The Wye Valley on the doorstep

15.8 miles away

Dore Abbey - Abbeydore, Herefordshire

Heritage

Dore Abbey was established in the Golden Valley of south-west Hereford in 1147 and was colonised by monks from Morimond Abbey in the Champagne region of north-eastern France. When the monks arrived from Morimond, they found themselves on the border lordship of Ewyas Harold, owned by Robert Fitz Harold of Ewyas, who became the first patron of Dore. In 1321 Abbot Richard, a renowned scholar, was given a relic of the Holy Cross by William de Gradisson, and it was said that crowds visited the abbey to see this. Lady Matilda de Bohun's tomb (1318) was also a focal point of the abbey as it was thought to have had the power of healing. Despite these attractions the house was never a particularly rich one, and its later history witnessed a series of financial difficulties, coupled with a collapse in internal discipline. In the survey of 1535 the net annual income was valued at £101 and the house was dissolved a year later. In 1633 the owner, Viscount Scudamore, decided to restore what was left of the abbey church and convert it for use as the local parish church. A tower was added, the interior refurbished with carved oak, a fine Renaissance screen inserted, and many windows replaced with seventeenth-century stained glass. By the end of the nineteenth century the church was again in need of attention, and the repairs were carried out by Roland Paul in 1901-09. The medieval presbytery is one of the finest Cistercian survivals in the west of Britain, and the interior dates from the restoration of the church in the early 1630s. The remains comprise the crossing and the liturgical east end of the monastic church, and there are still slight traces of the nave, and fragments of the claustral buildings. Dore Abbey, Abbeydore 01981 570 251

12.8 miles away

Gloucester Cathedral,Gloucestershire

Heritage

Trace 1000 years of architectural styles from Norman through Perpendicular to the present day where our team of stonemasons are still carving and casting. The extraordinary fan-faulted medieval cloisters and Great East Window are national treasures and the Lady Chapel houses some of the finest Arts & Crafts glass in the country.

3.5 miles away

Goodrich Castle - Goodrich, Herefordshire

Heritage

Standing in scenic countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it promises a great day out for all the family. The life of the castle itself began in the 11th century, soon after the Norman Conquest. Strategically placed along the border, Goodrich remained in royal hands until 1204 – when King John awarded it to the famous William Marshal. Sir William was honoured as 'the best knight in all the world' and made his fame and fortune by winning prizes at tournaments."

13.3 miles away

Hereford Cathedral - Hererford

Heritage

This beautiful Cathedral whilst a fascinating place in its own right is made even more so by some of the priceless and rare artefacts that it houses. A copy of the world renown Magna Carta is on display here, as well as the Mappa Mundi - a large colour medieval map, that is made from calf skin. Hereford Cathedral also has the worlds largest chained library, with 1,500 books dating back to 800AD, containing what is thought to be the earliest complete book known to Wales!

5.7 miles away

Littledean Jail - Littledean, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Heritage

This former house of correction, police station and courthouse is proud to be a most unorthodox, historical visitor attraction. Home of the infamous CRIME THROUGH TIME MUSEUM and the largest collection of QUADROPHENIA memorabilia. Not suitable for the easily offended or under 18s.

13.6 miles away

Museum of Cider - Hereford

Heritage

How do you save the history of cider from being lost? This was the question a group of cider enthusiasts faced when they decided to establish the Hereford Cider Museum Trust. Founded in 1973, the Trust began collecting objects and archival material to preserve the history of cider making worldwide. Without their efforts, many of the stories and objects in the Museum today would have been lost. The Museum of Cider was opened in 1981 inside the old Bulmers cider factory. Today, the Museum continues to collect and preserve the story of cider for future generations.

12.8 miles away

Beatrix Potter's House of the Taylor of Gloucester - Gloucester

Heritage

The House of the Tailor of Gloucester is today a charming museum and quaint shop. The building is easy to find. It is in College Court which stands within the shadow of the Cathedral. This was the building, Beatrix Potter chose to draw (page 37 in The Tailor of Gloucester) which inspired her to write what she described as her 'favourite book'. Number 9, College Court, standing beside the ancient St Michael's Gate, was the building Beatrix Potter chose for the setting of her story, The Tailor of Gloucester. The inspiration for this story came in May 1894 when Beatrix Potter was staying with her cousin, Caroline Hutton. Whilst at the Hutton's home, Harescombe Grange, which lies five miles south of Gloucester, Caroline told Beatrix the curious tale of a local Tailor, John Pritchard. Closing his shop one Friday evening, with a waistcoat cut out but not sewn together, he was surprised to discover when, on the Monday morning he opened the shop again, to discover that apart from one button hole, the waistcoat had been sewn together. A tiny note was pinned to the button hole which read, "no more twist". The Tailor was amazed and bewildered that the work had been finished short of completion. From this date, John Pritchard advertised his work had been 'made at night by fairies'. On hearing this, Beatrix requested that they visit Gloucester the next day to visit the Tailor's shop, number 45 Westgate Street. Whilst visiting, Beatrix sketched some of the beautiful buildings in the cathedral city of Gloucester, including 9 College Court. Presumably, Beatrix Potter had already formed the story in her mind but it was not until 1901 that the tale was committed to paper as a Christmas present for the daughter of one of her tutors, Freda Moore.

