Things to do

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint. Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

The Wye Valley offers a unique landscape with a fascinating history with so much to see and so much to do and which guarantees a wealth of attractions for the visitor.

A series of manmade ponds lie in the Cannop Valley. Located beside the middle pond there is a large grassed area ideal for family games and picnics. The popular fishing lake is an idyllic spot to view local birdlife, including Mandarin ducks.

Established in 1986, this four mile long Sculpture Trail was one of the first to open in the UK. The Trail features sculptures created by artists to interpret the Forest environment and the history of this very unusual landscape. It provides a unique opportunity to walk through the woodlands and discover art along the way. Perfect for all ages and abilities, you don’t need to know about art to enjoy what you see.

The 4 1/2 mile line runs through beautiful woodland and countryside offering visitors a chance to experience the relaxing pace of a typical country branch line. With 5 stations along the way you’ll have time to explore the local area, taking in woodland walks and country pubs or venturing down to the Severn estuary to explore Lydney Harbour with its fantastic views across the Severn.

A natural cave system set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Atmospheric show caves and mine system that has produced artists pigments for over 4,500 years and were dug for iron ore until 1945, making one of Britain’s most complex and ancient mine workings. Exciting displays and a great underground experience for all the family.

The Secret Forest is only 200 yards from Clearwell Caves. The paths spread over a bewildering woodland in and amongst rock formations. Known locally as Scowles; they are the outcrop of the crease limestone cave system which started forming approximately 180 million years ago.

One of the best trail centres in the country.  A range of waymarked routes to suit all abilities – from gentle off-road family rides, technical cross-country routes to full on downhill lines (you may even see some World Cup riders in training)

Puzzlewood is a unique and enchanting place, located in the beautiful and historic Forest of Dean. Explore a mile of meandering pathways, with its fantastic tree and rock formations, through this 14 acre ancient woodland.

The railway runs through farmland and woods on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Passengers can ride on the train to use activities including a Treetop Adventure, a covered picnic and play area at Foxy Hollow, an Indoor Village with secret passages, and a den-building area in the woods.

Our two locations in the Forest of Dean – England’s largest oak woodland – is arguably our most beautiful place of residency. Mallards Pike Lake, home to our original Tree Top Adventure and Forest Segway, is a great spot for a picnic or a gentle lakeside walk. Three miles down the road, in the heart of the forest, Beechenhurst Lodge plays host to our Tree Top Junior Adventure.

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest, and is a great place to start your adventure. Discover the Sculpture Trail, play area, cafe, shop and climbing tower.

One of Gloucestershire’s leading attractions. Set across a stunning and fully interactive five acre site, the centre protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the beautiful Forest of Dean.

Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique way of life in the Forest of Dean.At Hopewell Colliery you can take one of our  guided underground tours in the safe hands of an expert Freeminer of the Forest of Dean.

An area of outstanding beauty complemented by this outstanding beauty in stone. If only the walls could talk! The chants of countless monks echo through the masonry here. Despite the shell of this grand structure being open to the skies, it remains the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales.

Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle is a history lesson in stone. If you think modern doors are long lasting, think again. Chepstow boasts the oldest castle doors in Europe. All wood and all of 800 years old. Until 1962 these doors hung in the main gateway, but are now in safe keeping in the on-site exhibition

We offer an affordable, no hassle, falconry experience, using predatory birds both indigenous and exotic. Using species of Hawk, Falcon and Owl, we educate audiences of every age and background on the art, and sport of falconry, as well as the beauty, grace and power of these fascinating raptors.

Parva Farm is a privately owned and run vineyard in the village of Tintern, South Wales. The vineyard produces award-winning wines, meads and sparkling wines for all occasions. The farm is open year-round for visiting – drop by and enjoy a tour of the vineyard and a chance to try the range of Welsh wine.

Most ponds in the forest were made to supply water wheels that powered the mills and iron forges of the Forests industrial past but these were made by the Forestry Commission for the community’s pleasure. The larger, lower pond is used for water sports, the upper pond is left undisturbed for wildlife.