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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Brook Cottage, Kedington, Suffolk

Kedington

in the county of Suffolk

Pictures of The Royal Forest of Dean

in the county of Gloucestershire

About The Royal Forest of Dean

The Royal Forest of Dean is sandwiched between the borders of England and Wales, it covers some 35,000 acres of spectacular countryside through which flow the rivers Severn and Wye. It is one of Gloucestershire's chief tourist attractions, as well as being one of the oldest Royal forests in England. It was once a hunting ground for Saxon kings.

The forest has a seriously beautiful landscape, dotted with picturesque "forest" villages and little town's. There are old churches and ruins to be discovered and visitors can explore the places were the old, industries of the forest once existed. By the time of the 14th-century the town of Mitcheldean had become a noted centre for ironmaking, pin and wiremaking. Later, in the 20th-century it was the home of Rank Xerox.

Cinderford too, was known for ironmaking, it takes its name from the slag of the early ironworks at the valley bottom, it is now the principle residential town east of the forest. The town is the home of Freeminers Brewery, makers of traditional Ale since 1992. Cinderford occupies a peaceful setting amid a patchwork of fields, farms and studs. Here in a converted corn mill you will find the Dean Heritage Centre which strives to keep alive the history and heritage of the forest. It tells of the natural landscape and character of the forest and its people. With 5 museums, this lively visitor attraction is well worth seeing.

Coleford is the administrative centre of the forest, here there is a thriving community that has existed since the town was first recorded as "Colevorde" in 1275. The centre of the town is dominated by an historic clock tower, its streets show attractive forest properties and it is well worth spending time exploring the several ancient buildings scattered around the town. Nearby are the famous Clearwell Caves, a fascinating visitor attraction with interest for everyone.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is found a short distance from Coleford. The trail is around 3.1/2 miles in distance and shows an exciting range of modern sculpted artwork by noted artists. Visitors to the trail can take waymarked walks and enjoy a picnic in a pretty picnic spot. There is a children's playground. Beechenhurst Lodge offers gifts and refreshments as well as information on the sculptures.

Symmonds Yat has breathtaking views over the Wye Valley, it offers interesting walks for the energetic, and the occasional sighting of nesting Peregrine Falcons.

Offa's Dyke cuts its way through the edge of the forest as it heads towards Monmouth skirting Coleford and Puzzle Wood, and at the opposite edge, close to the banks of the Severn lies Lydney Park with its Arts and Crafts style garden and the remains of a Roman encampment.

The forest has a caravan site, plenty of private homes offering bed and breakfast facilities and some famous hotels. It is extremely attractive to walkers and is a nature lovers paradise. It is good for canoeing and fishing. Railway enthusiasts will find much of interest at the Forest of Dean Railway Museum located near Lydney. A Steam line takes visitors on a journey through lovely forest scenery.

With so much to see and do the Royal Forest of Dean makes an attractive destination for a richly rewarding family holiday, for here in this ancient forest landscape there is truly something for every age.

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Recommended towns & villages near The Royal Forest of Dean

Wooden bridge

Symonds Yat (42 Pictures)

in the county of Herefordshire

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction NW)

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Walford church, Herefordshire

Walford (5 Pictures)

in the county of Herefordshire

(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction NW)

Walford lies in the rural countryside about 4 miles from the old market town of Ross-on-Wye...

Sunset, Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire 2010

Frampton on Severn (61 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Gloucestershire

(7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction E)

An ancient interesting village with a village green surrounded by beautiful half timbered properties..

Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire

Berkeley (29 Pictures)

in the county of Gloucestershire

(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction SE)

The town is mostly Georgian, with the most dominant feature being its centuries old castle, surrounded by buttressed walls which are 14 ft-thick in parts...

Ross on Wye, Herefordshire

Ross-on-Wye (32 Pictures)

in the county of Herefordshire

(8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction N)

Ross-on-Wye is a beautiful market town, with a rising main street culminating at the well worn stone slabs beneath an ancient market house...

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Recommended attractions near The Royal Forest of Dean

Flaxley Abbey, Flaxley, Gloucestershire. - Once a Cistercian Abbey now a private dwelling

Flaxley Abbey (3 Pictures)

(4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction NE)

Flaxley Abbey has a long and illustrious history, it was originally built to house a Cistercian order by Roger, Earl of Hereford.....

Westbury Court Gardens.  A National Trust property in Westbury on Severn, Gloucestershire

Westbury Court Garden (24 Pictures)

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction E)

Only restored Dutch water garden in the country, and reputedly home to England's oldest evergreen oak...

St. Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire

St. Briavels Castle (9 Pictures)

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction SW)

St.Briavels Castle stands in an outstanding scenery high above the River Wye. It is an evocative setting, reminiscent of early.....

Frampton Court Rear

Frampton Court (4 Pictures)

(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction E)

Designed by Bristol architect John Strahan and built between 1731 and 1733, Frampton Court is built from Bath stone in the.....

A picture of Frampton Manor

Frampton Manor (1 Pictures)

(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction E)

This is a magnificent timber frame property dating back to the 12th-century, with alterations from between its inception and the.....


All attractions in Gloucestershire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England