Things to do

There is so much to do in the Wye Valley; from exploring the many walking and biking trails in the Forest of Dean to discovering the many cosy and welcoming local pubs and restaurants.

Things to do in the Wye Valley
Explore nearby forests

Places of interest (within 30 minutes)

Raglan Castle, Monmouth

Visit Monmouth

Our closest town, 10 minutes drive. It sits beside the River Wye and has a charming high street and numerous independent shops and cafes. Plus supermarkets where you can stock up.

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

Discover the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean, with its rich cultural heritage is only 15 minutes away. It offers fantastic walking and numerous visitor attractions including; Hopewell Colliery, Dean Forest Railway, Clearwell Caves, Symonds Yat butterfly zoo with maze and minigolf, Perrygrove Railway and Puzzlewood – a magical ancient woodland and popular film location.

Things to do in Monmouth

Explore the River Wye

Colonels Park woodland is a few minutes walk from our site; a mixed native woodland, carpeted with blue bells in the spring.

The Wye Valley offers stunning walking, breath-taking views, paddleboarding, rock-climbing, wildlife experiences, vineyards, farm shops and cookery courses.

Raglan Castle (Cadw)

Discover ancient Welsh castles

We are within a short drive of many ancient Welsh castles; Raglan Castle, Chepstow Castle, Caldicot Castle, Skenfrith Castle (with an idyllic wild swimming spot), White Castle and Grosmont Castle. The last three are connected by a walking route.

Tintern Abbey

Visit Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is a 20 minute drive south and is a national icon; still standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.

Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat is one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in the Dean and Wye. There’s plenty to do here; admire picturesque views of the Wye Valley, watch Peregrine falcons and goshawks, cross the river on the chain ferry or enjoy tea and cake at Yat Rock cafe.

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. You can hire bikes at Pedalabikeaway.

River Wye Canoe and Kayak Hire

River Wye Canoe & Kayak Hire

Suitable for all ages, canoes or kayaks can be booked for a half day, full day or multiple days; giving you the opportunity to explore the river whilst passing through the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.

Humble by Nature

Rural skills, cookery, craft and animal husbandry courses at TV wildlife presenter Kate Humble’s working farm 40 minutes walk from us.

Further a field (within 60 minutes)

The Big Pitt National Coal Museum

Take a FREE tour 300 feet underground with a real coal miner to see what life what like for the workers at this former coal mine. A fascinating part of Wales’s history.

St Fagans National History Museum

A FREE open-air museum in 100 acres showing buildings from Celtic times to the present day. See traditional craft demonstrations and native livestock breeds at Wales’s most popular heritage attraction.

Brecon Beacons National Park

We are only one hour’s drive from the Brecons. Here it feels wild and remote and there is wonderful walking, including Pen-Y-Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales. Plus unspoilt waterfalls, rock climbing and horse riding.

Local pubs and restaurants (all in walking distance)

The Whitebrook

The Whitebrook

Our village hosts a Michelin starred restaurant, The Whitebrook. It’s on our doorstep – follow the Whitebrook stream through the woods for a truly memorable, stylish dining experience.

The Lion Inn

The Lion Inn

Walk half an hour through mixed woodland to reach The Lion Inn at Trellech. The pub dates from the 16th Century and it’s great for family meals, traditional ales and village atmosphere.

Pig & Apple

The Pig & Apple

Take the path alongside our orchard to reach The Pig and Apple at Humble by Nature in 40 minutes walk, for mountainous burgers and irresistible puds.

The Bush

The Bush at Penallt

The Bush is about thirty minutes walk along the lanes. It’s a friendly local pub with great food and a fun atmosphere.

The Boat Inn

A wonderful 6 mile loop to The Boat Inn takes you down by the Whitebrook steam, along the River Wye tow path and back up through the woods. This riverside pub has real ales and ciders from our local region, famous for its orchards.

The Ostrich Inn

The Ostrich Inn is a charming and ancient pub in the beautiful village of Newland, on the western edge of the Forest of Dean. A bit of a longer walk from our site, approx 1.5 hours, but worth it for the stunning walk and delicious food.