Things to Do in the Forest of Dean: A Nature-Filled Getaway

If you want a break where getting outside is part of the reason for going, the Forest of Dean is an easy choice. Ancient woodland covers much of the area, with paths leading through the trees, open clearings, lakes and viewpoints to explore. Then there’s the River Wye, winding through the wider landscape and offering a completely different way to experience this corner of Gloucestershire.

It’s a place where you can fill a weekend with walking, cycling, wildlife and time on the water, but you don’t have to. One day might mean a long woodland walk followed by lunch in a country pub; another could involve a paddle down the Wye or a drive out to one of the valley’s viewpoints. You can also simply find a quiet spot, slow down and enjoy being somewhere surrounded by nature.

And while there are plenty of well-known attractions to visit, the real appeal is the landscape itself. Here’s what we’d recommend doing while you’re here.

Explore the Forest of Dean on foot

The best way to get a feel for the Forest of Dean is to spend some time simply walking through it. This isn’t a landscape you need to see from behind a car windscreen. There are miles of forest tracks and paths to explore, taking you beneath the trees, past lakes and through some of the quieter corners of the woodland.

If you’d like a walk with something extra to discover along the way, head to Beechenhurst and follow the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. The 4.8-mile route winds through the woodland, with artworks appearing among the trees as you go.

The sculptures draw on the landscape, wildlife and industrial history of the forest, so you’re getting a sense of the place as well as enjoying the walk. There are shorter routes if you don’t want to tackle the full trail.

For a slower afternoon, Mallards Pike is a lovely choice. Pack a picnic and settle beside the lake before taking the easy lakeside walk, or follow one of the longer trails into the surrounding woodland. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery, and the café is there if you decide you’d rather have coffee and cake than unpack the picnic.

And don’t feel that every walk needs to have a destination. Some of the pleasure of the Forest of Dean is following an old track beneath the trees, listening for birds, looking for signs of wildlife and seeing where the path takes you. It’s also a wonderful place to bring the dog, with plenty of opportunities to explore together. Just keep them under control around livestock and wildlife and check any local restrictions before setting off.

Keep your eyes open as you walk and you might spot deer, hear woodpeckers in the canopy or catch sight of wildlife moving through the undergrowth. The forest changes with the seasons, so even a familiar trail can feel different on another visit.

Our tip: give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. The Forest of Dean is at its best when you don’t feel you have to hurry through it.

See the Forest of Dean on two wheels

Cycling gives you a chance to cover more of the forest without losing that feeling of being immersed in it. And you don’t need to be a serious mountain biker to enjoy riding here.

For a leisurely ride, the Colliers Trail is a great place to start. This 9-mile circular route follows the old railway lines that once served the Forest’s coal mines, passing through woodland and alongside former railway stations and mining sites. You can join the trail from several points, including Cannop Ponds, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike, making it easy to build a ride around the part of the forest you most want to see.

It’s particularly good if you want to combine your ride with a picnic. Stop at Mallards Pike or Cannop Ponds, take your time and enjoy the forest rather than treating the route as something to complete as quickly as possible.

If mountain biking is more your thing, the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop is the place to head. There are trails ranging from easier routes to challenging cross-country and downhill trails, with bike hire available on site.

Our tip: if you’re bringing the family or haven’t cycled off-road for a while, stick with the Colliers Trail. If you’re looking for something more challenging, the Cycle Centre has plenty to keep experienced riders busy.

Experience the River Wye

The Forest of Dean is only half the story. On its western edge, the River Wye winds through the landscape, offering a completely different way to experience the area. You can walk beside it, find a viewpoint above it or, if you’re feeling adventurous, get out on the water itself.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a lovely way to experience the Wye, particularly if you’re looking for something active without making a whole day of it. There are beginner-friendly sessions and guided experiences available, so you don’t need to be an experienced paddler to give it a go. From the board, you get a completely different perspective on the surrounding woodland and countryside, with plenty of opportunity to slow down and enjoy the river as you go.

If you’re looking for a longer day on the river, the stretch from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is one we’d recommend. The route takes you through one of the most scenic sections of the Wye, with woodland, countryside and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the river at a slower pace. It’s a popular section for paddling, with local operators running trips from Kerne Bridge down to Symonds Yat.

The journey is around nine miles and follows the river downstream towards Symonds Yat, where you can finish your day with a walk up to the viewpoint or something to eat beside the water.

Our tip: make a day of it. Spend the morning on the river, then head up to Symonds Yat Rock to see the winding stretch of Wye you’ve just travelled from above.

Take in the views at Symonds Yat

If there’s one view you shouldn’t miss while you’re in the Forest of Dean, make it Symonds Yat Rock. High above the River Wye, the viewpoint looks down over the famous horseshoe bend in the river and across the wooded valley beyond. It’s one of those places where it’s worth putting the camera away for a minute and simply taking in the view.

Don’t make the mistake of treating it as a quick stop, though. There are several walking trails starting from the viewpoint, from a gentle woodland wander to longer routes that take you down towards the river. If you’re feeling energetic, the route towards Biblins Bridge takes you through the woodland and down to the Wye, with the option of crossing back on the hand ferry at Symonds Yat East. Check that both the ferry and Biblins Bridge are operating before you set off.

It’s also a good place for wildlife spotting. Bring your binoculars and look towards the cliffs for peregrine falcons, which nest in the rocks around Symonds Yat. You may also spot other birds of prey as you watch the valley below.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head down to Symonds Yat East for something to eat. The Saracens Head Inn sits beside the river and has a riverside beer garden, making it a particularly appealing place to stop after a walk.

