It's hotting up as we approach the height of summer. As the temperatures start to soar are you the kind of person who seeks out a shady spot? Need somewhere to escape the heat, don't you worry we have plenty from cool caves to woodland walks. Here are our top tips for keeping cool in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley this summer.
Hopewell Colliery
Hopewell Colliery allows you access to a working Freemine in the Forest of Dean. Join Rich Daniels your tour guide as he leads you into the depths of the mine and shows you how the mine operates and tells you about its fascinating history. Not only is this a top spot on TripAdvisor boasting lots of 5-star reviews it's also a top spot to keep cool. The mine stays a steady 10 degrees centigrade which feels mighty chilly when the weather is up in the 20s. The perfect place to cool off whilst learning about some of the Forest's incredible industrial past.
Clearwell Caves
Clearwell Caves is a vast labyrinthine maze of underground tunnels with a fascinating history. The caves are man-made remains of the iron ore and ochre mining industry which has been occurring at this site for thousands of years. As you descend into the cave system the temperature drops down to a cool 10 degrees centigrade, take your time through the caves and enjoy the chill.
Nature in Art
This art gallery is dedicated to the majesty of the natural world. You can enjoy wandering around the artwork and spotting your favourite animals and discovering a new favourite artist. The gallery and museum are housed in the exquisite architecture of Wallsworth Hall, a Georgian Mansion, the high ceilings and low light levels as well as the temperature-controlled galleries make Nature in Art the perfect choice for a chill afternoon out of the sun.
Dean Heritage Centre
Located on the banks of its very own pond and under the canopy of the woodland that surrounds it Dean Heritage Centre is the perfect shady spot to cool off this summer. They have a fabulous cafe overlooking the water serving freshly made scones and fabulous locally brewed coffee and of course ice-creams. The climate-controlled exhibition space tells the story of the Forest of Dean from the Ice Age up to the present day. One of our favourite cool spots (in both senses of the word) is the reconstructed Foresters cottage complete with its cottage garden.
Cool Cathedrals
To the North and East of the destination, we have two wonderful cathedrals, Hereford and Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Cathedral often features as one of the top most Instagrammed cathedrals in the UK and it's not hard to see why. Enjoy the gothic architecture and spend some time in the cool cloisters. Why not try and spot the places where the famous scenes from Harry Potter and Dr Who were shot?
Hereford Cathedral is home to home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library which draws visitors and scholars from across the world. The Hereford Mappa Mundi is the largest medieval world map to survive and records how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago. Sitting alongside the Mappa Mundi is the fascinating Chained Library which holds over 1,500 rare books, including 229 medieval manuscripts. These cathedrals' stone walls and high ceilings keep them slightly chilly in summer - the perfect places for respite from the heat.
Take to the Water
We all know there's nothing quite like splashing about on the river and we highly recommend the Wye as the river of choice, mainly for the vast array of activities you can undertake on there. We have some brilliant Paddleboarding instructors and hire such as AdAstra Paddleboarding they offer SUP hire, SUP lessons, and SUP Kids Clubs on the Wye and at Mallards Pike.
Or want something a bit more chill why not have a canoe along the River Wye? Enjoy a gentle canoe and relax in spectacular scenery. Some amazing things can be spotted from the river too, fishes, birds overhead, and nature along the river banks.
Gorge Walking and Caving
Want something a bit more active, an adrenaline rush, maybe a bit of a workout but without the heat? Why not have a go at Gorge Scrambling with Way2GoAdventures? The Wye Valley has plenty of ravines and tributaries which are perfect for getting your feet wet and your knees dirty whilst clambering up mini waterfalls.
Or why not join experts at Borderlands Outdoor and experience the underground? Borderlands offer caving experiences for all levels so why not have an underground adventure, squeezing through ancient passageways in the dark. The perfect cool spot for an adventure.
Escape to Castle Walls
We tend to think we have some of the BEST castles of any destination. Just like our cathedrals and the cool stone walls, these behemoth structures create the perfect shady spot to chill out in. Raglan Castle pictured above is a spectacular example of a fortress-palace used as both a stronghold of defence in the early medieval period and then as a palace by King Henry VIII in the later medieval era. Chepstow Castle benefits from its beautiful river-side situation and its towering great walls make it ideal for sitting in the shade by the cool breeze of the river. Skenfrith, Grosmont, and the White Castle form a lordship known as the "Three Castles", which continued to play a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries. Between them, the Three Castles controlled a large area of the confrontational border country between the River Wye and the Black Mountains, with Skenfrith occupying a strategic spot on the banks of the River Monnow overlooking one of the main routes between Wales and England. Not only do they have a fascinating history and the romance of being ruined these fortifications are also great shade casters for picnics or to read a book under as the sun beats down.
