Easter Things to Do in the Wye Valley
Nestled between the rivers Wye and Severn, the Forest of Dean is an enchanting area in the west of Gloucestershire, England. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife, the region offers a plethora of events and activities catering to all interests. This springtime break is no exception, as the Forest of Dean buzzes with excitement. To help you make the most of your time in this beautiful area, we have compiled a list of events and activities happening over the next couple of weeks. Don't miss out on the fun!
The Puzzlewood Quest - April 1st –ongoing
Explore the ancient woodland of Puzzlewood, an enchanting and mysterious location that has inspired countless authors and filmmakers. This week, embark on the Puzzlewood Quest, a family-friendly adventure that involves solving riddles and deciphering clues scattered throughout the forest. Complete the quest to earn a special prize!
Info & tickets: https://www.puzzlewood.net/
Springtime Steam Extravaganza - April 4th to 6th
The Dean Forest Railway hosts its annual Springtime Steam Extravaganza, showcasing a collection of magnificent steam engines chugging along the historic tracks. Enjoy breath taking views of the Forest of Dean as you ride in vintage carriages, with stops at charming stations like Norchard, Whitecroft, and Parkend. The event also features exhibits, food stands, and a chance to chat with railway enthusiasts.
Tickets and more information: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk
Canoe the River Wye - Ongoing
Experience the beauty of the River Wye from a unique perspective as you paddle your way through the picturesque landscape. Way2Go Adventures offers guided canoe trips for all experience levels, from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures. Take in the stunning scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, kingfishers, and herons.
Booking and more information: https://www.way2goadventures.co.uk
Sculpture Trail Guided Tour - April 6th
Delve into the world of art and nature as you explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, a 4.5-mile path featuring contemporary sculptures inspired by the surrounding landscape. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the trail, sharing the stories and inspiration behind each piece. The tour is suitable for all ages and is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest.
Tickets and more information: https://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk
Tintern Abbey - Open Air Cinema
On April 8th, Tintern Abbey will be hosting an Open Air Cinema event, showing the classic movie, The Goonies. This is a unique opportunity to experience the stunning ruins of Tintern Abbey whilst enjoying a classic movie.
You can book tickets here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/2703fc44-9b00-42b5-b107-5c5e5f3c5592/pages/details
Monmouth Walking Festival
From April 9th to April 11th, the Monmouth Walking Festival will be taking place. This is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside around Monmouth with guided walks catering to all abilities. The walks range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, with stunning views of the Wye Valley.
You can find more information and book tickets here: https://www.monmouthwalkfest.co.uk
Wildplay
On April 12th, the Forest of Dean will be hosting a Wildplay event, aimed at children aged 5-12. The event takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the forest, and includes activities such as den building, fire lighting, and bug hunting. This is a great way for children to get out in nature and learn new skills.
You can book tickets here: http://www.allseasonsforestschool.co.uk/new-events/2021/4/6/easter-holiday-wild-play
Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle is a medieval fortress located on the banks of the River Wye. From April 12th to April 16th, they will be hosting a series of events and activities aimed at families, including an Easter egg hunt and a guided tour of the castle. This is a great way to learn about the rich history of the area and explore one of the most impressive castles in the Wye Valley.
You can find more information here: https://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/chepstowcastle/?lang=en
Spring Trails
From April 12th to April 16th, the Forest of Dean will be hosting a Spring Trails event, aimed at families. The event includes a range of outdoor activities, such as bug hunting, den building, and bird watching. There are also guided walks and talks, giving you the opportunity to learn about the rich wildlife and history of the area.
You can find more information and book tickets here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-dean-spring-trails
Clearwell Caves
Clearwell Caves is a unique and fascinating underground cave system located in the heart of the Wye Valley. From April 12th to April 16th, they will be hosting a range of events and activities, including guided tours of the caves, fossil hunting, and a treasure hunt. This is a great way to explore the hidden depths of the Wye Valley and learn about the geology
To book your tickets visit: https://clearwellcaves.com/events/
With so many events and activities happening in and around the Forest of Dean this Easter, you'll never be short of things to do. Whether you're searching for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a touch of culture, there is something for everyone. Be sure to explore these fantastic events and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting region.
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,740.00
Bowley Hall is a 12 bedroom Manor House sleeping up to 31 guests in stunning Herefordshire countryside. With a bar, games room, cinema room, extensive grounds, outdoor pizza oven and Hot Tub (hire charge) its the perfect venue to relax in style and comfort. 3 lounges, huge baronial dining room, modern kitchen, brakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps up to 31 + 4 infants
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
- Dining table sits 32
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Holly Tree House
Prices from £1,995.00
Charming villa above Symonds Yat, sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms overlooking River Wye. Two lounges, a large dining room and patio plus covered, outdoor Hot Tub and Games Room. Short walk to 3 pubs (with excellent food), river ferry, and flat riverside circular walk - super pet-friendly. Loads of activities inc canoes and paddle boards. verty safe and secure, no traffic. Ideal multi generation holiday cottage. Holly Tree House provides accommodation in an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- 9 bedrooms sleeping 12 - 22
- 8 Bath and Shower/Loos
- Covered Hot Tub
- Pet Friendly
- 3 Pub/Restaurants walkable
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The Anchor
Prices from £1,995.00
Set in the heart of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and previously know as The Anchor Inn, this cosy village pub, which dates back to the 15th century, is now a charmingly converted holiday cottage sleeping 20 in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms. Lovely Games Room and covered Hot Tub. Enclosed rear garden, pet friendly. Walk to village pubs, shop and chippie! Easy access to riverside.
