
Through The Local Lens: Paul Bennell
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness… Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, myride cycling studio and a large sports hall.
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…
Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural… Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean.
One of the most prominent features in the Lower Wye Valley offering some of the best views and… One of the most prominent features in the Lower Wye Valley offering some of the best views and walks in the area. Bluebells cover the hill in spring and it is well known as…
A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and… A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£29.00
Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…
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.
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. .
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.
Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot… Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot to enjoy a slower pace and reconnect with nature.
Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the… Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the Forest of Dean. Great value, great location.
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
23rd Oct 2025 - 23rd Oct 2025
Experience the wonders of autumn in October on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands… Experience the wonders of autumn in October on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean on 23rd October.
Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 26th Oct 2025
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…
Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting! Spooky pottery painting!
Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
View Event
Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
View Event
Event Dates:
31st Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Event Dates:
1st Nov 2025 - 1st Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
4th Nov 2025 - 4th Nov 2025
Experience the wonders of autumn in early November on a captivating…
View Event
Event Dates:
7th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the…
View Event
Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Event Dates:
12th Nov 2025 - 12th Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
View Event
Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View EventSometimes 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
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
Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend
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.
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.
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.
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
Discover the best places for autumn colours in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with our leaf peeping guide, tips, and local highlights.
Read moreThrough the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Tim Scanlan. Hidden gems and local stories.
Read moreIf you love photography, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the perfect place to visit, find out why here.
Read more