Welcoming and Historic Market Town                                   

On the eastern side of the Forest of Dean, you’ll find Cinderford – an historic market town that is completely surrounded by beautiful ancient woodland making it a walker’s paradise. It’s a lively hub of restaurants, pubs and cafes too.

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THE SIGHT: A classic movie in the comfort of one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK   

Blockbusters and classic films are shown in the wonderfully restored Edwardian theatre, The Palace Cinema in Cinderford. Winner of numerous tourism awards, it’s one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operating in the UK today and prices are very reasonable.

THE SPOT: Watching kingfishers on the scenic mill pond at the Dean Heritage Centre

The ‘Museum of the Forest’, The Dean Heritage Centre holds over 20,000 precious objects and documents showcasing the culture and history of the Forest of Dean. Browse the fascinating buildings, then head outside to see the restored waterwheel and sit by the lovely mill pond that feeds it. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of the kingfishers who often skitter by. Finish off your visit with a delicious lunch in the cosy cafe.

THE SOUND: A chorus of birdsong at dawn as you walk amongst it, guided by an expert

Follow local naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective, Ed Drewitt, as he introduces you to one of nature’s greatest sounds: the dawn chorus, on a Dawn Chorus Bird Walk Experience. It’ll be an early start but worth it as you wander the Forest listening to the woodland birds getting set to start a new day. Along the way, you may even catch sight of deer. For further creature encounters, join Ed on one of his popular Wildlife Safari Experiences in the Forest of Dean.

THE TASTE: A delicious home-cooked pub lunch

The Red Hart Inn in Blaisdon is a lovely 16th-century Forest pub with flagstone floors, low beams and original fireplaces - and many awards to its name. Pop in for a craft ale, a large plate of hearty pub grub and a chance to chat with the locals. Its impressive beer garden with children’s play area has views of the hills and there are village walks nearby.

THE WALK: With your senses, deep within the Forest on a guided Shinrin-Yoku experience

Join local, experienced and certified forest therapy guide, Carina from Forest Bathe on a Forest Bathing Experience in the Forest of Dean. Translated from the Japanese Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is fast becoming a popular way to enhance wellbeing. Carina will guide you on a wonderfully restorative forest bathing experience in specially-selected spots within the Forest of Dean. Afterwards, enjoy a foraged tea ceremony with light snacks to bring you back to the real world.

THE SLEEP: In a luxury stone cottage tucked away in your own private, rural hamlet          

A hot tub with a Forest view, a falconry experience or a picnic in the trees? They’re just some of the wonderful treats you can enjoy when you stay at Forest Barn Holidays in Littledean to the south of Cinderford. This gorgeous private hamlet of five luxury cottages (each sleeping two to eight people), is swimming in countryside and makes an ideal retreat for families, couples or groups looking for a memorable break.