Nature
Through The Local Lens: Patrick Cal Callaby
Post date:
2nd February 2026
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Patrick Cal Callaby and find his favourite places.
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
Relaxation | Nature | Groups
Forest Retreats
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.…
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature | Relaxation
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 | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation
Briery Hill Llamas
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Wenchford
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Relaxation
Float in the Forest
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water… Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
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.
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… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Dogs | Nature | Relaxation
Nagshead Nature Reserve
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.
Relaxation
Stella & Rose's Books
25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for… 25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for everyone.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Tidenham Chase
A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close… A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close to the Offa's Dyke Path and the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint.
Arts | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and… The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and is one of the top things to see when visiting Tintern and the Wye Valley. .
History | Relaxation | Accessible
The Cathedral Of The Forest
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic… All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | Relaxation
Deanwood Holidays
Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site,… Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site, tucked away in a quiet rural area, on the edge of The Forest of Dean.
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… Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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. A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Relaxation Events
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Date From:
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Weekend Course
Dates:
28th Feb 2026 - 1st Mar 2026
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll… Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll get to throw, trim, assemble and decorate your pottery to an extremely high…
Arts | Relaxation
Transcendent light day at Float in the Forest
Dates:
28th Feb 2026 - 28th Feb 2026
Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the Roxiva RX1 light machine Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the Roxiva RX1 light machine
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 8th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
18th Apr 2026 - 18th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Weekend Course
Event Dates:
25th Apr 2026 - 26th Apr 2026
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
29th Apr 2026 - 29th Apr 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 19th Sept 2026
We've teamed up with Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife…
View Event
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…
View EventRelaxation Experiences
Relaxation
Long float
Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and… Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and explore further with a longer float.
Prices from:
£198.00
Relaxation
Trio float
Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room Three simultaneous one hour floats for you and two friends, each with your own private room
Prices from:
£132.00
Relaxation
Bring a Friend to float
Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend
Relaxation Trails
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… 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.
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks
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.
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.
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Post date:
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