Monmouth Castle & Regimental Museum - Monmouth, Monmouthshire

Heritage

It'squo;s a surprise to find this ruin, tucked away as it is in a lane off Monmouth's main shopping street. Strategically located at crossings of the River Wye and River Monnow, only a few fragments – ruins of the 12th-century Great Tower and 13th-century hall – remain of this once-important castle. It was founded in the 11th century by Norman lord William fitz Osbern, and by the mid-14th century was in the hands of Henry of Grosmont, who modified the tower with large decorated windows whose outline can still be seen in the east wall. The most notable event in the tower's history occurred on 16 September 1386, when King Henry V of Battle of Agincourt fame was born here, an occasion commemorated at Monmouth's Agincourt Square.

9.1 miles away

The Nelson Museum & Local History Centre, Monmouth, Monmouthshire

Heritage

The Nelson Museum & Local History Centre

6.0 miles away

Go Ape - Beechenhurst Lodge - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Activities

Every year, nearly half a million people Go Ape in the most awe-inspiring locations. So whatever your ability, have fun on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders & more.

6.3 miles away

Elton Giant Maize Mazes - Elton, Gloucestershire

Activities

3 maize mazes hiding the Nation's favourite Cartoon & Animated Heroes. Trivia quiz, look out towers & hidden objects. Suitable for pushchairs & all ages. Picnic site, snacks and games area. Great for Birthday and Works parties with BBQ.

7.4 miles away

Forest Adventure - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Activities

Rock activities, Canoe & Kayak river adventures. Cave & overnight cave experience. Archery, Mountain biking, Bivouac weekends and more. Our activities provide a base for promoting Self-esteem, Co-operation & Teamwork with experienced instructors.

6.7 miles away

Forest Hills Golf Club - Coleford, Gloucestershire

Activities

Super Greens & challenging holes for players of every level. 6300 yard par 72 Golf Course. Memberships available, visitors welcome on the Course and in the Bar. Conference & Wi-Fi facilities.

7.6 miles away

Go Ape - Mallards Pike- Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Activities

The Tree Top Challenge at Mallards Pike Lake offers hours several hours of activities by zipping, swinging and clambering your way through the Forest of Dean. Segways are also available, if you fancy zooming around on all terrain wheels.

6.9 miles away

Inspire2adventure - Monmouthshire

Activities

Paul and Liz started Inspire2Adventure as a small family business back in 2005 when we also welcomed our daughter into the world - a big year for us! At this time Paul had worked in the outdoor adventure industry for over 20 years and was working on a freelance basis when we decided to start our own adventure activity business. With his knowledge, experience and qualifications combined with living in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it was the perfect time. Fast forward 15 years and we now offer many outdoor adventure activity experiences in Monmouthshire, Forest of Dean & The Wye Valley. You will probably meet Paul when you arrive for your activity session, and Liz looks after things here at base. Our strength is in providing adventurous activities that are of a high quality experience creating an atmosphere that is fun, challenging and promotes participation by all. We cater for all ages and abilities with instructors who have professional experience to adjust activity days to suit.

5.1 miles away

Wyedean Canoe Hire - Herefordshire

Activities

Family run Canoe & Kayak hire centre, catering for both adults and children. All levels of experience are catered for with qualified instructors and expert tuition. Great for team Building, Corporate Days or just a family fun day.

5.3 miles away

Pedalbikeaway - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Activities

Pedalabikeaway is in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean. Bike hire, cafe and workshop we have every thing for the forest day out with friends and family.