- 7/8 ensuite bedrooms sleep 22
- G/F room, sofa bed & bathroom
- Dogs and other pets welcome
- Covered Hot Tub
- Dine 20 round one table
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River Wye Lodge
Prices from £2,850.00
Converted Coaching Inn on the banks of the River Wye, with park and canoe launch - short walk to village shop, pub, Indian takeaway and fish and chip shop. Sleeps 26 in 12 bedrooms, 10 having glorious views of the River Wye. Accessibility ramp to the front door and the ground floor houses a wheelchair friendly twin room with an en-suite wet room. Huge dining room and lounge, 2 connected kitchens, playground outside. Games Room. Pet friendly.
- 12 Bedrooms sleeping 26
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room
- Dine 26 round one table
- Twin disabled bedroom wet room en suite
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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,800.00
Bromsash House is a grand Manor house boasting six acres of land. 5 bedrooms in the main house sleep 12 adults . There is a Lodge with 3 double bedrooms sleeping a further 6 and Games Room.. The gardens are huge and boast a huge array of unusual trees, fruit trees, rose bushes, and magnolias, creating perfect areas in which to play and explore. Patio with lovely furniture and Hot Tub. Bromsash House sleeps 18 in total.
- 1 Hot Tub
- 2 Pets Welcome
- Max sleepers 18
- Linen Provided
- Sky TV
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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,650.00
13 bedroom (11 ensuite) converted hotel overlooking the River Wye rapids at Symonds Yat. Large dining room , bar, lounge, patio, riverside garden plus outdoor hot tub (that can be hired) and games room. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of nature all around you. An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays. With flat walks and 3 nearby pubs and restaurants, Wye Rapids provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for up to 30 guests (26 adults max plus 4 children)
- 11 ensuite Bedrooms plus family room and shared bathroom sleeps 26 adults plus 4 children
- Hot tub hire available
- All dine together
- Fully commercial kitchen
- Offroad parking for 16 cars
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Monnow Valley Studio
Prices from £3,450.00
Sleeps 24 in 11 bedrooms , world famous recording studio on banks of the River Monnow, full of memorabilia with Party Room, Games Room, Cinema Room, stunning dining room, huge modern kitchen, hot tub (hire charge) . Pets are not allowed. peaceful, quiet , safe with no traffic, fishing and swimming from the garden. Licensed for Weddings - 50 max.
- Outdoor Hot Tub
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,850.00
Majestic Manor House sleeping 24 in 11 bedrooms, huge lounge and dining room. Big kitchen and separate breakfast room. Games room and covered Hot Tub in 2 acre safe and private grounds. On the banks of the River Monnow, fishing from garden and wild swimming a very short walk. 10 minute flat stroll into town, the Manor is perfect for town and country group self catering in the picturesque border town of Monmouth. Pet friendly.
- Games Room and Hot Tub
- Fishing from riverbank
- Wild swimming 100 yards
- Galleried Hall with woodburner
- 11 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms
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Forest House
Prices from £2,650.00
This 11 ensuite bedroom converted 4* Hotel sleeps up to 25 in the centre of Coleford, the heart of the Forest of Dean - Hot Tub, 2 Lounges, Games Room with pool table, Large dining room, fantastic kitchen. Off road walks and cycling from door. Pet friendly. Short walk to shops, pubs, restaurants. A perfect location for sampling the huge array of activities and attractions in the Forest of Dean.
- 11 Ensuite bedrooms sleeping 25
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room with Pool Table
- All Dine Together
- Pet Friendly for 2 dogs
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Fairlea Grange
Prices from £1,995.00
This striking gothic townhouse in the heart of Abergavenny is full of character and inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie The Lady Vanishes. It was the childhood home of Ethel Lina White who wrote the original novel. If you want your stay to evoke a dramatic atmosphere this is the holiday home for you! 9 bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 people with 2 lounges , 2 kitchens , games Room, Hot Tub, enclosed garden in walking distance of town centre and Station. Pet friendly.
- 9 bedrooms, 7 ensuites
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,200.00
The secluded hilltop retreat of explorer, adventurer, and author Christina Dodwell, High Cloud Farm, a perfect location for 3 generation celebrations, with maps, books, pictures and artefacts in evidence everywhere. This remote rural cottage on the Wales borders offers total privacy as a large party house or holiday retreat. Hot tub and heated Swimming Pool (May till October). farmhouse sleeps 12 and Barn sleeps 12. Everyone can dine together in the Barn. 3 Kitchens, Games Room, pet friendly.
- Dining table seats 24
- 10 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Large games room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Covered hot tub
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Pencraig Court
Prices from £3,200.00
Classic country house sleeping 36 in 11 bedrooms midway between Monmouth and Ross on Wye overlooking the river. Pet friendly, stunning rooms, large grounds, games room. On site 3 bed cottage sleeping a further 8 available. Large grounds and gardens and a drive with an extensive parking area, totalling 3.6 Acres. Hot tub hire available.
- 11 Ensuite Bedrooms sleeping 36
- Attached 3 Bed cottage sleeping 8
- Games Rooms with Table Football and Pool table
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £3,950.00
A comfortable 25 bedroom (all ensuite) converted guest accommodation situated on the banks for the River Wye. Huge dining room, lounge,bar, games / party room and mature gardend. With flat walks from the door Symonds Yat Lodge is the perfect place for celebrations and large group holidays. Pet friendly, parking. Sleeps 50 guests. Prices are based on 30 guests in 15 bedrooms with 10 extra bedrooms available at an additional charge.
- 25 ensuite Bedrooms
- All dine together in huge dining room
- Licensed for Weddings - for up to 100 guests
- Pet friendly
- Country pub within 5 minute walk
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Carefree Cottage
Carefree Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth