Forest of Dean

From eTripTips Wiki

The Forest of Dean [1] is a 110 square kilometer ancient woodland in the West Country region of England.

[edit] Understand

The Forest of Dean is one of the United Kingdom's most impressive forests, offering spectacular scenery throughout the year - whether it's bluebells in spring or the rich colours of oak in the Autumn.

[edit] History

Mining in the forest goes back before Roman times. Also the Forest of Dean used to be the elite Hunting Forest for Royalty.

[edit] Landscape

Great scenery all around the main forest area comprising of lots of hills and trees.

[edit] Flora and fauna

Bluebells and daffodils in the Spring, rich colors in the Autumn.

[edit] Get in

From the South come in on the M4 and cross over the river Severn on the Severn Bridge (M48). From the north come down the M5

[edit] Fees/Permits

If you go for fishing then you will need a permit.

[edit] Get around

There is a train route from Chepstow to Lydney, and also the Dean Forest Railway which runs from Lydney to Whitehead. Due to its semi-rural location there is a limited bus service in most parts of the area, and a car would be a much quicker means of transport. Gloucestershire Tourism provides a Royal Forest Site which shows a touring route around the Forest of Dean, taking in all the major attractions.

[edit] See

The Speech House walk is well worth to see for sculptures deep inside the Forest. Clearwell Caves are ancient Iron mines estimated to be worked for over 8,000 years and is worth a look into. Lydney Park is worth a visit to see some Roman ruins. Great Western Railway Museum (Coleford) is excellent for steam buffs.

[edit] Do

Depends on what you fancy, lots of pubs in the Forest of Dean, some nice restaurants.

[edit] Buy

No city centre in the Forest of Dean, only Market towns and villages in this district so not a great place to go shopping.

[edit] Eat

Lots of nice restaurants and also good quality pub meals.

[edit] Drink

Local ale is still made in the Forest of Dean for 'Real Ale' fans. The Freeminer brewery produce several different unique beers.

[edit] Sleep

Not known

[edit] Lodging

Not known

[edit] Camping

There are several camping sites in the area best to check with the tourism board for the best and facilities etc.

[edit] Backcountry

Not known

[edit] Stay safe

High crime area with unsolved gang murders being a particular problem. Has been nicknamed 'the wild west' and also 'mad max country' so be warned.

Where does this info come from? - I have lived in the forest for 25 years and have never been aware of any 'gang murders'. It is not a high crime area.

[edit] Get out

The nearest cities are Bristol and Newport, both within 30 minutes drive. Gloucester is actually closer (about a 20 minutes drive), but it is a much smaller city.