Forest of Dean

On the western side of the River Severn from the Cotswolds, this ancient forest and wild river valley offer visitors a chance to recharge their batteries, get off the beaten track and escape the everyday. Visit the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley for woodland walks and cycling and plenty of outdoor activities, unique attractions and more castles than anywhere else in the UK. Head to one of the Forestry England sites for a picnic, the magical Puzzlewood where Star Wars and Merlin have been filmed, take a steam train ride on the Dean Forest Railway or head underground to the ancient Clearwell Caves. The Forest of Dean has hundreds of miles of footh and cycle paths ideal for families looking for a gentle stroll or hikers looking for long distance paths including the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and the Family Cycle Trail.

The dramatic Wye Valley is to the north and west of the Forest of Dean and provides visitors with some of the best viewpoints in the UK. Head to Symonds Yat Rock for breathtaking views over the valley below, then enjoy the riverside pubs nearby with canoes and kayaks for hire and even boat tours down the Wye. Market towns including Ross-on-Wye and Coleford are ideal for shopping and sightseeing or head to one of the many dramatic castles or the awe-inspiring ruined abbey at Tintern along the River Wye. This whole area is rich with history and culture, attractions and activities and plenty of outdoor adventure for all ages.

Local produce is in great supply in the Dean Wye with breweries and cider makers, gin distilleries and vineyards to explore. Book a cookery experience or a make your own class, enjoy foraging or bushcraft. There are Michelin-starred restaurants and country pubs ideal for settling into after a walk with picturesque beer gardens and cosy log fires too.

This stunning area is to the west of the Cotswolds, with easy access from Gloucester to the north or Chepstow to the south. Enjoy exploring the best of the Gloucestershire countryside with a visit to the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Discover more at: www.visitdeanwye.co.uk