Our tip: allow at least half a day rather than simply driving up for the viewpoint. Take a walk, watch the river, have lunch and give yourself time to enjoy the fact that you’re somewhere rather special.

Plan a day out

There are plenty of ways to spend a few hours in the Forest of Dean when you fancy doing something a little different from walking and cycling. Some are wonderfully atmospheric, others give you a glimpse into the area’s history, and a few are particularly handy when the weather isn’t on your side.

For woodland magic, head to Puzzlewood. Follow the winding paths through ancient woodland, past moss-covered rocks, bridges and narrow gorges. It’s easy to see why the place has inspired stories and featured on screen, but you don’t need to be interested in its filming history to enjoy it. The woodland itself is the attraction, and it’s particularly atmospheric on a misty or drizzly day.

For something completely different, go underground at Clearwell Caves. The former iron-ore workings take you beneath the forest, where you can explore the caverns and learn more about the mining that helped shape the area. It’s a fascinating way to discover a side of the Forest of Dean that you simply won’t see from the woodland trails above.

For butterflies and a touch of the tropics, visit the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. At Symonds Yat West, you can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a warm tropical environment. There’s also a maze and miniature golf, making it easy to spend a few hours here rather than treating it as a quick stop. It’s also a useful option for a rainy afternoon.

To understand the story of the Forest, visit the Dean Heritage Centre. Its galleries explore the history of the Forest of Dean and the people who have lived and worked here, giving you a better understanding of the landscape you’re exploring. There’s also a woodland trail and café, so you can combine a little local history with time outside.

Or take the slower route on the Dean Forest Railway. Hop aboard a steam or heritage diesel train and travel through the forest between Lydney and Parkend. It’s a lovely way to see the landscape without having to walk or cycle it, while the railway itself is part of the area’s industrial story.

Our tip: don’t try to fit them all in. Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves make a good combination for a day exploring the southern Forest, while the Butterfly Zoo works particularly well alongside a visit to Symonds Yat. Pick the experience that appeals most and leave yourself time for lunch or a wander rather than turning the day into a checklist.

Where to stay in the Forest of Dean

After a day exploring the woodland, cycling through the forest or spending time on the Wye, where you stay can become part of the experience too. We’ve picked three very different Forest of Dean stays, depending on how you want to spend your time here.

For getting closer to the trees: Hudnalls Hideout

If being surrounded by woodland is the whole point of your trip, a treehouse is hard to beat. The Hudnalls Hideout puts you right among the trees, giving you the chance to wake up surrounded by nature and enjoy the forest at a slower pace. It’s the kind of stay where you might find yourself spending more time enjoying the setting than following a packed itinerary.

For a celebration with friends: Mill End

With space for up to 40 guests, Mill End is a large party house made for getting a crowd together. Its relaxed, boho feel makes it particularly well suited to hen dos, birthday celebrations and parties, giving everyone a place to stay together rather than splitting the group between separate accommodation. Spend the day exploring the Forest of Dean, then come back to the house and carry on the celebrations.

For a little post-adventure pampering: The Barn at Roost Retreats

After a day spent walking, cycling or exploring the Wye, The Barn at Roost Retreats gives you every excuse to stay put for the rest of the evening. With a sauna, hot tub and outdoor bath, it has more of a private spa feel, making it particularly appealing if relaxation is just as important as exploring.

Whichever style of break appeals to you, these stays show just how varied accommodation in the Forest of Dean can be – from a treehouse in the woodland to a country house made for celebrating with a crowd or a private spa-style retreat to come back to.

Explore our Forest of Dean accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Forest of Dean good for a weekend break?

Yes. The Forest of Dean works particularly well for a short break because there’s plenty to do without needing to plan every minute. You can spend a day walking or cycling through the forest, explore the River Wye, visit places such as Puzzlewood or Clearwell Caves, and still have time to enjoy your accommodation. It’s equally easy to have a slower weekend with a couple of outings and plenty of time simply enjoying the woodland and countryside.

What is there to do in the Forest of Dean if it rains?

A little rain doesn’t have to put an end to your plans. Clearwell Caves and the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo both offer indoor experiences, while the Dean Heritage Centre provides an opportunity to discover more about the history of the Forest. The Dean Forest Railway is another option for a day out, and there are plenty of cafés and pubs where you can take shelter for a leisurely lunch.

Is the Forest of Dean dog friendly?

The Forest of Dean is a great destination for a dog-friendly break, with plenty of woodland paths and trails to explore together. Do check the guidance for individual locations before setting out, as some attractions have their own rules and dogs may need to be kept under control around wildlife and livestock. If you’re bringing your dog, choosing dog-friendly accommodation with easy access to the forest can make the whole break simpler.

When is the best time to visit the Forest of Dean?

There’s no single best time – each season gives the forest a different character. Spring brings fresh growth and woodland flowers, summer is ideal for longer days outdoors and time on the River Wye, while autumn brings some of the most striking colour to the trees. Winter can be particularly peaceful, with quieter trails and the chance to return to a cosy cabin or cottage after a day outside.

Do you need a car to explore the Forest of Dean?

Having a car makes it considerably easier to explore the wider Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, particularly if you want to combine different walks, attractions and viewpoints during your stay. Some areas are accessible by public transport, but if you’re planning to visit several places during a short break, driving gives you much more flexibility.