LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Hereford Cathedral - Hereford


The current Hereford Cathedral, located at Hereford in England, dates back to 1079. Its most famous treasure is Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world dating from the 13th century. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building.

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.

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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.

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Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry - Ross-on-Wye



Winners of the BBC Drinks Producer Food & Farming Award 2019 making traditional cider and perry at Broome Farm. Sold at the Yew Tree, Peterstow & Cider Shop. Groups welcome for pre-booked tours & tutored tastings.

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Cannop Ponds



Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.

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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.

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Goodrich Castle - Near Ross-on-Wye



Explore the 12th century keep, chapel and maze of small rooms. Climb to the battlements and take in the amazing views of the Wye Valley. See 'Roaring Meg', the only surviving Civil War mortar.

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