The Forest of Dean is one of these places where you will never run out of things to do. With the border between Wales and England running right through the middle, you can experience the best of both countries all in one weekend! I’ve compiled this list of adventurous things to do in the Forest of Dean, as well as some accommodation and food recommendations, so you can get planning your trip!
1 – Race the trails by mountain bike
The forest is full of epic mountain bike trails. There are easier slopes suitable for beginners and table-top drops for the more experienced. If you head to PedalABikeAway, they can provide full gear hire and even arrange guided trails and coaching.
2 – Explore underground caves
Caving is one of the most fun experiences I have ever tried! Exploring the many underground caves, you’ll feel a world away from everything going on at the surface. Clearwell Caves offer knowledgeable and safe guided tours. I’ve written a thorough guide of what to expect here.
3 – Or reach for sky on the high ropes
If you’d rather avoid underground, why not head up high? Work your way through the tree tops on a high ropes course from Forest of Dean Adventure. You’ll be testing your own skills and bravery while getting a wonderful birds eye view of the forest!
3 – Paddle down the rivers
When you’re looking for things to do in the Forest of Dean, you can’t ignore the amazing water options! The crew at Inspire2Adventure offer a multitude of activities so you can explore the area by water. Open canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or even gorge walking – there is something for everyone. They have two locations, on the River Wye and in the Forest of Dean (both not far from each other).
4 – Explore the magical Puzzlewood Forest
For a more relaxed adventure by foot, make sure to wander around Puzzlewood Forest. This magical place is ful of winding pathways, mystical bridges and the bright green flora. It is a wonder that has jumped straight out the pages of a novel. It could be the home for magnificent fairies or huge giants. It has even been the set for many films and tv series over the years (Merlin fans will be able to spot a certain famous home).
5 – Try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting
An activity many don’t think about trying, but one that I had an absolute blast with (pun not intended). Dave at DBC Leisure was a great instructor, explaining information and safety about the guns, as well as plenty tips and techniques to try. A great activity for the whole family.
Food and Drink
You’ve figured out the things to do in the Forest of Dean – but where will you keep yourself fuelled and quenched?
The lovely Green and Jenks is a bit of a tardis cafe, serving lunches, afternoon tea and, most importantly: award-winning gelato. A perfect post-adventure treat if you ask me.
Adventurers love a bit of pub grub, and The Farmers Boy Inn is where you need to be. The relaxed pub setting is ideal for unwinding,but the food is fare more than you would expect fro your standard boozer. Think cheese souffle, flaky cod and home-made apple crumble. There’s locally brewed beers and ciders too, because nothing tastes better after a big day out than a freshly poured pint.
And if there’s a big group of you, why not consider arranging a hog roast? The family-run Forest of Dean Hog Roast Company cater with delicious hog roast banquets, from pigs reared on their own farm. They cater for small groups or large events, and also have a pizzeria option!
Accommodation
I mentioned Puzzlewood Forest above – but there are also beautiful self-catered farm cottages on right next to it too! Puzzlewood Patch feels like a home away from home, and allows you to explore the forest and say hi to the farm animals during your down time. The owner Helen is wonderful and will really help you settle in to these lovely homes.
Another wonderful self-catering cottage option is Hot Pot Pottery. Not only do they have comfortable cottage steadings to rest your head, they also host pottery classes!
Both of these accommodation options will give you a cosy spot to rest your head, as well as even more things to do in the Forest of Dean!
I visited the Forest of Dean on an incredible bloggers weekend through Outdoor Bloggers. It was a wonderful opportunity to try some new activities and get to know the local (ice cream) scoop. It’s on my list to visit again some day!
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