8.3 miles away

Puzzle wood - Coleford, Gloucestershire

Activities

Welcome to the enchanted world of Puzzlewood, located in Gloucestershire's gorgeous and historic Forest of Dean. From aliens to ancient Scowles and wizards to wildlife our unique and atmospheric ancient woodland is a natural stage that's more than a home to history and nature, it's an inspiration for authors and storytellers, where Stormtroopers and Time Lords have rubbed shoulders with dragons and unicorns. Book now to discover why we are such a popular filming location. A magical day out in the Forest of Dean. Set in 14 acres of ancient woodland. There are seven elusive features to find as you wander round. JRR Tolkien was a frequent visitor to the Forest of Dean and many believe Puzzlewood was the inspiration for the fabled forests of Middle Earth contained within The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

5.4 miles away

Symonds Yat Bike Hire - Herefordshire

Activities

Now as we are very local we would also love to offer to your guests FREE DELIVERY of the bikes to their accommodation - so they can cycle straight from where they are staying. We would drop the bikes with them and then come and collect either at the end of the day or after the few hours whenever they are doneWe offer Mountain bike hire in the beautiful Wye Valley, situated at the Symonds Yat area of outstanding natural beauty. . Symonds Yat and its' surroundings offer a fantastic location for off-road cycling whether it be picturesque old railway paths, trail's along the river or forestry tracks. Stop off for some refreshments at the scenic riverside country pubs or bring your own picnic and enjoy chilling out up above the wye valley at Symonds Yat Rock.

8.1 miles away

Way2go Adventures - Coleford, Gloucestershire

Activities

Highly qualified guides and coaches for a range of activities on the River Wye. Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Raft Building, Nordic Walking, and BCU Courses. Families, Stag/Hen parties, Schools/Youth group and corporate events are welcome.

8.1 miles away

Whitecliff Four X Four - Gloucestershire

Activities

Off-road training, gift experience days, corporate, stag/hen events. Full or half day courses. Chauffeured rides for all the family. Owner driver courses. Gift Vouchers available. Must ring first to book.

5.9 miles away

Wye Valley Mountain Bikes - Herefordshire

Activities

Wye Valley Mountain Bikes

4.6 miles away

Brock Moorhead - Alpaca Walking

Activities

We offer your group an exclusive alpaca walk which is a great way to learn about these interesting animals from South America. After meeting the animals your group will walk with them for about 45 mins when there is plenty of opportunity to interact and learn more of their personalities, Walks finish with a chance to hand feed your new friends, meet our other interesting animals and find out a little about their fibre and what we do with it. We can accommodate groups of between 2 and 5 people.

5.2 miles away

Amazing Hedge Puzzle - Symonds Yat Herefordshire

Activities

The Jubilee Maze is one of Britain's most famous traditional hedge mazes, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedges. It was planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977. Find your way then play! This maze is a great place to play tag or Marco Polo with all the family. Not up to running around? Play by stealth! There's a viewing platform for calling directions... but who can you trust? It's not too difficult to have fun, but if you are up for a serious challenge you should investigate the history of labyrinths at the Museum of Mazes and discover myths, maths, mysteries and magic, all about making and solving mazes. How about a maze with just one path and no hedge? Well, the earliest mazes were never intended to be puzzles for people... they were used as traps for evil spirits. Where's the hardest maze in history and how can we solve it? Come and see

12.1 miles away

Krazy Golf Lydney, Gloucestershire

Activities

Play the twelve hole miniature course, amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will you beat par?

8.3 miles away

Perrygrove Railway - Coleford, Gloucestershire

Activities

Perrygrove Railway Adventure offers visitors multiple train rides alongside extensive play areas, aimed at children under 10. We are a dog friendly attraction. There is a café onsite selling great coffee, tempting cakes, local ice cream, sandwiches and pastries.

16.4 miles away

Raglan Farm Park - Monmouthshire

Activities

We have over 40,000 sq foot of undercover indoor space, with 7 'soft play' themed areas. Play areas cater for age ranges from 18 months to 11 years… Outside there are zip wires, swings, slides, roundabouts, trampolines, 'ride-on' tractors and go-carts! There are 'astro-turf' paths around the park, so, even if the ground is damp, you won't be!

5.2 miles away

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo - Symonds Yat, Herefordshire

Activities

Here at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo we are not just passionate about butterfly conservation, we really work at it. We support sustainable Butterfly Farming worldwide through trade: This devalues collected specimens and preserves rainforest and other habitats. We have our own Nature Reserve commissioned from Barnaby Millard, Conservation Landscape Architect, and manage the banks of The White Brook to ensure biodiversity. We control our impact on global warming by heating the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo with pelletised biomass, a renewable fuel

5.2 miles away

Wye Valley Miniature Golf - Symonds Yat - Herefordshire

Activities

A twelve-hole roman ruin fantasy set in spectacular scenery in the Wye Valley. An outstanding outdoor course with all-weather artificial-turf fairways. The design unites a picturesque roman ruin theme, retro minigolf style and adventure golf features for ultimate playability for all ages. Everyone loves the challenge of minigolf, and this course is a real leveller so you never know who'll win. Where else can children beat their parents with a club in a fair contest? This course is accessible for wheelchair users with assistance. Ball-lifting aids and soft or short putters are available, so that even a toddler can play.

