Top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, on the border between England and Wales, is a perfect destination for a long weekend. Come here to enjoy walks and relax, away from busy everyday life. Here are my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

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How to get to and around the top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

To fully enjoy my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, I’d recommend having a car for your trip. Public transport in this area is limited, especially if you want to visit some of the more remote, scenic areas. Having your own car will give you the freedom to explore as much as you want. Also, if you’re doing a walk, you can take your time and not be worrying about getting back for public transport.

I’d recommend getting this walk book (affiliate) to give you some ideas of things to do in this area, including the best places to park for the walks. My top 12 things to do include some walks from this book, as well as some other ideas.

1. Enjoy relaxing walks through the Forest of Dean

The first of my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is to enjoy some relaxing walks in nature. The Forest of Dean is a beautiful place with a huge number of walks for all abilities. Check out the walk book above for some ideas for walks, from short morning strolls to full-day hikes. I love walking through the trees, listening to the birds sing, and seeing what other wildlife I can spot. The trees also provide great shelter, from both sun and rain, so you can walk here all year round. It’s a great chance to step away from busy everyday life and enjoy some time in nature.

2. Go canoeing on the River Wye

Another fun thing to do when visiting the River Wye is to spend some time on the river. There are several places that offer canoe hire for days of half-days, such as this company here. Canoeing is easy, and you don’t need any special skills. But be prepared that you might crash into the river bank occasionally! On a sunny day it’s just beautiful to be on the river, leaving all the stresses of everyday life behind you.

3. Step into a fairytale in Puzzlewood

Another of my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is to visit the magical world of Puzzlewood. This vast expanse of woodland is like stepping into a fairytale world. You can just image goblins and fairies hiding in the mossy rocks and branches, watching you as you explore. Puzzlewood has been used in several films as well. It’s a great place to spend a few hours.

4. Relax in a hot tub in a Forest Holiday Lodge

To make your trip to the Forest of Dean extra relaxing, I’d recommend staying in a Forest Holiday Lodge with a hot tub. The lodges are in a great location to explore the forest, with loads of walks within a short drive. After a day out exploring the scenery, you can treat yourself with some hot tub time. The Forest Lodges all have their own private hot tub, so you can relax with a drink after a long walk. It’s just so relaxing, and a perfect way to unwind and relax.

5. Look at wildflowers in springtime

Spring is my favourite time of year to visit the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. I just love seeing the forest come to life after the long, cold winter. As well as birds singing, I love seeing the wildflowers. Bluebells and wild garlic both come out in May, which add some beautiful colours to your woodland walks.

6. Visit Goodrich Castle

Learn more about the history of this part of the UK with a visit to Goodrich Castle. Dating back to the medieval times, the castle ruins give a great insight into how life used to be. There’s plenty to see in the castle, including steps down into the dungeon, and also a chance to climb up and walk along the castle walls. The views from the castle are also beautiful as well. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two.

7. Enjoy the view and walks from Symonds Yat

Another of my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is to enjoy the view and walks from Symonds Yat. This is one of the most famous points in the area, and there are several well-marked walks from the car park. Check out the walks on the website here. I chose the 4 mile Mailscot Wood trail, which goes past a great viewpoint over the forest and River Wye. The trail is really well-signposted so you won’t risk getting lost, and can just focus on the beautiful forest views.

8. Relax by Mallard Pike lake

Mallard Pike Lake is a beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, and another great place for a walk with some variety. I just loved the reflections on the lake on a still day. The lake is fairly small so it doesn’t take long to walk around, but there are plenty of other footpaths around to extend your walk.

9. Walk around the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Another of my favourite walks in the Forest of Dean is the Sculpture Trail. It starts from Beechenhurt, which is a great hub in the Forest of Dean. The trail is well-signposted, and you walk past 16 sculptures. Some of them are fairly small, but others are amazing. My favourite was the Cathedral towards the end of the walk. I just loved the stained glass window that caught the light in between the trees. Another of my favourites was the badger, which was towards the beginning of the walk. It was a lovely 4 mile forest walk, with the added interest of the sculptures along the way.

10. Visit Clearwell Caves

Clearwell Caves are really cool to explore, and a great thing to do if the weather is a bit rainy. I always find caves fascinating. It’s a whole underground world that is so different from everything on the surface. It’s just amazing what nature can create. Just be aware that Clearwell Caves isn’t open all year round, so it’s best to check out their website here before you visit to check opening times.

11. Fly high on a Go Ape course

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try an adventure high up in the tree tops. There’s a Go Ape course at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean. It’s a series of high ropes and zip lines, with lots of climbing, balancing and jumping involved. You’ll need to be ok with heights to fully enjoy the experience, as well as have a decent level of fitness as it’s a fairly physically demanding activity. But it’s great fun, I’d definitely recommend it!

12. Visit Clearwell Castle

The last of my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is to visit Clearwell Castle. This castle tucked away in the Forest of Dean. It’s not open to the public, but you can contact them to arrange to look around. The castle is lovely, with ornate rooms. And the gardens are beautiful, especially in the springtime when the wild flowers are coming out. It’s such a romantic castle, and a perfect ending to a relaxing break in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Enjoy my top 12 things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley! Remember to check out this book to help you plan your walks in the area (affiliate). If you’re looking for more beautiful scenery in the UK, why not check out the nearby beaches of the Gower Peninsula in Wales, or beautiful North Devon. There are also some lovely walks and places to relax in the nearby Cotswolds and Wiltshire.