Woodland Walks
Of course, the wonderful thing about the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is how much of it is covered in woodland and forests. The dappled light under the canopy of the trees casts a shadow on the ground below keeping it cool despite being outdoors. Here are a few of our top woodland walks to enjoy this summer.
We hope this article gives you some well-earned respite from the heat whilst inspiring you to still get out and experience some of the fabulous things to do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Please share your keeping cool tips on social media and use the hashtag #visitdeanwye.
Related
This working colliery is an unmissable experience set in the midst of the glorious Forest of Dean. Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer. Sink below the Forest floor for a unique adventure and take the 45-minute tour through the dark tunnels before emerging back into serene woodland. Follow it with a hot drink and bite to eat at the friendly Hopewell Cafe.
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Displays embrace two and three-dimensional work in all mediums and styles, spanning 1500 years, 60 countries and over 600 artists.
We are the Museum of the Forest: a stunning building and location with inside and outside attractions. Learn about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day, visit our museum and gallery, explore the Gruffalo woodland trail, see inside a reconstructed Forester's cottage, visit a charcoal burner's camp, see chainsaw carving, our working water wheel and pretty stream, kids will enjoy our woodland playground plus there is an excellent cafe and gift shop.
AdAstra Paddleboaring is passionate about all things SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding). We offer SUP hire, SUP lessons and SUP Kids Clubs in some of the best locations in the UK, including, Monmouth, Mallards Pike and Brecon Beacons.
Canoe Hire in the Wye Valley based at Symonds Yat. We cater for family days out, couples looking for an adventure, groups of friends having fun, corporate team building and even 4 day expedition holidays. Starting from £60 for 2 people.
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading canoe hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the Canoe Hire business on the River Wye.
Go with the flow on one of our self guided Canadian Canoe trips down the River Wye. Choose from 1/2 day ( 8 mile), full day (14 miles) to 5 day journey depending on your experience and time available. Canoes available for hire from 15th March to 30th September. Booking essential. Canadian Canoes, paddles, lifejackets & waterproof containers for your belongings are all provided. We also transport you to your launch site and pick you up at the end of your journey. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 4. Dogs welcome. Booking essential.
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts... Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We cater for couples, families and groups and have a range of self-guided trips for you to choose from.
With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, we are in the perfect location for you to begin your water-sports adventure!
Learn SUP skills with our coaches. Dive into the tranquillity of SUP Yoga. Glide down the Wye kingfisher spotting. Get a buzz on a white-water adventure. Immerse yourself in a wilderness escape.
Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers stand-up paddleboard experiences! Suitable for all ages and all abilities, you can explore the River Wye on a single paddleboard or/and try our mega-SUP, which can accommodate up to eight people - cue endless fun and games for families, groups, hens and stags trying to paddle together! Price: £36 per person Length of experience: 2 hours
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. All our activities are run by qualified and experienced instructors, who will make your experience fun, while sharing their knowledge of the activities and areas with you.
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
You will marvel at the underground rock formations and become charged with pride as you beat the underground challenges, you will also discover the fascinating history of the area you are caving in. Your instructors are keen cavers, with a wealth of experience. A very rewarding experience with a fantastic sense of achievement, building up your skills during the day and beginners are very welcome on this underground trip of discovery. Price: Contact us for details Length of experience: 3 to 5 hours
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. Castell Gwyn in Welsh it is also known historically as Llantilio Castle. It is near the village of Llantilio Crossenny.
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and White Castle – built to control the border. The castle’s well-preserved walls surround a circular keep. Built on an earthen mound, this sturdy structure was a last line of defence should the castle fall under attack.
Just as the sun rises across the forest, thousands of male birds wake up and sing together as the dawn chorus, defending their nest and mate. An important daily ritual for birds, this chorus is a delight for us to hear and good for our wellbeing; it is a special spring event for anyone to witness.
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