The Royal Forest of Dean is one of England's ancient forests. It lies on the English/Welsh border bounded on the south by the River Wye valley, and on the east by the River Severn, and to the north by the Vale of Leadon. The towns of Monmouth, Coleford, Cinderford and Lydney and encircle it.
Once a leisure ground of nobility, it now belongs to the common man and is used for many leisure pursuits including walking, horse riding, and cycling on the waymarked trails. Many other activities can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts; quad biking, caving, canoeing down the Wye rapids (canoe hire available).
A special Gold Leaf Quest has been organised to encourage the less enthusiastic walker around the forest. Copper 'oak leaves' are hidden in the forest and clues are released every fortnight to help guide hunters to them. This sounds like a great family treasure hunt with the added bonus of exercise.
A sculpture trail is an added visitor bonus. A variety of sculptures wait to be discovered, to surprise and amaze visitors. Click on the photograph of each cottage for details of self-catering in the Forest of Dean. If you are unable to find a suitable cottage here then you may wish to consider cottages in the Cotswolds?
Or, browse through the Feature Pages menu on the left to find additional houses, pine lodges, log cabins, and country cottages in England and the UK.