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Whether you want to go on a two-day hike, throw yourself into some high-energy activities or just take a leisurely bike ride to a viewing hotspot, the Forest of Dean accommodates all.
With so much selection, you won't know where to start. So here are some of our top tips to keep everyone entertained on your visit to the Forest...
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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.
About the Forest of Dean
Nestling between the Wye Valley, the Vale of Leadon and the Severn Valley, the Royal Forest of Dean is one of England's few remaining ancient forests, covering 27,000 acres of woodland. Designated as a National Forest Park in 1938, this 'Queen of Forests' boasts a spectacular range of natural beauty combined with an aura of magic and mystery that has been the inspiration for many great artists and writers including JRR Tolkien, Dennis Potter and JK Rowling.
The seasons bring an ever-changing landscape, from the vivid blues and yellows of wild bluebells and daffodils in spring, to the blaze of gold and russet colours during autumn. Nature and wildlife is abundant, complemented by a wealth of local fare and a true ‘Forest' welcome, which awaits all visitors. With such a spectacular range of natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities and attractions, combined with a uniquely fascinating history and heritage plus a whole host of year-round events and festivals, the Royal Forest of Dean truly is an awe inspiring short-break destination at any time of the year.
The Forest of Dean is made up of four quite different landscape areas:
The ancient Royal Forest lies at the very heart of the district with the market towns of Coleford and Cinderford offering an insight into the industrial heritage and history of this fascinating area.
The Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forms the western border of the Forest, separating England from Wales. This unique area offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing and fishing on what is perhaps Britain's most unspoilt major river.
The Vale of Leadon is a quintessentially unspoilt English area featuring rolling farmland, vineyards and black and white timbered buildings centred around the picturesque town of Newent in the northern part of the district.
The Severn Vale, through which flows the country's longest river, is famous for its tidal bore, Blaisdon Plums and Perry Pears. The old Severnside port of Lydney is the area's main town, and is a thriving business and shopping area.
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