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From 2009 and leading up to the 2012 Olympics, the Forest of Dean and Cotswolds are staking a claim as Britain's Rural Capital of Culture.
This is on the basis of the incredible range and diversity of events, festivals, craftspeople and artists in this area.
There is so much more to the Forest than just fantastic scenery and outdoor activities, why not take a peek inside and see what else this magical place has to offer.
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Whether you're a first time visitor, or returning to rediscover its charms, you'll find the best in hospitality, along with spectacular scenery, a wealth of wildlife and a fascinating heritage.
However if you only have a day, you'll just scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. So why not stay a bit longer and discover more of the Forest's charms, it won't take long before you fall under its spell.
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Said to have inspired the likes of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K.Rowling and Dennis Potter, "Gloucestershire's greatest natural wonder", the Forest of Dean, is best explored by following The Royal Forest Route, which takes visitors on a 20-mile tour of the spectacular broad-leaf forest.
Springtime is one of the best times of the year to follow this route, when many areas, such as the Soudley Valley are filled with the most spectacular bluebells.
royal forest route
The forest as a whole conceals a history best unearthed at the 'Start Point East' of the circular tour, at the Dean Heritage Centre in Lower Soudley. An essential introduction to the Forest of Dean, the centre tells the story of the forest's culture and environment - and also introduces visitors to one of the oldest brands in Britain: the Dean navy hammer, used to mark selected trees for felling in the production of England's Tudor warships.
From there, the circuit passes by Speech House Hotel which boasts the oldest court in the British Isles; the renowned Sculpture Trail, with its giant chair and stained glass window; a mine dating back to the 1820s, where visitors are given the chance to step both back in time, and underground; and the remarkable 'Puzzle Wood.'
Based around a pre-Roman open-cast ore mine, the environment within this natural attraction has, over the centuries, taken on the appearance of a Tolkien-esque landscape. Located in Dean farmland, it offers today's visitors the chance to make their way around an enclosed natural maze of paths, bridges, tunnels and clefts - all of which reveal more and more of this fantasy-world at every twist and turn. It was also recently used as a scene location for the BBC1 series Merlin.
'Start Point West', meanwhile, is located at the Clearwell Caves. Mined for 3,000 years, the Caves feature eight large caverns now open to the public. From there, the route offers nature reserves, lakeland areas, and amazing views, before passing through a virtual lagoon of bluebells on the approach to Upper Soudley along the Roman Road. The Roman Road between Wenchford Picnic Site and the road to the Dean Heritage Centre is also known as the Golden Mile because of its spectacular autumn colours.
Full details of all attractions along the way are contained in the leaflet, which also features an easy-to-follow map of The Royal Forest Route. Places of interest just off the route are also listed, including: Symonds Yat, the Three Choirs Vineyard, the Wye Valley, Newent and Lydney.
royal forest route directions
Download our easy to print royal forest route directions.
