You are here: Things To Do > Attractions > Nature & Wildlife Attractions
The natural world is abundant here and there are so many wild and magical places to explore in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Places you can explore off the beaten track, where you can immerse yourself in nature, places where you can discover ancient trees, impressive wildlife and places you can take the whole family for a great day out.
Number of results: 60
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Tintern
Yoga and wellbeing retreats in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. We offer day and weekend retreats at our base above Tintern scheduled throughout the year and we can also arrange bespoke retreats for your group based on your needs including coming to you. Yoga classes and wellbeing experiences and Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) available also.
Abergavenny
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. Castell Gwyn in Welsh it is also known historically as Llantilio Castle. It is near the village of Llantilio Crossenny.
Highnam
Highnam Woods on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean is an RSPB nature reserve offering great birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Coleford
Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects that uncover, reveal, share and celebrate our heritage.
Forest of Dean
Exploring the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can come no better than a trip out with local naturalist Ed Drewitt.
Price: £125 total for a group of up to 4 people; £25 per person thereafter (up to 8 people)
Length of experience: 2 hours
Lydney
Riverside walks, sculptures, great for birdwatching, sunsets and steeped in history, Lydney Harbour is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Severn and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world. Now with a new modern takeaway cafe.
Near Lydbrook
A Forest car park with vast walks, a picnic site, pond with waterlilies and an area steeped in the heritage of mining with old railway lines and bridges and a new mining memorial installed in 2022. Off-road cycling trails and access to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Coleford
Coleford town became the first, of hopefully many more towns in the Forest of Dean District to have gained accreditation to the Walkers are Welcome UK network. Walkers are Welcome has a membership of over 100 towns and villages in the UK, whose main aim is to assist with our respective communities’ economic growth, physical health and mental well-being through walking.
Monmouth
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of activities on rivers, gorges and rock faces in this stunning area. Fun, adventurous, and suitable for all ages and skill levels, we provide everything you need and teach you techniques, taking any fears away and making sure you have a great day out.
Cinderford
Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River Severn and on a fine day, you will be able to see Gloucester Cathedral, Newnham and the Cotswold Hills.
Chepstow
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Skenfrith
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and White Castle – built to control the border. The castle’s well-preserved walls surround a circular keep. Built on an earthen mound, this sturdy structure was a last line of defence should the castle fall under attack.
Ross-on-Wye
Enjoy drinking award-winning English wine in our beautiful lakeside garden at Wythall Estate.
Minsterworth
The Severn Bore is one of Britain's few truly spectacular natural phenomena. Watch this powerful wave as it gains power flowing up the Severn Estuary. Spring and autumn are when it is at its highest, see our recommended places to watch it and find out the latest dates.
Cliffords Mesne
May Hill is one of the most familiar landmarks for many miles around, with its near circular mound and crowning clump of trees. It offers wonderful views and is an ideal spot to view the sunrise and sunset over the forest, hills and valleys all around.
Lydney
The Geomap celebrates both the geological and the industrial history of the Forest of Dean. Each layer of rock shown on Geomap is made from the actual rock it represents, taken from local quarries. Overlain on the map is the industrial history, demonstrating the link between the underlying geology and the great quarrying and mining industries of the past.
A nature reserve and lake in the heart of the Forest of Dean which is home to a wide range of plants and animals, many miles of footpaths and open forest views. The heathlands nearby offer open grazing for cattle and ponies.
©Visit Dean Wye 2025. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.