dates:
22nd Jul 2026 - 22nd Jul 2026

Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours come to The Speech House with…

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Wildlife Safari Nature Journaling
Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Wildlife Safari

Event Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 19th Sept 2026

We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…

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Ross on Wye Walking festival
Dogs | Groups | Nature

Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival

Event Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 27th Sept 2026

Plan a walking weekend at the Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival (25–27 Sept…

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Relaxation Offers

Main House Double Room at The Speech House Hotel
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%…

Relaxation Experiences

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Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Float in the Forest
Relaxation

Long float

Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and…

Float in the Forest 2 Trio float

Prices from:
£198.00

Relaxation

Trio float

Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room

Float in the Forest Bring a Friend

Prices from:
£132.00

Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend

Relaxation Itineraries

Accessible Walks through the bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights

Relaxation Trails

Kids cycling at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Cycling Trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye…

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest…

12 Easy Walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks

Distance 0.75 - 3 miles

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

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