Vitamin Tree Breaks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Soak up nature’s restorative energy on mini wellbeing breaks
 

We all know how good exercise is for us. Getting the heart pumping on a hike, kayaking down a sparkling river, or cycling through pretty landscapes can all help us feel physically and psychologically better. Recently scientists have been gaining a better understanding of how being outside close to nature, surrounded by trees and countryside, can benefit both our body and soul.

Woods and green environments do more than just clean the air for us by absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants and keeping our atmosphere rich in oxygen. Chemicals called phytoncides, released by plants and trees, strengthen our immune, hormonal, circulatory and nervous systems when we breathe them in – it’s like having a free health-boosting vitamin shot. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley region can offer easy options for a well-being break to suit a range of budgets and tastes. Feel better by spending time in our great outdoors – our Vitamin Tree wellbeing breaks!

Consider trying forest bathing, the physiological and psychological practice that emerged in Japan in the 1980s that’s also known as shinrin-yoku or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’. Other feelgood activities include everything from hiking, wild swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, to abseiling, treetop trails and floatation therapy. With such a variety of visitor experiences, you can pick and mix to make up a mini-break that’s perfect for you. To get you started, here are a few ideas:

Family Tree Time

For outdoorsy families, warm up on all nine miles or just a section of the Colliers Trail the Family Cycle Trail at Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Cannop Valley. Then walk the four-mile Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst, featuring works of art set in ancient woodland. Burn up remaining energy at Go Ape treetop adventures at Beechenhurst, or Mallards Pike.

Slow down over lunch at Speech House Hotel, Coleford, built as a hunting lodge for King Charles II in 1669. Learn about the history of the Forest of Dean and its verderers here too. And just behind the hotel make time to explore the Cyril Hart Arboretum, Coleford, home to 200-plus trees, some more than 120 years old. Find out more about the Forest of Dean and its History and Heritage at the Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley - little ones will love the Gruffalo Trail.

Fill hungry tummies at family favourite The Ostrich Inn, Newland, dating back to 1694. Favourites include Foresters Sausages and Pastry Pie of the Week. Ask about three circular walks from the pub, too.

Sleep – Enjoy maximum tree time by booking Nuthatch Retreat, Blakeney, a self-catering eco-retreat sleeping four with terraced gardens and views over woods and valleys. 

Couples Feel Good

Forest Bathing is more than a walk in the woods. Carina Greenwood guides you through a special form of meditation, helping you to switch on all your senses, switch off stressful every-day, and reconnect with calming nature. Then experience the ultimate me-time at Float in the Forest floatation centre - lay back in a giant bathtub full warm water and simply be. Finally, head to beauty spot Symmonds Yat Rock to explore the new 2km Wellbeing Trail from Forestry England. Themed panels along the way invite you to pause, take notice and connect with nature and each other.

Eat – Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Wye Valley, The Whitebrook Michelin-star restaurant with rooms serves food as unforgettable as its location and celebrates outstanding produce grown, foraged and made in the locality.

Sleep – Surrounded by trees and pretty gardens, the award-winning Tintern Abbey Cottage has spectacular views of the picturesque ruins of the famous abbey close by. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property directly adjoins the Wye Valley Walk and the Monmouthshire Way, too, perfect for walkers, and there are pubs and cafes a short stroll away.

Wet and Wild Vitamin Tree

Enjoy – This area is an ideal setting for both land and water-based adventures. Try canoeing or kayaking on the mighty River Wye with Wye Canoes of Symonds Yat, or Ross On Wye Canoe Hire.  Stand-up paddleboarding is on offer with Inspire2Adventure. Or how about something a bit different - gorge walking with Way2Go Adventures, or abseiling and caving with Borderlands Outdoor. These are all brilliant ways to spend time in nature, soaking up the incredible views of this area and doing something challenging and fun.

Eat – Refuel after your adventures with a hearty meal with a view at a riverside eaterie. The Saracens Head Inn right by the Wye at Symonds Yat East offers fortifying dishes such as venison faggots and Herefordshire beef.  You’ll find classic gastro pub fare at The Hope and Anchor, Ross-on-wye, thehopeandanchor.co.uk. Or feast on your choice of burger at The Mill Race at Walford.

Sleep – Reconnecting with nature is easy at Barefoot & Bower, Longhope, tucked away in the woods near another or our beauty spots, May Hill. Choose which retreat you prefer from a self-catering yurt or shepherd’s hut by a lake. When you’re not simply enjoying the birdsong and silence, you can swim, paddleboard and row boat, too, barefootandbower.co.uk

Safari Vitamin Tree

Enjoy – Visitors of all ages will love learning more about our local flora and fauna whilst spending time in the forest. Magical must-sees include wild boar, fallow deer and beautiful birds such as tawny owls and kingfishers.  Increase your chances by booking a two-hour Wildlife Safari With Ed Drewitt. The naturalist and author will guide you on a voyage of discovery in the Forest of Dean, and offers a Dawn Chorus Bird Walk Experience, too. Spend more time exploring a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points in the famously otherworldly ancient woodlands at Puzzlewood, Coleford - you may recognise it from films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Secret Garden.

Eat – Afterwards, treat yourselves to a sit-down and afternoon tea with savouries, cakes and warm scones in the cosy lounge at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in the village of Clearwell. For dinner later, head for the renowned Parva Farmhouse restaurant with rooms, Tintern.

Sleep – Head for tranquillity and stargazing at Cadora Woods Glamping, set in a secluded meadow near St Brievels, where you can choose from two shepherd’s huts and three yurts.  There’s a section of the famous Offas Dyke to walk nearby.

We hope these short breaks inspire you to visit the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and get that boost of vitamin tree that only our destination can offer. Please check individual websites for pricing and availability.