Places to visit in the Forest of Dean

Ross-on-Wye is chock-full of vintage shops, so much so that it has an entire shopping trail dedicated to finding one-off treasures – so grab your tote bag and get stuck in! If you love hedgehogs just as much as the Wye Valley does, don’t miss the Hunt the Hedgehog trail in St Mary’s Church, which is dotted with hedgehog carvings and motifs.

Deep in the Wye Valley countryside, Symonds Yat is a glorious stretch of the River Wye. But don’t just admire the water: get on it! You can rent a canoe or kayak from Symonds Yat Canoe Hire, with all safety gear provided, and set off on a mini self-guided expedition for as long as you please. We recommend two hours, but if you’re here for a longer trip you can extend it to a half or full day. Fun fact: in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Harry, Ron and Hermione were shown walking by the river at Symonds Yat!

Prefer to stick to dry land? No problem: check out Wye Valley Adventures’ huge range of adventurous activities – from axe throwing and archery, to learning survival tricks in its bushcraft workshops. It also runs climbing, abseiling and gorge-scrambling trips, for a Wye Valley walk with a difference!

Around 2,500 years ago, Iron Age people built a fortress atop Symonds Yat Rock – for panoramic views over the River Wye. Today, you can follow in their footsteps on a Wye Valley walk to the top: keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, as they’re often spotted here. For lunch, bring a picnic to munch atop the eyrie, or visit the Symonds Yat Rock Cafe for fresh sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes. One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Wye Valley.

For an evening of fine dining and gin tasting, book the Speech House Hotel’s Gin Experience for tonight’s stay. You’ll head to the bar to try a flight of gourmet gins from a local distillery, before heading to Verderers’ – the hotel’s two AA Rosette restaurant – for a locally sourced supper. If you’ve always fancied snoozing in a four-poster bed, now’s your chance: check out the hotel’s Courtyard and Master rooms.

Start your day on the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst, to discover glittering stained-glass windows and beautiful artworks amid the trees – a unique spot for Forest of Dean walks. And there’s so much more to discover, from treetop fun at Go Ape Beechenhurst to woodland cycling routes – with bike hire from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. Follow the Colliers Trail for nine miles (14.5km) of smooth, car-free cycling through the woodlands.

Gourmet cheeses, home-baked pies and a whole range of local produce – from Forest of Dean honey to Wye Valley wine. It’s all on the menu at Forest Deli, your lunch stop for today. Cosy up in its Tasting Corner, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the grounds of your next stop. Look out for the deli’s cheese-and beer-tasting events too, which run on selected afternoons.

You have a choice of two options this afternoon, the first of which is a self-guided adventure in Clearwell Caves, Forest of Dean – whose spectacular caverns have featured in the likes of Doctor Who, His Dark Materials and The Winter King. You can spy fossils of creatures from 300-million years ago, and discover the “frozen waterfall” and underground pool – and learn about the awe-inspiring miners who’ve worked in the caves for thousands of years.

Your second option is Puzzlewood forest, an ancient woodland seemingly plucked from a fairytale – all twisted moss-covered trees, hand-crafted bridges and winding walkways. It’s a popular filming location, so you might recognise it from Merlin, Doctor Who and Star Wars: The Force Awakens! An otherworldly spot for self-guided Forest of Dean walks, with a soundtrack of chirping blackbirds, blue tits and chiffchaffs.

Check into Tudor Farmhouse Hotel this evening, an award-winning boutique stay. Rest your legs in your suite’s roll-top bathtub, before supper in the two AA Rosette restaurant: think roast duck breast and salt-baked celeriac, all sourced within a 20-mile radius. On selected evenings, Tudor Farmhouse runs Stargazing Safaris with a local astronomer – a chance to explore the region’s spectacular dark skies, from the hotel’s own panoramic hilltop.

With its waterside sculptures and walking trails, Lydney Harbour on the River Severn is a beautiful spot to start the day – and if you haven’t had breakfast yet, head to Hips Social in the marina. Pop into nearby Taurus Crafts to buy hand-made local trinkets and treasures – such as artisan chocolates from The Chocolate Bar, honey from Severn Zero and antiques from the Little Bazaar.

Don’t be late – Dean Forest Railway steam train departs from Norchard Station at 11am, for a picturesque jaunt through the Forest of Dean. If you’ve been doing all the driving on this trip, it’s a well-earned opportunity to savour the glorious countryside views – and there’s a cafe at the station for lunch. One of the most charming places to visit in the Forest of Dean.

Severn Cider has been making its golden brew for almost seven decades, perfecting the process for its award-winning cider, vinegar and juice. The not-so secret ingredient? Pure apples! Only the best whole fruit will do, sourced from its own orchard and pressed the old-fashioned way. You can taste its tipples in the on-site shop, and if the weather’s fine you can enjoy them in the orchard too – or pick up a few bottles to take home.

Another of the Wye Valley’s foodie stars, Severn & Wye Smokery combines a fish market, food hall and restaurant, where you can taste its delicately smoked salmon, meats and mackerel. If you’re heading home this evening, why not pick up a few local delicacies to take home? Check out the gift shop for hand-made ceramics, jewellery and candles too. One of the tastiest places to visit in the Wye Valley.

If you don’t have to rush home, consider extending your stay with a night – or two – at Nuthatch Retreat, a cedar-clad eco retreat, with a private outdoor bathtub and firepit for stargazing. It’s just the right balance of luxury and nature, surrounded by gardens filled with edible flowers and uplifting countryside views. It sleeps four, in two sumptuous bedrooms.