There’s so much to see in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas that it’s difficult to know where to start! The best place is: www.visitforestofdean.co.uk, for details of outdoor leisure activities, family attractions, where to eat, plus a whole host of events and festivals.
Once a hunting ground for Norman Kings, and nestled between the Wye & Severn rivers, the Forest is a place steeped in history & culture, and home to more than 24,000 acres of woodland over 35 square miles. Geographically an island for many years, the Forest has developed a character all of its own, with traditions, a unique culture and a dialect all of its own!
The Wye Valley is the birthplace of British tourism and provides a mix of English and Welsh influences. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it offers a wealth of leisure activities and sightseeing possibilities.
The area offers outdoor activities for all!
You can walk many miles of forest roads and tracks, or cycle the roads in the centre of the Forest. There are waymarked trails for cyclists and walkers across the Forest, ranging in length from a few kilometres to long distance paths.
How about heading to the water for canoeing & kayaking at Symonds Yat, a village divided into East and West by the River Wye, with the Yat Rock towering 500 feet high.
Then there’s Abseiling, Archery, Climbing, Fishing, ‘Go Ape’ a high wire forest adventure course, Golf - www.foresthillsgolfclub.co.uk and www.bells-hotel.co.uk, Mountain Boarding, Quad Biking, and more!
For those of you preferring to watch rather than participate, why not take in some local rugby or head to the races at Chepstow or Cheltenham.
Discover some of the local attractions including:
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Descend 100’ underground and explore the nine impressive ancient iron ore caves and mines at Clearwell Caves
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For railway enthusiasts there is a treat in store if you visit the Forest of Dean www.deanforestrailway.co.uk and Perrygrove www.perrygrove.co.uk Railways where you can enjoy classic steam or diesel train rides and displays.
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See over 60 species of Owls, Eagles & Hawks, one of the most significant collections of Birds of Prey in the UK, at the National Birds of Prey Centre
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Walk through a true Forest of Dean Freemine at Hopewell Colliery Museum www.hopewellcoalmine.co.uk
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Stroll through a magical maze of pathways and rock ravines, with secret passages and hidden doorways, set in 14 acres of Pre-Roman open cast iron workings, at Puzzle Wood www.puzzlewood.net
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Bird watch at the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust www.wwt.org.uk
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The RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve in Parkend
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Nature and art blend together at the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst, a 3 ½ mile trail through the woods that is the largest outdoor sculpture trail in the South West.
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See the Severn Bore, a naturally occurring tidal wave
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Look out for the fantastic spectacle of the Bristol Balloon Festival held annually.
Garden lovers can enjoy the delights of Lydney Park Spring Gardens with their fantastic collection of rhododendrons and azeleas, or Westbury Court Gardens, a National Trust site, featuring the only formal Dutch water garden in the country.
The wealth of history in the area is demonstrated with its large collection of historic buildings. St Briavels Castle where King John stayed when he came to the Forest to hunt. Clearwell Castle built in the 18th Century, Tintern Abbey a Cistercian monastery built in 1131 AD, Monmouth and Chepstow castles built by the Normans in the 11th & 12th Centuries.
The area has long been the inspiration to artists, writers, such as JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling, and craftsmen who draw from the natural beauty of the area. Dennis Potter was brought up in Berry Hill, and used the Forest for his creations. Many artisans settle in the area to display their work and crafts.
The Dean Heritage Centre, Taurus Crafts and Harts Barn feature regular exhibitions of work by local artists and craftsmen, and are ideal places to while away some time browsing the stalls and watching the craftsmen at work.
For those of you looking for a quiet time in the kitchen, the area offers a rich source of pubs, traditional inns & restaurants, many serving local produce and often large quantities of it! For more of a ‘DIY’ approach, the many local greengrocers, butchers, bakers & delicatessens: [www.hunterandtodd.co.uk] [www.severnandwye.co.uk] [www.tauruscrafts.co.uk] can provide you with just what you need for anything from a picnic to a relaxing night in.