Attractions in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The cottage is well situated for exploring the whole of the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley, the Severn Estuary and the Vale of Leadon. For slightly further expeditions there are the Welsh Mountains, the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds.

The forest is ideal for strolling or serious walking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, pot holing, climbing, abseiling, horse riding and many more activities too numerous to mention.

We would suggest you follow our links for further information:
www.wyedeantourism.co.uk
www.visitforestofdean.co.uk
           
CINDERFORD was within the original Royal hunting forest and later grew around the mining industry. There are many historic sites to be found around this area and the old rail routes and industrial areas are now developed into scenic walks and cycle tracks. The Linear Park with ponds and extensive wildlife is overlooked by our cottage and only a short walk away. St. John’s Church is next to the local shop almost opposite the cottage. In the town there is the refurbished Palace Cinema and many shops and restaurants. On the outskirts of the town is Steam Mills lake for fishing, Littledean Jail "Crime through Time Museum" and Soudley Ponds with the Dean Heritage Museum.

WALKING – Numerous walks for all abilities taking in spectacular views and wildlife. A Sculture Trail begins at the nearby Beechenhurst Visitors Centre.

BIRD WATCHING – See the Peregrine Falcons at Symonds Yat, Goshawks at New Fancy or visit the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve. Also less than an hour away is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge.

CYCLING – Whether you prefer gently cycling on marked tracks to enjoy the area or serious mountain biking you can find it all in the Forest and the tracks can be accessed from Linear Park. Bikes can be hired at the nearby cycle centre.
www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk

ACTIVITIES – Go Ape, canoe hire, caving and potholing, off road driving, horse riding and many more.
www.active.visitforestofdean.co.uk

SEVERN & WYE RIVERS – fishing, canoeing and ferry trips or just stroll along the river banks. Also your visit may co-inside with one of the spectacular Severn bores.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT - There are many pubs, restaurants and tea rooms using local produce, local food and drink producers, music festivals and theatres within striking distance. There are also many craft and visitors centres to explore such as Harts Barn and Beechenhurst.
Some links below but we provide many more leaflets and suggestions with our welcome information in the cottage.
Royal Forest Inn
The Ship Inn
Bluebell Restaurant
Old Dairy Tearoom
The Three Choirs Festival (the oldest music festival in Europe)

MUSEUMS & HISTORY – Dean Heritage Museum, Littledean Jail, Clearwell Caves, Dean Forest Railway, Gloucester Docks and more …..