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Things to do in The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Our top 5
Family favourite things to do in our beautiful part of the world
Fairview Gardener Tea Rooms
A delightful tea room located within a garden centre, serving a fantastic breakfast and light lunches.
Puzzlewood
An enchanting ancient woodland, featuring unique rock formations and a maze of pathways. No dogs allowed
Symonds yat
A picturesque village in the Wye Valley, renowned for its stunning river views, great pubs and outdoor activities.
Mallards Pike
A serene lake in the Forest of Dean, ideal for walking, cycling, and dogs, with a great cafe for refuelling
Bathurst Lido
Historic open-air swimming pool in Lydney, offering seasonal swimming in a charming setting.
Walks and Nature
We're completely spoilt in this area when it comes to walking trails and nature spots.
May Hill
Panoramic views across Gloucestershire and the Severn Valley from this distinctive hilltop (7 miles from cottage)
Beechenhurst
The main visitor hub of the Forest of Dean, with trails, picnic areas, and a play area (10 miles from cottage)
Wenchford
A peaceful picnic site with a stream and short forest trails (10 miles from cottage)
Forest of Dean Scultpure trail
Wander through unique sculptures integrated into the Forest of Dean landscape (10 miles from cottage)
Devils Pulpit
Nice walk with a car park and views across the wye valley to Tintern abbey (20 miles from cottage)
Malvern Hills
A range of hills with trails, breathtaking views, and a history that dates back to ancient times (20 miles from cottage)
Mallards Pike
A scenic lake surrounded by walking and cycling trails (12 miles from cottage)
Coppett Hill
A nature reserve with rich wildlife and views over the Wye Valley (8 miles from cottage)
Hidden gems
Some of the more unusual things to do in the Forest of Dean
Dean Forest Railway
Take a nostalgic journey through the scenic Forest of Dean on this heritage steam railway, with charming stops and woodland views along the way
Wye Valley Greenway
A picturesque, traffic-free trail for walking and cycling through tunnels and lush countryside, connecting the Wye Valley's natural beauty with historic sites
Palace Cinema
A cozy, historic cinema established in 1910, offering a charming movie-going experience with a mix of classic and new releases in an intimate, vintage setting
For Foodies
Explore all the culinary delights the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley have to offer
Forest Bakehouse, Longhope
A nearby cooperative bakery specialising in handmade, organic breads and pastries
The Whitebrook, near Monmouth
Michelin-starred restaurant focused on local and foraged ingredients, set in the Wye Valley
Three Choirs Vineyard
Scenic English vineyard offering wine tastings, tours, and accommodation
Severn & Wye Smokery
Renowned for smoked and fresh fish, a family-run smokery in Westbury-on-severn
Truffles Deli
A gourmet deli featuring artisanal cheeses, wines, and local specialties in Ross-on-Wye
Tudor Farmhouse, Clearwell
Restaurant in a historic farmhouse, offering Forest of Dean sourced cuisine
The Beefy Boys
A Hereford-based burger joint famous for award-winning burgers made with local ingredients
Westons Cider Tour
Guided cider-making tours with tastings at Herefordshire’s historic Westons Cider Mill
Silver Circle Distillery
A craft distillery producing small-batch gin and rum near Monmouth with tours, tasting and lunches
For kids
Also suitable for big kids :-)
Perrygrove Railway
A family-friendly steam train attraction with scenic woodland views and play areas along the route.
Dean Heritage Centre
Museum and heritage site in the Forest of Dean, showcasing local history and traditional crafts
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
An indoor sanctuary filled with exotic butterflies and a maze
WWT Slimbridge
A renowned wetland reserve with diverse bird species and interactive wildlife experiences.
Clearwell Caves
A network of ancient iron ore caves open for exploration, with immersive experiences and exhibits on mining history
270 Climbing Park
Outdoor adventure park offering various climbing walls and obstacle courses for all ages
Jet Age Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of aviation, featuring vintage aircraft displays and interactive exhibits
Cycling
What cycling paths are available in the Wye Valley?
