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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.
useful links
Join our Facebook group or share your photos of the Forest of Dean on flickr.com
The Forest of Dean Tour Guides are available for fully guided tours of the Royal Forest of Dean and Lower Wye Valley.
Visit www.cotswolds.com to find out information on events, attractions, accommodation and lots more throughout the Cotswolds.
The Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Association is a strong network of some 300 businesses dedicated to promoting this area to visitors. Membership of the association offers many benefits for local tourism businesses.
The Wye Valley offers a warm welcome to visitors worldwide and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain.
The official Tourist Board site for South West England including: Bristol, Bath, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset; Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds; Somerset & Wiltshire.
South West Tourism's new tourism business search service for those wishing to buy or sell a tourism business in the South West region. Visit www.tourismbusinesses4sale.co.uk to register your details.
VisitBritain markets Britain to the rest of the world and England to the British with a number of high profile campaigns. Visit their website for full details on planning a holiday in the British Isles.
First Stop Local Shop is a campaign by Forest of Dean District Council aimed at boosting retail and supporting local shops in the Forest's four market towns: Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent.
For more information on the first ever full time licensed community radio station in the UK, visit the Forest Of Dean Radio website . Over a 1000 different programmes have been produced, Involving more than 5,000 local people of all ages including 60 local businesses, 40 local schools, over 500 voluntary groups, councils, sports clubs and artists......and attracted an estimated 20,000 listeners.
This is Gloucestershire is the website of The Citizen, Gloucestershire Echo and Forester newspapers. Keep up to date with all the latest local news, sport, entertainment and travel information in and around the county, and read breaking news as it happens, 24 hours a day, with our national news and sports coverage.
Creative Breaks offers you the chance to try something different while on holiday such as stained glass making or painting.
Symonds Yat East provides more information about what's on offer on the edge of the Wye Valley.
The rotary club of the Forest of Dean
The Nationwide Access Register could help people looking for accessible buildings and places they can visit, particularly for those people with specific access needs such as parents with small children and babies, disabled people and older people.
www.bitesizebritain.co.uk - order your free UK holiday brochures here.
Hidden Britain (Bespoke Holiday Guides)
Forest of Dean Trader promotes goods and services from across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
www.motorbike-holidays.com provides accompanied rides and suggested routes throughout the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
www.wyevalleymountainbiking.co.uk - hire a qualified cycle guide to take you to some of the best on and off-road biking in the area.
