You are here: Inspiration > Seasonal Guides > Winter: Cosy Escapes and Seasonal Delights

Winter: Cosy Escapes and Seasonal Delights

Winter in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is just as beautiful and inspiring as any other time of year. The low light and lack of leaves can create some breathtaking views through the trees and dramatic viewpoints open up even further. Walks through our wintery landscapes offer miles of open paths through beautiful woodland, outdoor sculpture, flowing streams, rivers and waterfalls, snowdrops and mistletoe and plenty of birdsong and wildlife.

Our history and culture is rich and varied with more castles per square mile than anywhere in the UK, underground caves and ancient ruins, art galleries and museums, theatres and cinemas, arts and crafts activities and plenty of indoor fun from cookery school classes to wine tasting for the grown ups to pottery sessions for families.

There are wellbeing experiences for indulgence and relaxation from floatation to yoga and outdoor activities for all ages from mountain biking to high ropes adventures. The fun doesn't stop here in winter and it can be a very rewarding time to getaway and get back to nature.

Then after your day of activities our pubs and cafes are ready to welcome you with warming treats, beer brewed close by and delicious local produce on the menu. Foodie breaks in winter can include gin making experiences, afternoon teas or Michelin starred restaurants and then stay overnight in a cosy hotel, log cabin or cottage for an escape from the everyday in our ancient forest and dramatic river valley.

Winter is a great season for a relaxing retreat, from a luxurious weekend away with a hot tub and log burner, to a quirky glamping experience offering something completely different or a family friendly property ideal for a break from the norm with loved ones.

Winter walks, days out, history and culture, food and drink, theatre, adrenaline filled activities and more are ready for the taking. So what are you waiting for?

Read on for our guide to making the most of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley in winter:

Explore Our Winter Wonderland

Find Your Freedom

Winter Walks

The well laid paths of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley make walking in winter easy and getting outside into nature for a walk is just as important in winter as any other time of year. Winter walks are rewarding and exhilirating and all the more satisfying when there is a pub or cafe at the end for a hot chocolate or local beer!
Winter Wellbeing

Winter can make us reflect and need to nourish our minds and bodies. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers nature on your doorstep and a range of wellbeing experiences ideal for some 'me' time and to brighten your mood when things get dreary!
Winter Activities

Whether you want to learn a new skill, have an adventure or just chill out we have something for everyone even in winter. Perhaps you would you like to try something you've never tried before, take up a new craft or learn to cook? Have you always wanted to ride a horse or shoot a bow and arrow?
History and Culture in Winter

The great news for the winter season is that many of our attractions remain open. You can explore an area rich with history and heritage, climb castle towers and delve deep into underground caves, discover ancient monuments and museums, galleries and exhibitions.
Winter Food and Drink

Make your own gin experiences, brewery tours and cookery classes, wine tasting and chocolate making - there are activities to suit all tastes and ages and plenty of foodie places to dine and stay. Enjoy retreating to a roaring log fire at our local pub, the perfect end to a walk on a winter's day or book a takeaway or hire a chef to dine in your holiday accommodation.
Winter Escapes

Cosy boltholes, peaceful retreats, idyllic rural settings and nature on your doorstep. That's what we have here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with a wide variety of cabins, cottages, hotels and B&Bs to stay in over winter. Whether for a weekend away, a late break, a group adventure or a solo stay - get away from it all here and enjoy an experience you'll never forget.
Seasonal Delights

Explore the highlights of the winter season including Christmas markets and pantomimes, Valentine's breaks and snowdrops.
Christmas in the Dean Wye

Christmas is coming... our independent shops, producers and craftspeople are ready to take your orders, the lights are up in our towns and villages and we have late night shopping and family friendly events to get you in the festive mood. Read on for our guide to Christmas in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.