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
The go-to hub for FOD cycling adventures, featuring trails for all skill levels, from family-friendly routes to thrilling downhill tracks
The Peregrine Cycle Path
A scenic cycling route along the River Wye starting in Monmouth that offers breathtaking views of limestone cliffs with a route through Symonds yat and past Bilbins rope bridge
Family Cycle Route, Forest of Dean
A gentle, well-marked 9 mile path through the forest’s beautiful scenery, ideal for families and beginners seeking a relaxed cycling experience
Dean Forest Cycles
A welcoming bike rental shop in the heart of the Forest of Dean, offering a range of bikes and expert advice for exploring scenic woodland trails
Nearby Towns
Shopping, cafes and heritage across our nearby towns
Ross-on-Wye
A charming riverside town on the edge of the Forest of Dean, known for its picturesque views over the Wye Valley and historic market square (5 miles from cottage)
Cheltenham
A vibrant Regency spa town celebrated for its elegant architecture, and beautiful parks (25 miles from cottage)
Tewkesbury
Steeped in medieval history, this riverside town is famous for its stunning Abbey and preserved half-timbered buildings (20 miles from cottage)
Hereford
This historic city is home to Hereford Cathedral and the ancient Mappa Mundi, with a welcoming atmosphere and scenic riverside walks. (20 miles from cottage)
Hay-on-Wye
Known as the “Town of Books,” Hay-on-Wye is a booklover's paradise with numerous independent bookshops and a renowned literary festival (35 miles from cottage)
Stroud
Nestled in the Cotswolds, Stroud is a bohemian market town known for its arts scene, local crafts, and organic farmers' market (25 miles from cottage)
Ledbury
A quaint market town with a rich poetry heritage, Ledbury enchants with its cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings (15 miles from cottage)
Castles & History
The wye valley has an abundance of castles and historical landmarks
Market House, Ross-on-Wye
An iconic 17th-century structure in the heart of Ross-on-Wye, hosting local markets and a gallery from local artists
Goodrich Castle
A striking medieval fortress with panoramic views over the Wye Valley, offering a rich glimpse into England’s storied past with well-preserved towers and ramparts
Raglan Castle
A dramatic 15th-century fortress with impressive towers, deep moats, and expansive grounds, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wales' medieval history
Eastnor Castle
A grand 19th-century castle nestled in beautiful grounds near the Malvern Hills, renowned for its lavish interiors, tranquil lake, and family-friendly activities
Tintern Abbey
An atmospheric, picturesque ruin set in the Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey is a marvel of Gothic architecture
Hereford Cathedral & The Mappa Mundi
A magnificent Gothic cathedral housing the world-famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map that offers a fascinating perspective on the world as seen in the 13th century
Hopewell Colliery
A working mining museum in the Forest of Dean, where visitors can explore underground tunnels and learn about the area's coal mining heritage
Greenfingers
From gardens to garden centres
Westonbirt Arboretum
A world-renowned arboretum featuring over 15,000 trees, known for its stunning autumn colors, scenic trails, and seasonal events
Newent Arboretum
A peaceful community arboretum in the heart of Newent, showcasing a variety of native and exotic trees, ideal for quiet strolls and nature appreciation
Dewstow Gardens
A hidden gem of underground grottoes and landscaped gardens, filled with fascinating pathways, ponds, and lush greenery
Three Shires Garden Centre
A popular garden center with a wide selection of plants, home decor, and a lovely café, perfect for gardeners and families alike
Westbury Court Garden
An enchanting 17th-century Dutch-style water garden with tranquil canals, colorful flower borders, and historic topiary
Leaf Garden Centre
A well-loved garden center offering quality plants, gardening supplies, and seasonal displays, with friendly staff ready to assist with gardening advice
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