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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.
Travel Information
By Car: The Forest of Dean district is located in the western part of Gloucestershire, close to the border with Wales and is within easy access of the M4 (M48), M5 and M50 motorways, as well as many major roads.
Distances to the Forest of Dean:
Birmingham - 72miles/122km - 1 1/2 hrs
Bristol - 33miles/54km - 1hr
Cardiff - 43miles/70km - 1hr
London - 140miles/226km - 3hrs
Manchester - 156miles/252km - 3hrs
By Coach and Bus: National Express operates nationwide coach services to and from Newent, Chepstow, Gloucester, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. For further details, visit www.nationalexpress.co.uk or call 08705 808080. The National Express Disabled Persons Travel Helpline can be contacted on 0121 423 8479. A textphone is provided for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please call 0121 455 0086.
By Rail: The Forest of Dean is served by Lydney, Chepstow and Gloucester railway stations. For further information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 484950. For visitors with specific needs, contact: Arriva Trains on 0870 9000 0773 or visit: www.arrivatrains.wales.co.uk
By Air: Birmingham International, Bristol International and Cardiff International Airports all handle flights into the region from across the UK, Europe and the USA, and are all located within a 90 minute driving distance.
For flight information:
Birmingham Tel: 0121 767 5511 www.bhx.co.uk
Bristol Tel: 0870 1212 747 www.bristolairport.co.uk
Cardiff Tel: 01446 711111 www.cardiffairportonline.com
Car Share: Car sharing is a cost effective way of getting about that also helps to reduce the number of cars on the roads. If you are looking for an alternative means of getting to the Forest of Dean and surrounding area, visit the Sewtacarshare website to discover the benefits of car sharing.
Getting Around the Forest of Dean
By Bus: Detailed times of all local bus services in the Forest of Dean are available from Traveline, and they can be contacted on: 0870 608 2 608.
By Train: Heritage steam and diesel services run through the forest between Lydney, Whitecroft and Parkend. For details, call Dean Forest Railway on their 24 hour Information Line: 01594 843423 or visit: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
By Car: Getting around the Forest of Dean by car is quite easy. There are free car parks within the main town centres of Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent, plus there is a £3.50 daily parking fee at some of the Forestry Commission sites including Symonds Yat Rock, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike, and these can be transferred from site to site.
The 'Discovery Pass', which is payable annually enables you to 'discover, experience and enjoy more' and can be purchased for £20 from the Forestry Commission, tel (01594) 833057, Forest Connections, tel (01594) 822612 or Pedalabikeaway, tel (01594) 860065. Alternatively, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/pass and purchase on-line. There are a whole host of benefits that include:
* Free parking in Forestry Commission car-parks in the Forest of Dean for a year
* 15% off cabin bookings at Forest Holidays (Excluding peak times: 25th June to 3rd September, 22nd October to 28th October and 23rd December to 5th January).
* Seasonal newsletter, packed with news, events and activities
* 20% off Go Ape! with 21 sites to choose from. (Valid Monday-Friday, in term-time excluding bank holidays)
* 2 for the price of 1 on entry to Puzzlewood
These offers are being added to on a regular basis, check the website for further information!
DIAL A RIDE: A registered charity providing a friendly door-to-door transport service for those people who do not have their own transport and are unable to use public transport. Call 01594 843809 or 844558. www.lydneydialaride.co.uk
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