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Dig out the picnic basket, get the family together and enjoy some laughs in the great outdoors and of course some sandwiches. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has some fantastic picnic spots for you and your family to enjoy this summer, or throughout the year. From forest locations to riverside spots with gorgeous views, and don't forget our farm shops and delis for that all important local produce and many even provide ready made picnic hampers for that extra special treat!
Here are our top five places to have a picnic in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:
Beechenhurst is the perfect rain or shine picnic location, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy in the sunshine and indoor space just in case it rains. In the heart of the Forest, the centre is close to the Sculpture Trail and has a play area, cafe, shop and an exciting climbing tower. There are in-situ BBQ facilities.
Cannop Ponds has a large grass area to spread out your picnic blankets and is close to the car park and the ponds. The ponds themselves are picturesque and are home to lots of wildlife including ducks, swans and even dragonflies.
The Kymin with its roundhouse atop a hill - built in the 18th century by the gentry of Monmouth as a banqueting house at this viewpoint overlooking the town. It's still a great place to picnic.
Mallards Pike Lake is one of the best picnic spots in the South West. It consists of man-made lakes and is a popular attraction for walking, cycling and other adventure activities. With hot and cold refreshments from Mallards Cafe, this is a great location for a family picnic too.
Symonds Yat Rock is a Forestry England site and an internationally renowned viewpoint overlooking the River Wye and has many places to explore and to enjoy picnics. Below it are Symonds Yat East and West, two separate villages on either side of the Wye.
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Llandogo
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest in the area and the Duchess Ride Viewpoint is one of the best.
Brockweir is a small but attractive village located alongside the River Wye in Gloucestershire. There is a thriving community shop serving a wide range of local produce with a well stocked cafe. Riverside walks and beautiful views all around.
Chepstow
Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From Wintour's Leap take in a horseshoe bend of the Wye, walk down the cliffs to the historic village of Lancaut, through the Nature Reserve and back up the other side.
Surrounded by beautiful forest, this is a former mining village with great views, walks and cycle routes all around. Central shops, a pub, cafe, church and post office. The war memorial offers spectacular forest views.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Ross-on-Wye
Standing in scenic countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it promises a great day out for all the family.
Skenfrith
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.
In the heart of the Forest of Dean, surrounded by trees and with many things to do, places to stay and places to eat, Parkend is an ideal base for exploring the Forest on foot or cycle. The Dean Forest Railway stops here, bikes can be hired, there are two pubs, a cafe and a shop as well as RSPB Nagshead ideal for wildlife and birdwatching.
Highnam
Highnam Woods on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean is an RSPB nature reserve offering great birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Chepstow
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
A small village on the banks of the River Severn with riverside walks, lovely views and is one of the best spots to view the Severn Bore. A pub, cafe, well stocked shop and good facilities makes this an ideal base for exploring the area.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Lydney
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access to Mallards Pike and Speech House Woods.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
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