Holiday Ideas > Welcome to the BHHL info page, your insider guide to the stunning Forest of Dean and Wye Valley!

Welcome to the BHHL info page, your insider guide to the stunning Forest of Dean and Wye Valley!

Introduction to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Geographical Overview

Nestled in the western part of Gloucestershire, England, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley form a stunning natural landscape that straddles the border between England and Wales. The Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland, surrounded by the rivers Wye, Severn, and Monnow. To the west lies the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that extends for about 126 square miles from just south of Hereford down to Chepstow. Together, these areas offer a diverse range of natural features: dense woodlands, dramatic river gorges, rolling hills, and secluded glades, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

The terrain of the Forest of Dean is varied, with its ancient oak, beech, and coniferous trees forming a dense canopy over a rich understory of ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers. The Wye Valley is renowned for its limestone gorges, towering cliffs, and sweeping views, with the River Wye meandering through it, creating picturesque scenes at every turn. This diverse landscape supports a rich ecosystem, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, peregrine falcons, and a host of other bird species.

Historical Context

The history of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is as rich and varied as its landscape. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of early human activity dating back to the Mesolithic era. The dense woodlands provided resources for ancient communities, including timber, wild game, and later, valuable minerals. The region's history is also marked by its Celtic and Roman past, with remnants of Roman roads, villas, and ironworks still visible today.

During the medieval period, the Forest of Dean was designated a royal hunting forest, reserved for the monarchy and nobility. This period saw the development of a unique system of forest law, which heavily regulated the use of land and resources. The area’s rich deposits of iron ore, coal, and stone played a crucial role in the industrial revolution, with iron smelting and coal mining becoming significant industries from the 16th century onwards. The forest's industrial heritage is still evident, with old mines, quarries, and railway lines scattered throughout the landscape.

The Wye Valley, on the other hand, became a popular destination for tourists as early as the 18th century, often credited as one of the birthplaces of British tourism. The "Wye Tour," a boat trip down the River Wye, was one of the first organized tours in Britain, attracting poets, artists, and writers who were inspired by the valley's dramatic scenery. This early tourism boom contributed to the Romantic Movement, with the Wye Valley immortalized in the works of poets like William Wordsworth.

Cultural Significance

The cultural heritage of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is deeply rooted in its natural environment and industrial past. The region has a strong tradition of folklore, with tales of mythical creatures, forest spirits, and hidden treasures passed down through generations. The forest itself is often seen as a place of mystery and enchantment, a theme that has inspired many writers and artists over the centuries. The area's cultural landscape is also shaped by its history of mining and forestry, with local customs, dialects, and crafts reflecting this industrial heritage.

The Forest of Dean is home to a number of unique traditions, including the ancient right of "free mining," a system that allows locals to mine for coal and minerals in the forest—a right granted by royal charter in the 13th century and still in practice today. The Wye Valley, with its picturesque villages and historic sites, has long been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and musicians. The region's festivals, fairs, and community events often celebrate this rich cultural heritage, blending traditional practices with modern creativity.

Why Visit?

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for a wide range of travellers. For nature enthusiasts, the region's ancient woodlands, scenic river valleys, and diverse wildlife provide endless opportunities for exploration. Whether hiking through the dense forest, canoeing down the River Wye, or simply enjoying a picnic with a view, visitors are constantly immersed in the area's breathtaking landscapes.

History buffs will find plenty to explore, from the ruins of Tintern Abbey to the industrial heritage sites scattered throughout the forest. The region's museums and visitor centres offer insights into its rich past, while guided tours and interpretive trails bring history to life in an engaging way. For those interested in the arts, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are a source of inspiration, with numerous galleries, studios, and craft shops showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.

The region also caters to families, with a variety of activities and attractions designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. From the adventure playgrounds and steam railways of the Forest of Dean to the interactive exhibits at heritage centres, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are also known for their warm hospitality. Whether staying in a charming bed and breakfast, a rustic cottage, or a luxury hotel, visitors will find a range of accommodations to suit their needs. Local pubs, restaurants, and cafés serve up delicious food and drink, often featuring locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

In conclusion, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a destination that offers something for everyone. Its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a place where visitors can reconnect with nature, delve into the past, and experience the best of rural England and Wales. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, this region promises an unforgettable experience.

BHHL have 12 wonderful large holiday lets, perfect for family and friend getaways. We have large holiday Airbnb's in towns, villages, by the river or out in teh glorious countryside. Contact us to book your break today 01600 732050

Further blogs will give more information about the specific areas and large holiday lets in that area.

  • Bowley Hall

    Prices from £2,950.00

    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
  • 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
  • The Anchor

    Prices from £2,150.00

    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
  • River Wye Lodge

    Prices from £3,150.00

    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Manor on the Monnow

    Prices from £2,950.00

    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
  • Forest House

    Prices from £2,750.00

    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Pencraig Court

    Prices from £3,250.00

    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
  • 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
  • Carefree Cottage

    Carefree Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth

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