THINGS TO DO

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 (hamper and picnic rug can be provided on request). Here are some select activities in the area.

Dean forest cycles - Bike hire in Parkend - Trail bikes, Mountain bikes & E-bikes for all ages.

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 the spring, all three British woodpecker species in summer and nuthatches in the autumn.

Woorgreens Nature reserve - A wonderful place to spot bird life, dragonflies and damselflies. Sporadic conservation grazing means you may also come across Exmoor ponies, highland cattle or hebridean sheep

Inspire2Adventure - Guided canoe trips, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and gorge scrambling.

St Anthony’s Well - Ancient sacred spring (take a bottle to fill) and stone plunge pool (pack a cossie) GL14 3LQ.

Go Ape - High wire adventures or Segways by Mallards Pike lake, Go Ape for kids at Beechenhurst.

Float in the Forest - Floatation tank therapy.

Just Be Therapies - Swedish & deep tissue massage, facial therapy & electrical facials.

Freedom Yoga and Relaxation - One-to-one sessions, group classes and yoga therapy from experienced, compassionate and kind Carolyn.

Swim Wild Wye - Wild Swimming in the river Wye.

Harts Barn Cookery School - Cookery experiences.

Taurus Crafts - Creativity, crafts and shopping plus Coinros Garden Centre (good value).

Leaf Creative - Wonderful (expensive) garden centre with good cafe.

Rachel Shilston - Craft workshops, Mosaics and more.

Chris Lewis Jewellery Design - Jewellery-making workshops and bespoke commissions

Wye Valley Flowers - Flower Farm, growing and floristry workshops, and flower shop run by the lovely Jo Thompson.

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel - Experience foraging, e-bike safaris and creative days as well as lovely food and afternoon teas from a lovely team.

Lydney Park Estate Gardens - Roman Temple and rhododendrons galore. Open on select days in the spring.

Wye Valley Sculpture garden - 3 acres of garden on the wooden slopes of the AONB.

WITH CHILDREN

Puzzlewood - An ancient woodland site and tourist attraction with family activities. TV & Film location for Star Wars, Merlin etc.

Perrygrove Railway Adventure - Offers visitors multiple train rides alongside extensive play areas, aimed at children under 10.

Beechenhurt - Large playground, Go Ape, archery sessions, Cafe, Zoo Trail & sculpture trail.

Clearwell Caves - A vast natural cave system that has been mined for thousands of years.

Taurus Crafts - Childrens workshops during the holidays.

Krazy Golf Lydney - 15 hole crazy Golf set in an acre of picturesque woodland.

Bathurst Pool - A family friendly Lido that is open in the summer holidays.

Dick Whittington Park - A farm park with softplay, fishing lakes, sensory cottage garden etc.

Why Valley Butterfly Zoo - Is indoors, it’s tropical and it’s teeming with exotic butterflies.

The Dean Heritage Centre - 2mins up the road. Museum showing the heritage and culture of the Forest of Dean.