Whether you are into forest or floatation tank bathing or more active adventures like paddle-boarding or mountain biking, the Forest of Dean is full of amazing pleasures to discover. You can visit the historic Tintern Abbey, Chepstow, Goodrich or Raglan castles or get down to earth with some foraging (a guide can be arranged – ask us for details). Wander from Nuthatch for a picnic by a stream in the forest (a rug can be provided on request). Here are some select activities in the area.

Relaxation and Wellbeing

Float in the Forest - Float effortlessly on the surface of water and experience the deepest relaxation you’ll ever feel. Add some immersive light therapy to the experience too for added wonder and a meditative experience.
Just Be Therapies - Swedish & deep tissue massage and facials in a lovely therapy space from the lovely Beth.
Vigor8 Reflexology- calming & restorative treatments from another lovely Beth! Great for peri-menopause and general relaxation.
Freedom Yoga and Relaxation - One-to-one sessions, group classes and yoga therapy from the experienced, compassionate and kind Carolyn.
St Anthony’s Well - Ancient sacred spring (take a bottle to fill) and stone plunge pool (pack a cossie) for this cold water therapy amongst the trees. Featured in Countryfile’s list of best wild swimming spots in Britain.
The Garden Retreat - A lovely team at this health and beauty setting in Lydney - many treatments available.

Cycling, walking and other adventures

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel - Experience e-bike or nature safaris, foraging, creative days as well as lovely food and afternoon teas.
Peddle a Bike Away - Well equipped bike hire, bike shop and cafe based at the Cannop Cycle Centre - the gateway to The Colliers Cycle trail.
Dean forest cycles - Bike hire in Parkend.
Wye Bikes - E-bike and kids bike hire (bikes can be delivered to Nuthatch).
Beechenhurt walks and cycle paths, cafe & Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Free but parking costs.
RSPB Nagsdead Reserve - See pied flycatchers and redstarts in Spring & all 3 British woodpecker species.
Woorgreens Nature reserve - A wonderful place to spot bird life, dragonflies and damselflies. Conservation grazing means you may also come across Exmoor ponies, highland cattle or Hebridean sheep all roaming free amongst the forest and woodland paths.
Inspire2Adventure - Guided canoe trips, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and gorge scrambling.
Go Ape - High wire adventures or Segways by Mallards Pike lake. Go Ape for kids is at Beechenhurst.
Borderlands Outdoor - Caving, climbing, bushcraft, archery and other outdoor activities
Lydney Park Estate Gardens - Roman Temple and rhododendrons galore. Open on select days in the spring.
Court Farm Lakes - Wild Swimming, SUP Yoga and Retreat days at this lovely spot with a little cafe.
Swim Wild Wye - Wild Swimming in the river Wye.
Dean Forest Railway - Train rides and experience on a 4.5 mile heritage line running amongst woodland and countryside.

Creativity and plants

Bird’s Pottery - Potter’s wheel tasters, workshops, private sessions and a fantastic paint your own studio with monthly Friday BYO sessions.
Wye Valley Flowers - Flower Farm; growing, floristry and seasonal flower workshops and courses, plus flower shop run by the lovely Jo Thompson.
Chris Lewis Jewellery Design - Jewellery-making workshops and bespoke commissions
Harts Barn Cookery School - Cookery experiences.
Taurus Crafts - Creativity, crafts, cafe and shopping plus Coinros Garden Centre (good value).
Leaf Creative - Wonderful garden centre with good cafe set amongst lovely mature planting inside and out. Events and pop-ups too.
Rachel Shilston - Craft workshops, Mosaics and more.
Wye Valley Sculpture garden - 3 acres of garden on the wooden slopes of the AONB.
Eastnor Pottery - creative and fun potter's wheel experiences from their idyllic studio on the Eastnor Castle estate.
Yat Pottery - ceramics and painting lessons in the heart of Ross-on-Wye

Food and drink

Post. - Brand new wine bar and bottleshop opening in nearby Newnham-on-Severn offering seasonal small plates.
Hips Social - Fantastic family-run cafe serving great coffee, brunch, burritos, salads, burgers and sweet treats.
Hips Harbourside - Little sister of the above serving toasties, coffees, cake and ice-cream, down by Lydney Harbour.
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel - high-end hotel restaurant with relaxed and friendly vibe. Great for a nice meal or just afternoon tea and tasty chips.
The Globe - Good quality, classic pub grub with consistently good service and a size-able beer garden. Family-friendly too.
Railway Tandoori at the Railway Inn - local pub with in-house tandoori if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine.
The Speech House Hotel - Formal and casual dining at a 17th Century hunting lodge in the middle of the forest.
The George in Newnham - community-run cafe serving light lunches, cake and coffee plus bakery, pop-up events, exhibitions in the gallery.
Severn & Wye Smokery - high-end fish restaurant serving breakfast in the cafe, lunch and dinner in upstairs restaurant and a take-away street food van on Fridays & Saturdays. Plus fish counter, deli and homewares.
Forest Deli - Award-winning cheese shop and deli from a knowledgeable husband-and-wife team sharing local, delicious delights.
Hanley Farm Shop - more local produce, cheese and deli counter plus cafe with good standard fare.

Leaf Creative cafe (see above)

Venues for Weddings and Events

Naas Court Farm - Beautiful contemporary Wedding Barn licensed for ceremonies, nestled between River Severn and the Forest of Dean (5mins).
St Tewdrics House - Award winning 19th Century Italianate Villa just over the border in Wales, set in 10 acres of idyllic countryside (20mins).
Pauntley Court - Stunning country house and gardens for intimate weddings and retreats and the birthplace of Dick Whittington! (35mins)