Little-Known Gems in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Blaize Bailey Viewpoint
Lesser-Known But Offering Stunning Views of the Severn Valley
Tucked away in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Blaize Bailey Viewpoint is a hidden treasure that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. Unlike the more popular Symonds Yat Rock, Blaize Bailey is lesser-known and therefore often much quieter, providing a serene escape into nature. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Severn Valley and the meandering River Severn, one of Britain’s longest rivers.
The viewpoint is located on the edge of a steep escarpment, giving a clear and unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, the vistas extend for miles, encompassing rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the river’s winding course as it flows towards the Bristol Channel. The changing seasons bring a variety of colours and moods to the scene, from the vibrant greens of spring and summer to the golden hues of autumn and the stark beauty of winter.
A Peaceful Retreat
What sets Blaize Bailey apart from other viewpoints in the region is its tranquillity. The site is accessible via a network of forest trails, making it a rewarding destination for hikers and nature lovers. The walk to the viewpoint is part of the experience, taking you through ancient woodlands rich with wildlife, including deer, birds, and, if you’re lucky, wild boar. The peacefulness of the area makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection, photography, or simply enjoying a picnic with a view.
Nearby Attractions
Blaize Bailey is conveniently located near other attractions, making it a great addition to a day out in the Forest of Dean. Close by, you’ll find Soudley Ponds, another serene spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The ponds are surrounded by forest and are home to a variety of birdlife, including ducks, herons, and kingfishers. The nearby Dean Heritage Centre offers a fascinating look at the history, culture, and wildlife of the Forest of Dean, providing a perfect complement to the natural beauty of Blaize Bailey.
Cannop Ponds
A Tranquil Spot Perfect for Picnics and Bird Watching
Cannop Ponds is one of the Forest of Dean’s most idyllic and peaceful spots, yet it remains something of a hidden gem. This series of small, man-made lakes, originally created to supply water to the local ironworks, has since become a haven for wildlife and a favourite destination for those seeking tranquillity in nature. The ponds are surrounded by lush woodland, making them a perfect place for a relaxing walk, a family picnic, or a day of bird watching.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
Cannop Ponds are particularly well-known for their rich birdlife. The waters attract a variety of waterfowl, including mallards, coots, and moorhens, while the surrounding trees and shrubs are home to songbirds such as robins, finches, and warblers. The area is also a good spot to see larger birds like herons and, occasionally, kingfishers. For birdwatchers, the ponds offer plenty of opportunities to observe these species in a peaceful, natural setting.
In addition to birds, Cannop Ponds are home to other wildlife, including deer, otters, and the occasional wild boar. The ponds themselves are teeming with fish, and the surrounding vegetation provides habitats for various insects and amphibians. This abundance of life makes Cannop Ponds a living classroom, where visitors of all ages can learn about the natural world.
Picnicking and Relaxation
Cannop Ponds is an ideal spot for picnicking. There are several picnic tables and benches located around the ponds, many of which offer lovely views across the water. The setting is peaceful, with the sounds of birdsong and the rustle of leaves creating a calming atmosphere. After your picnic, you can take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained paths that encircle the ponds, or simply sit and enjoy the tranquillity.
For those looking to extend their visit, the ponds are close to several popular walking and cycling routes, including the Family Cycle Trail and the Sculpture Trail, making Cannop Ponds a great starting or finishing point for a day’s adventure in the Forest of Dean.
The Secret Forest
An Open-Air Museum That Brings the History and Geology of the Forest to Life
Hidden away near Clearwell in the Forest of Dean, The Secret Forest is an open-air museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and geology. This privately-owned attraction is lesser-known compared to other sites in the area, making it a peaceful and intriguing place to visit. The Secret Forest is set within an ancient woodland, where the land has been shaped by centuries of mining activity, creating a landscape full of hidden tunnels, rock formations, and secluded glades.
Journey Through Time
The Secret Forest takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Forest of Dean, from its prehistoric roots to its industrial heyday. As you wander through the woodland, you’ll come across various displays and exhibits that tell the story of the area’s geology and the people who lived and worked here. The site includes replicas of Iron Age roundhouses, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants. These reconstructions are based on archaeological evidence and are built using traditional methods, providing an authentic experience of ancient life.
Exploring the Geology
The Secret Forest is also a fascinating place for those interested in geology. The area is rich in limestone, which has been extensively quarried and mined over the centuries. As you explore the forest, you’ll discover the remnants of these activities, including old quarries, mine entrances, and exposed rock faces that reveal the layers of limestone beneath the surface. Information panels provide insights into how these geological
For group accomodation in the Wye Valley there is none better equiped to give you a perfect break - we live here so we know the best places for your visit. We eat in teh restaurants, walk the walks and live and breath in the towns and villages. Let us help you organise the best break for your family and friends or your group activity:
Big House Holiday Lets
w: bhhl.co.uk
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t: 01600 732050
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,250.00
Bowley Hall is a 9 bedroom Manor House and a 3 bedroom Coach 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, breakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps from 18 to 31 plus 4 infants please ask for a quote
- Hot Tub (Hired) Hot Tub included in house hire from November 2025 to May 2026
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
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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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Holly Tree House
Prices from £2,450.00
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 £2,450.00
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. With Superfast Broadband and full Sky Film and Sports Pack it's ideal for work and leisure.
- 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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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,850.00
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 £2,850.00
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 for hire
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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Brookside
Prices from £2,450.00
Grand Georgian Manor — A Luxurious Countryside Escape for up to 24 Guests. Experience the charm and elegance of this stunning Georgian manor house, featuring eight large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Perfect for large groups, family gatherings, or special celebrations, the property offers a grand dining area where everyone can dine together, a large lounge for relaxing evenings, a fun-filled games room, and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Combining classic style with modern comfort, this exceptional home provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable countryside getaway.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Large Games Room / Party Room
- Hot Tub can be hired
- Ground floor bedroom for elderly or infirm
- Village location with local shop, cafe & pub
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Forest House
Prices from £2,850.00
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 £3,250.00
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! 10 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.
- 10 bedrooms, 6 ensuites plus 2 bathrooms
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,450.00
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 £2,850.00
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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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,950.00
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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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £4,250.00
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
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Hope Mansell Hall
Prices from £4,250.00
Hope Mansell Hall is an 18 ensuite bedroom Georgian estate in 11 acres of winding gardens and tranquil woodland outside Ross-on-Wye. Perfectly equipped for family and corporate events, intimate celebrations and weddings. Sleeps up to 40 guests. With games room, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 40
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