9.6 miles away

Float in the Forest - Lydney, Gloucestershire

Activities

What is floatation? Imagine relaxing in a giant bathtub that you can sleep in with peace of mind. Firstly, the water is only approximately 25cm deep. Secondly, it is saturated with Epsom salt, and heated to skin temperature. This is where the magic begins. Your body floats like a cork, a bit like in the Dead Sea. You are so buoyant that you can totally relax all your muscles, and let go of tensions. You will float naturally and effortlessly, and the support of the water around your body gives a sense of weightlessness. All the work the mind and body usually has to do just to resist gravity becomes unnecessary, and you are able to let go and relax into a blissful state.

11.4 miles away

Forest Of Dean School Of Photography - Lydney, Gloucestershire

Activities

Fun, photographic training and safari's in the heart of the forest with pro photographer David Broadbent for any skill level. Improve your general skill level or hone one area – it's up to you.

3.8 miles away

Harts Barn Cookery School - Experience's - Longhope, Gloucestershire

Activities

Harts Barn Cookery School is all about cooking for all – all ages and skill levels are catered for, and we teach everything from banquets to basics! We provide a huge range of regular cookery and baking classes, workshops, supper clubs and events plus we welcome group bookings, parties, corporate and private hire. All our cookery classes offer a hands-on element and focus on gaining practical skills and knowledge as well as being enjoyable! For our up-to-date class list please see here. We view cooking as an essential life skill. Our ethos of 'cooking for all' means that we offer cookery classes that are accessible, practical, affordable, give confidence and are lots of fun. We believe in the 'socialisation' of food, bringing people together whether they are learning a new skill in the kitchen or sitting down and enjoying the soiree! As well as cookery classes we run regular events, pop up restaurants, a Hire-A-Chef service, and provide parties, corporate packages, chef demos and have a wonderful earth oven, fire pit and large courtyard area for outdoor cooking experiences.

13.0 miles away

Sevenwye Equestrain - Pony & Llama Trekking

Activities

The ancient woodlands of The Forest of Dean cover over 42 square miles of mixed woodland, bordered by the rivers Severn and Wye. It is an ideal area for riding horses and pony trekking. Severnwye Farm is located near Woolaston and Alvington, a short drive from the A48 between Chepstow and Lydney, in the Forest of Dean. See location here. The ancient woodland and forest trails are easily accessible. As well as horses and ponies, we have llamas, wild boar and other animals. We are also a fully licensed Equestrian Centre, with dedicated stabling, arenas, and facilities.

12.2 miles away

Taurus Crafts - Lydney, Gloucestershire

Activities

Vibrant art and craft centre with art studios. Craft units. Working pottery. Design led gift shop. Organic delicatessen. Licensed wholefood restaurant. Function room. Programme of activities & art exhibitions.

6.0 miles away

King Arthurs Cave - Symonds Yat, Herefordshire

Nature

This reserve holds a rich flora that has regenerated on the site of old quarry workings and a number of small caves that provide a refuge for Horseshoe Bats and special invertebrates such as the Cave Spider and hibernating Herald Moths.

7.5 miles away

Ed Drewitt Wildlife Walks - Gloucestershire

Nature

Whether you would like to: Listen for woodland birds on a dawn chorus or evening birdsong walk Watch for wild boar or deer Discover butterflies and trees Or explore the forest for its special birds such as hawfinches, crossbills and peregrines Ed offers offer flexible walks and wildlife experiences for individuals, couples and groups of all ages, throughout the year.

Beechenhust - Out door Forest Sculpture Trail - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Nature

Founded in 1986, the sculpture trail is a partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust. Some of the sculptures are temporary, while others will last for years. They have all been designed to evolve over time as the forest changes around them. Over the years, artists at all stages of their careers have been invited to create artworks for this unique context. The sculptures on this trail are inspired by the forest - its trees, wildlife and industrial past. The sculptures are mostly constructed from natural material from the Dean - wood, stone and iron. They are interspersed along the trail through majestic oaks and towering Scots pine trees.

Malvern Hills

Nature

The Malvern Hills and Commons are a stunning, unique and inspiring landscape that is enjoyed and respected by everyone in harmony with rich and flourishing wildlife, natural and cultural heritage.

8.5 miles away

Mary Rose Young's Pottery Gallery - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Arts and culture

Mary Rose Young makes her distinctive pottery at her studio in the Forest of Dean. Visit her gallery above the studio, you may even be joined by celebrity collectors like Mika, Lily Allen, Steven Tyler, Demi Moore and Ozzy Osborne.