The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley boast a rich heritage that reflects centuries of history and culture. Once a royal hunting forest, the Forest of Dean has a storied past as a source of timber for ships and buildings, as well as coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre, and limestone. Archaeological studies reveal that coal use dates back to Roman times, while the area's history stretches even further back to Mesolithic times, with remains of megalithic monuments testifying to its ancient past.

As one of England's few surviving ancient woodlands, a significant portion of the Forest of Dean was reserved for royal hunting before 1066. It remained the second-largest crown forest in England for centuries. The Speech House Hotel, built in 1682, served as the venue for the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech." Today, visitors can still dine in the historic Verderers Court, a testament to the forest's enduring legacy.

Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean

In recent years, the Forest of Dean has experienced a resurgence thanks to tourism. This influx has helped preserve many important sites for future generations. Attractions like Clearwell Caves, with its ancient pickaxe marks, and Hopewell Colliery, which offers underground mine tours, provide a glimpse into the area's mining heritage. Monuments to fallen miners in towns and forests, museums like the Dean Heritage Centre, old railway lines and bridges now repurposed as cycle paths and footbridges, and the steam trains of the Dean Forest Railway all contribute to the region's unique charm and historical significance.

Clearwell Caves

The Wye Valley, regarded as the birthplace of British tourism and the Industrial Revolution, is steeped in history. With more castles than any other area in the UK, it boasts a strong legacy of conflict, defence, religion, and craftsmanship. Historic sites such as Tintern Abbey, Goodrich Castle, Monnow Bridge, and Offa's Dyke offer a wealth of heritage to explore. The valley's beauty often belies the strategic importance of these fortifications, but features like arrow slits, cannons, and dungeons serve as poignant reminders of their historical roles.

Tintern Abbey

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are living museums of Britain's rich past, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the legacy that makes this region so special.