Come for the leaves and stay for the fun! The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley hosts an array of activities and experiences that can complement Leaf Peeping, offering different ways to experience the autumn foliage.
Professional photographer David Broadbent hosts bespoke workshops for keen photographers looking to sharpen their skills and capture the best of the golden autumn colours. From leading a small group through Puzzlewood to running group and private Leaf Peeping workshops throughout autumn, where he will take people to his favourite local spots and give guidance and support on taking photos during this colourful season.
Qualified forest therapy guide, Carina Greenwood takes groups into the forest during autumn to bathe their senses; looking, listening, smelling and tasting through a series of ‘invitations’ and activities proven to enhance wellbeing for mind, body and soul. Courses run for three hours and include forest snacks and a foraged tea ceremony. Carina describes her time in the forest as “a readily available sustainable health spa and alternative, preventive medicine for all.” “Bathe yourself in natural, autumn colours and indulge your senses in a day of relaxation and beauty,” she encourages.
As autumn falls, local naturalist and wildlife detective Ed Drewitt will be taking eager wildlife watchers into the heart of the forest to discover the area’s abundance of nature, including wild boar and deer, whilst listening to birdsong which picks up in the autumn as birds feast on the harvest. Ed has partnered with local boutique hotel Tudor Farmhouse to offer guided evening safaris as well as a morning ‘Dawn Chorus’ session. To book a private safari, contact Ed directly. Ed enjoys exploring in the autumn. “This area is a brilliant place to see the autumn colours because it is host to such a huge variety of different species of trees. Combined with the changing colours of bracken and flowering plants, the beech, oak and larch provide a dazzling array of colours which contrast with the dark greens of the fir, holly and yew trees. Many of the birds such as great tits, blue tits and gold crests which blended in with the greens of summer will be roaming around more obviously in mixed flocks,” he explains.
Leaf Peeping on Two Wheels
Take to two wheels for this Leaf Peeping adventure, exploring over 25 miles of traffic-free bike trails that run through the area. The leisurely 9-mile ‘Family Trail’ is a great starting point for youngsters, beginning at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop and cutting through the heart of the forest passing five of our Leaf Peeping hotspots: Cannop Ponds, Beechenhurst, Cyril Hart Arboretum, New Fancy View and Mallards Pike. Bike hire is available from Dean Forest Cycles in Parkend, or Pedalabikeaway at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, e-bikes can be hired from Wye-Bikes in Coleford.
Paddle Through the Picturesque Wye Valley
The Wye meanders through the centre of the region, passing through the three counties of Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Leaf Peeping by boat is a great way to view the area from a different perspective and experience the changing scenery of the ancient woodland as you float downstream. Canoe, kayak or SUP hire is available from Wye Canoes, Canoe the Wye, Inspire 2 Adventure and Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre.
Guided Leaf Peeping Walks
Leaf Peeping walks throughout the area’s varied landscape can be booked with one of the expert guides part of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tour Guides and tailored to your needs.
Leaf Peep from the comfort of the carriage on an authentic steam train with Dean Forest Railway. Journey along 4.5 miles of track in to the heart of the forest to Parkend and watch the changing scenery go by.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to get back to nature and enjoy some 'me time'. At Forest Retreats near Tintern in Monmouthshire you can try some yoga, experience some Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), enjoy delicious home-cooked food and gaze over the Wye Valley below Hill Farm as the valley turns golden, red and brown. The perfect spot for some Leaf Peeping Wellbeing.
Discover the rest of our Leaf Peeping guide:
Leaf Peeping Hotspots
Leaf Peeping Drive
Leaf Peeping Walks
Leaf Peeping Escapes
Leaf Peeping Experiences
Leaf Peeping Feasts
Leaf Peeping Crafts
Junior Leaf Peepers
Meet our Chief Leaf Peeper
Leaf Peeping Photography Tips
Accessible Leaf Peeping
Autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley unveils a breathtaking tapestry of warm hues. As leaves gracefully cascade, the woodlands transform into a vivid mosaic of russet and gold. The Wye River mirrors nature's artistry, while the crisp air carries the essence of harvest, creating a serene and enchanting seasonal retreat. Find out about all the best ways to enjoy the autumn months in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
