Make the most of your trip, by planning some interesting activities during the evening.

Most of us on Group Holidays tend to spend the evenings in with friends and family wining and dining or maybe at the local pub enjoying a bit of social time with the locals but for those who fancy something a bit different here’s three ideas for you to consider, all within easy striking distance of our Group Holiday Homes.

Night time Photography

If you’re a keen photographer wanting to upskill and fancy your hand at something new David Broadbent is leading a Dark Skies Photography course at Humble by Nature a farm owned by TV presenter Kate Humble. Participants learn techniques for capturing images in low light. If it is a clear night, the focus will be on the moon and stars – what else? In cloudy weather, David teaches light painting (outlining objects with torches), and the effects of wire wool and sparklers. He also offers one-on-one tuition (£125pp). The venue is just a short drive from 2 of our self catering group holiday homes, Highcloud Farm and Orchard House

Night time Mountain Biking

I’d always thought that mountain biking was an activity confined to daylight hours. How wrong I was. Apparently, there’s nothing quite like hammering down a wooded trail lit only by a head torch and a bike lamp so for all you daredevils out there. Night mountain biking rides are offered by Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre in the Cannop Valley for proficient mountain bikers (last Thursday of the month, 6-8.30pm, pedalabikeaway.co.uk, click on “events”). For the princely sum of £8 you can get a beer or cider and a curry as well. Even better, it's just a 10 minute cycle ride from River Wye Lodge and The Anchor our lovely group accommodation in Lydbrook

Night time Guided Walks

For the more sedate among us there’s always Nighttime Guided walks where rangers lead activities including night-vision walks. In the Forest of Dean, ranger Gerry O’Brien runs 90-minute Night Walks, where guests use bat scanners and infrared scopes to spot wildlife such as fallow, muntjac and roe deer, hedgehogs, tawny owls and wild boar (£12pp, over-11s). If you’re staying at Hollytree House in Symonds Yat on one of our group holidays and fancy a change this could be just what you need.

Don’t forget, if you’re staying in one of our Big House Holiday Lets and the idea of a group activity in the Forest of Dean or Wye Valley appeals to you, make sure you talk to one of our staff on 01600 732050 and we’ll see what we can help you arrange. It’s what we’re here for.