2025 Forest of Dean District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

A 12 km/7.5 mile walk with my local rambling group in the autumn of 2024. The changing colour of the trees in the fall is a joy to behold. Popular with mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers this walk takes you through both deciduous and evergreen woodland. You will also pass Parkend railway station part of the Dean Forest Heritage Railway. Recommended reading.'Ode to Autumn' by John Keats🍁We no longer use the word fall in UK English but it is aptly named to describe the falling of the leaves from the trees. More commonly used in US English.

Running along the route of the former Wye Valley Railway the greenway offers cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users a safe and sustainable link between Wyedean School, Sedbury & Chepstow to the picturesque village of Tintern, via the spectacular 1km Tidenham Tunnel. These images cover the route as far as the entrance to Tidenham Tunnel. Return to Chepstow via the Gloucestershire Way or alternatively you can follow Offas Dyke National trail. The former is easier and offers a more gentle walking experience. The latter involves a a few ascents and descents if I remember rightly so be advised that in places the walk can be strenuous. Not recommended for beginners or those with little or no hiking experience. Signposted and well way marked but it is always best to take a good map. Open 1st April to the 30th September. For further information check the Wye Valley Greenway website.

Quite possibly the strangest museum I’ve ever come across in my life, the crime museum in little dean. We stumbled across this while driving through Forest of Dean and honestly had no idea what we were about to step into. Based in the tiny little dean jail this museum of crime has so many things in one it’s hard to know where to start. Mainly focused on the history of the jail itself it also covers witchcraft, corporal punishment and various historical eras itself. The building itself and grounds are beautiful and the prison building has been very well maintained. The forecourt has lots of information and displays and is well organised, inside can be quite overwhelming and cluttered - there is an overload of information available. So you’re not going to be able to see and read everything - more browse the area you have an interest in. The museum is cash only! So if you want to go make sure you have cash, if not the local village has an ATM but it charges for withdrawals! It’s £10 entry per adult, children are allowed but I wouldn’t recommend it as the inside can be quite graphic! #westerneurope #museums #traveling #travel #thingstodo #quirky #Strange #england #niche #Forrestofdean

#uktrip #myhiddengems #localguides #familytrip Tucked away in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is a mystical, enchanting woodland that feels straight out of a fairy tale. With its twisted, gnarled trees, moss-covered rocks, and winding pathways, this ancient forest has inspired countless stories and has even been the filming location for blockbuster movies like “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.” Walking through Puzzlewood is like stepping into another world—one filled with hidden nooks and crannies, secret caves, and curious rock formations that fire up the imagination. The paths at Puzzlewood meander through a labyrinth of deep ravines and over wooden bridges, leading you to discover a new surprise at every turn. The forest floor is carpeted with lush ferns, and the air is filled with the earthy scent of moss and leaves. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, creating dappled patterns on the ground and enhancing the magical atmosphere. Puzzlewood is not just a visual feast; it’s also a sensory experience that transports you back in time. The woodlands date back over 2,000 years and are believed to have once been an ancient iron ore mine. Today, they offer a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape into nature and explore a place where history and fantasy meet. Ideal for families, hikers, and anyone with a love for the mysterious, Puzzlewood invites you to lose yourself in its enchanting embrace.