Rose Hideaway

Soudley Ponds - A lovely walk around the ponds, which can be extended with a walk through the Forest Cyril Hart Aboretum - The Arboretum was established in 1915, with trees brought back by the Victorian plant hunter Ernest Wilson from his 1910 explorations of China. The Cyril Hart Arboretum is home to over 200 tree species. A walk here can be extended to include Speech House Lake Speech House Woodlands Lake - You really can walk for miles here and never see a person! The lake is absolutely beautiful at any time of year and you could sit there for hours in complete peace. A walk here can be extended to the Cyril Hart Arboretum Beechenhurst Lodge - One of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands, Beechenhurst offers something for everyone, with an activity trail, Sculpture Trail, play area and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. If mountain biking is your thing, you can access the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail from here. Beechenhurst also has a fantastic café, or take your own food to enjoy in their beautiful picnic area. They also have bookable barbecues if you fancy cooking up a feast Tintern Abbey - a national icon — still standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace. Chepstow Castle - Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners. For more than six centuries Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages. Lydney Harbour - Riverside walks, sculptures, great for birdwatching, sunsets and steeped in history, Lydney Harbour is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Severn and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world. Symonds Yat Rock - Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe. There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons. However, with a little patience, there are many other birds that you can seen here. Goshawks can be viewed in detail, Sparrowhawks are frequent and breed in the trees in the valley as do Buzzards which can be seen from above whilst soaring. Ospreys also often stop here in the spring and autumn migration. Tawny Owls are sometimes seen roosting and hooting males are occasionally heard during the day. Barn Owls, Ravens and Kestrels also usually nest nearby Cannop Ponds - Enjoy the peaceful wildlife at Cannop Ponds today The site was originally home to the Severn and Wye Railway, which was constructed to allow exploitation of the mineral resources of the Forest of Dean. The ponds were created in 1825 and 1829 to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks. Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley Angling Club and the site makes an idyllic spot to view local birdlife. Enjoy the picturesque picnic area overlooking the ponds and look out for the Mandarin ducks, reed warblers and a pair of nesting mute swans. Walking trails will take you around the ponds or bring your bikes and join the Family Cycle Trail to explore the wider forest. Taurus Crafts - a vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to discover your own creativity, As well as being the home to a fantastic range of independent businesses. They are open daily. Bathurst Swimming Pool in Lydney is considered to be one of Gloucestershire’s best kept secrets. This 38 metre outdoor pool in the Forest of Dean is run by volunteers and open for at least 14 weeks during the Summer. Krazy Golf Lydney is set in an acre of picturesque woodland just off the A48 next door to Taurus Crafts. They also have a range of garden games, pool table, air hockey and table tennis. You can take a picnic with you, or visit the rustic Spaky's Diner on site! Please note, dogs are not permitted on site Elton Maize Mazes - The 3 Maize Mazes are planted each year in April and reach ‘Maze’ height in mid July. Each year the Mazes have a new theme. They also hold several special events throughout the season culminating with their Late Nate Special where for one night only you can explore the mazes by torchlight Go Ape Treetop Adventure - Explore the forest high up in the trees with the Tree Top Adventure. This is the starters course, and there is a more advanced course at Mallards Pike, see seperate entry. Go Ape Treetop Challenge - This is the tree top challenge for more experienced people (no children). You can also hire Segways here. Dean Heritage Centre - Located in the Forest of Dean village of Soudley, the Dean Heritage Centre offers a perfect fun day for the entire family. The Centre is also home to the fantastic Gruffalo Trail! Dean Forest Railway - Founded by the Dean Forest Railway Society in 1970, the Dean Forest Railway runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines, which were first built as a tramroad over 200 years ago. The current railway line is approximately 4 1/2 miles long Cannop Cycle Centre - Start your mountain bike adventure here! Clearwell Caves - Underneath the mysterious Forest of Dean lies something spectacular and unseen , an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Wye Canoes - Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West Puzzle Wood - Experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other Perrygrove Railway Adventure offers visitors multiple train rides alongside extensive play areas, aimed at children under 10. Palace Cinema - A family friendly INDEPENDENT cinema in the centre of Cinderford in the beautiful and historic Forest of Dean Hopewell Colliery - Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique way of life in the Forest of Dean. At Hopewell Colliery you can take a Guided Underground Tour in the safe hands of an expert Freeminer of the Forest of Dean