Delve underground and discover the ancient caves of Clearwell; designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this extensive natural cave system dates to the beginning of the Bronze Age. It is now possible to venture further into the atmospheric mine system and experience deep level caving activities. Not for the faint hearted, the adventure takes you 200ft underground, crawling through narrow passageways and scrambling over rocks. Alternatively, you can appreciate the caves with your feet firmly above ground in the mining museum.
Take a magical journey through Puzzlewood, an enchanting ancient woodland with a maze of winding pathways through gulleys of mossy rocks and twisted tree roots. It is easy to see why this is alleged to have been the inspiration behind JRR Tolkien’s fabled forests of Middle Earth. You might also recognise the scenery from popular television dramas including Dr Who, Merlin and Atlantis.
PuzzlewoodEnjoy a family day out at Symonds Yat with its magnificent limestone outcrop, and appreciate the outstanding views across the Wye Valley. Between April and August, it is often possible to witness a pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the cliff side. Popular activities in the area include canoeing down the rapids, scenic boat trips, oriental gardens to explore and a maze to get wondrously lost in.
Besides the numerous trails that can be explored by foot, by bike or on horseback in the Royal Forest of Dean, there is an additional relaxing way to take in the scenery. The Dean Forest Railway travels through five stations with plenty of time to explore the local area, visit a country pub or venture down to the Severn estuary to explore Lydney Harbour with its breath-taking views across the Severn.
“Enchanting woodland, breath-taking views over the Wye Valley and adventure await…”
Discover Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire, standing high on a rocky sandstone outcrop overlooking the River Wye. It is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles and promises a great day out for everyone with its regular historical events throughout the year.
For some retail therapy head to the historic market town of Ross-on-Wye with its timbered Tudor houses, delightful riverside walks and a selection of welcoming pubs and restaurants. The charming town of Chepstow in Monmouthshire, ‘the entrance to Wales’, is also a short drive away with its celebrated racecourse and an array of independent shops. Chepstow Castle, built on rock above the River Wye, was begun in the Norman period and is the oldest surviving stone-built castle in Britain.
With so much natural beauty to discover nearby, browse our collection Ellwood cottages and start planning your adventures.