Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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
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
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.
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
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…
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…
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.
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.
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. .
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 | 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.
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.
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.
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…
Relaxation Events
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Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Dogs | Relaxation
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate… Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family.
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always… A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always wanted to do’ activities. This incredibly enjoyable 90-minute experience…
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always… A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always wanted to do’ activities. This incredibly enjoyable 90-minute experience…
Dogs | Families | Arts | Relaxation
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Families | Arts | Dogs
Christmas Pottery Painting
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
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Dogs | Groups | Families
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Adventure | Families | Nature
December Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
14th Dec 2025 - 14th Dec 2025
Experience winter wildlife in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
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Arts | Groups | Relaxation
One Day Wheel Throwing
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Families | Arts | Dogs
Christmas Pottery Painting
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
View Event
Dogs | Families | Groups
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View Event
Families | Arts | Dogs
Christmas Pottery Painting
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
View Event
Dogs | Families | Groups
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
A 2 hour Christmas themed workshop
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Join us at 2PM on Saturday the 20th December for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…
View EventRelaxation Offers
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Relaxation 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.
Our latest Relaxation blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Lee Pullen and find his favourite places.
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Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
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