Spring: Get Back to Nature and the Great Outdoors

Longer and brighter days spent outside in nature... that's what spring is all about. With the natural world being teased out of its slumber and the sun getting higher in the sky, spring awakens us all with a reminder of just how great it is to be in the great outdoors. The forest comes back to life with new leaves and wildflowers, there are lambs in the fields and baby birds in the trees and on the ponds. Our visitor attractions and activity providers are back to give all ages a fun-filled experience, there's picnics awaiting and beautiful rural accommodation to stay in too.

Find your freedom in our ancient forest and wild river valley with our guide to the best things to see and do this spring:

Enjoy Woodland Walks and Spring Flowers

Make the most of what we have all around us by simply strolling through the stunning landscapes. Our wild bluebell displays are some of the best in the UK and a woodland walk is made all the more delightful with the colourful flowers covering the forest floor in spring. You’ll find miles of beautiful woodland walks, riverside paths and national trails with breathtaking views across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and walking is of course one of the main reasons visitors come here. For nature lovers this spring we've got open gardens, wildflower displays, walking festivals, foraging experiences, Easter events, photography walks and more.

Taste Our Delicious Local Food and Drink

From outdoor dining to forest picnics we've got everything you need for a delicious spring break in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. We've a guide to the best beer gardens, the top picnic spots, foraging experiences and cookery classes. We've also got our guide to the best foodie breaks combining a sip, a snack and a snooze with every itinerary.

Take Part in Our Unique Experiences

We have outdoor adventures and activities galore, everything from canoeing to zipwires, mountain biking to archery. There’s the family friendly cycle trail to get you started on two wheels, plus experience days and adventure packages to suit thrill seekers and those wanting to try something new. Spring is also the beginning of the big Severn Bores, with the high tides creating a spectacular show of nature’s power, whether you want to watch it from the banks or get surfing it.

Try Something Different and Learn a New Skill

From rural skills to photography courses, spring is a great time to try something new and we've got a wide range of arts and crafts, activities and workshops to help you make this the year you learn a new skill.

Experience Wellbeing and Relaxation

With nature all around you, you'll be inspired to breathe a little deeper, nurture yourself a little bit more and feel free in our ancient forest and beautiful river valley. It's the ideal place to enjoy a slower pace, a relaxation retreat or a wellbeing class, some nourishing experiences or some spa therapy.

Explore Our Great Places to Stay

Sleeping in the great outdoors is one of the greatest joys which the spring weather brings and we’ve got campsites, caravan parks and glamping options galore to tempt you to stay a little longer. Our rural location means that our accommodation providers often have nature right on their doorsteps too, from woodland walks to stunning viewpoints, in the forest, down in the valley or up a hill.

Discover Our Guide to Mother’s Day

Time to treat mum and we've got days out ideas, gift inspiration and some special ways to spend some quality time together here in the Dean Wye.

Plan Your Easter Holidays

Look no further for everything you need for a fun-filled, action-packed Easter in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Tons for the kids including castle magic, steam engines, pottery classes, cookery, crazy golf, miniature trains and more.

So soak up the first spring rays and let yourself feel free in our ancient forest and wild river valley, with acres of woodland to walk or cycle, breathtaking views and carpets of bluebells and enough outdoor activities and adventures for every adrenaline junkie. It’s a wonderful time of year to venture out, explore, discover and enjoy all that this fantastic area has to offer.