Local Attractions
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has a wide range of unique visitor attractions. From the magical Puzzlewood to the ruins of Tintern Abbey, this is a place that will take your breath away, entertain and amaze you and leave you wanting to come back for more.
You may wish to discover the area's history at one of the many castles (did you know that the area has more castles than any other region in the UK?), enjoy a stroll around an underground cave or step back in time on a heritage steam train ride through an ancient forest. There are museums galore including a museum of the Forest, art galleries and outdoor sculpture trails, mazes and golf courses. There is an array of family oriented attractions where you can all have fun, relax or enjoy some animal magic too from a miniature train ride and outdoor playgrounds to boat cruises and high wires. You'll find cinemas and theatres, racecourses and a bird of prey centre, plus plenty of shopping and historic towns and villages to explore. There is something in the area for everyone!
Puzzlewood - Coleford
Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. Puzzlewood is a popular TV & film location where scenes from 'The Force Awakens' of the Star Wars series were filmed.
Dean Forest Railway - Lydney
An 8.5 mile trip through the medieval forest to Parkend with steam and some heritage diesel train services. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard station. Pay once - ride all day!
Clearwell Caves - Nr Coleford
The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking.
Speech House Lake - Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Beechenhurst - Coleford
Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your adventure. Discover the Gruffalo Spotters Trail, the Sculpture Trail, children's outdoor play area, Go Ape, café and climbing tower.
Littledean Jail – Littledean
Littledean Jail is a historic former prison in the village of Littledean, Gloucestershire. Dating back to the late 18th century, the building has a fascinating and unusual history and now houses a collection of historical artefacts and curiosities, making it a distinctive local attraction for visitors.
Lydney Harbour Lydney
Lydney Harbour is a place steeped in history and heritage - in the 19th and early 20th century it was used to export coal from the Forest. It is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Severn and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world.
Mallards Pike Lake - Lydney
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail - Coleford
4.5 mile long woodland Sculpture Trail. Walk underneath a stained glass window hung high in the tree canopy and discover hidden places in the Forest. Free of charge and perfect for all ages.
Soudley ponds
Soudley Ponds is a peaceful woodland attraction near the village of Soudley in the Forest of Dean. Surrounded by mature woodland, the ponds provide a scenic setting for a relaxing walk and are home to a variety of wildlife, making them a lovely place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Tintern Abbey - Tintern
Tintern was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales. Despite the shell of this grand structure being open to the skies, it remains the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales.
Dean Heritage Centre – Soudley
The Dean Heritage Centre, located in the village of Soudley in the Forest of Dean, tells the story of the area and its people. Set within a former mill, the centre explores the Forest’s rich industrial, social and natural history through exhibitions, artefacts and displays, making it a fascinating place to discover the heritage of the local area.
See what else is going on in the area...
Local Towns
There are plenty of riverside towns and villages throughout Wye Valley, from the iconic Symonds Yat to the stunning Monmouth.
Accommodation
Need a place to stay while you're visiting Wye Valley? Here are a few recommended Accommodations near us.
Eating Out
If you area hungry and don't want to cook on your holiday, there are some great places to eat around the Forest of Dean Area.
