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Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Newnham is an ideal place from which to explore the ancient forests that cover miles of undulating countryside between the rivers Severn and Wye. For centuries these woodlands have provided coal, timber, charcoal and game. Today the area is increasingly popular as a tourist destination and, as well as other attractions, walkers follow the many miles of woodland paths throughout the year to enjoy seasonal splendours including bluebells and the spectacular autumn foliage. www.wyedeantourism.co.uk Clearwell Caves – Ancient Iron Mines dating back more than 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. Includes caverns to explore, shop, tea room and ample parking. Recently featured as one of the locations in BBC's Dr Who series. www.clearwellcaves.com Puzzlewood – Formerly open iron workings. Winding paths through this ancient and exceptionally beautiful woodland with its unusual rock formations are said to have been the inspiration for J R Tolkien's Middle Earth forest in “The Lord of the Rings”. Site includes shop, tea room and picnic and parking areas. www.puzzlewood.net Lydney Park Estate A place of tranquil beauty in spring and summer, with woodland, lakes, shrubs and mature trees. Roman Temple and museum plus picnic area in the Deer Park or cream teas in the main house. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Taurus Crafts – Lydney Park Estate. Shopping with a difference from an organic market garden, plant nursery and organic delicatessen to design-led gifts of jewellery, clothes, toys and crafts - some created in a pottery studio and other workshops. The site includes a popular wholefood café and free parking. www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Model Village A miniature world depicting the past and present of the Forest of Dean with some added myth and magic. www.forest-model-village.co.uk Little Dean Hall With its 17th century Jacobean façade it is said this is possibly Britain's oldest and most haunted lived-in house. The grounds contain a restored Roman temple and also Littledean Jail This former jail house, courthouse and police station is home to a privately owned “Crime through Time Collection”. The building is surrounded by an 18 ft high solid stone wall with a portcullis style gatehouse entrance. Of additional interest, the world's largest “Quadrophenia” collection is also held at this location. www.littledeanjail.com Westbury Court Late 17th century Dutch style water garden. Formal garden with geometric flowerbeds and clipped hedges. Dean Forest Railways Nostalgia for days gone by are captured on this local steam railway. www.deanforestrailway.co.uk Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure Narrow gauge steam railway with unlimited rides plus various activities for children. Open from Easter www.perrygrove.co.uk Goodrich Castle This ruin with its 12th century keep is set on a red sandstone bluff overlooking the river Wye. What remains is very much how the castle was left by Oliver Cromwell in 1646 including chapel, battlements and many small rooms providing much to explore. The castle's prominent location has amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Entrance to the castle is via the café/gift shop adjacent to the car park. www.goodrichcastle.co.uk Symonds Yat Magnificent views of the river Wye and surrounding countryside can be seen from Symonds Yat Rock situated on a wooded limestone cliff top (site includes car park and cafeteria) Below lies the village of Symonds Yat on the bank of the river which is also a year-round visitor attraction, including the aMazing Hedge Puzzle (www.mazes.co.uk), a Heritage Centre and man-powered rope ferry across the river. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo See the complete life cycle of the butterfly and discover their unique survival strategies. Wildlife shop with more information and gifts. Open all year. www.butterflyzoo.co.uk Dean Heritage Centre Housed in a mill the museum contains a history of the Forest and its industrial past whilst the surrounding woodland reveals how free miners, charcoal burners and other cottage dwellers lived. www.deanheritagemuseum.com |
