Forest of Dean Attractions

What’s on November 2021 Forest of Dean

Comments Off on What’s on November 2021 Forest of Dean Written on November 2nd, 2021 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions
What’s on November 2021 Forest of Dean

What’s On November 2021?

We are into November already, where has the year gone? It seems like two minutes since I wrote the same thing about 2020. Depending on your age; time seems to whizz by. All the more reason then, to cram as much into the remaining months of 2021.

OK, so the pandemic hasn’t helped matters. Lots of people were banged up and unable to travel for almost 18 months. Now we have been released into the wild, so to speak, we need to make the best of it.

Forest of Dean Glamping

Although our tented accommodations are closed until May 2022, our Forest of Dean Lodges is still open and ready for clients. We are booked up for Christmas and almost full for New Year but please, check with our main site, there may still be hope for a last-minute booking. This is mind, we would like to point out a few items of interest, as far as entertainment and activities available in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley areas.

One of my favourite websites is Visit Dean Wye. This is an excellent website bursting with helpful information. If you want to find what’s on, then this is the website for you.

Visit Dean Wye Website for a mine of information

With acres of ancient forest and a stunning winding river valley, walking is of course one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and there are plenty of options for walkers of all types.

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has a wide range of unique visitor attractions. From the magical Puzzlewood to the ruins of Tintern Abbey, this is a place that will take your breath away, entertain and amaze you and leave you wanting to come back for more.
Whether you’re walking, cycling, canoeing, swinging through the trees or climbing up a rock, make the most of our beautiful surroundings by heading outdoors.
We’ve got extreme adventures and beginner’s activities, guided tours and heart-pumping thrills. Our dramatic landscapes are perfect for all those looking for some outdoor adventures in nature’s playground. See more
There is plenty to see and do in the Wye Valley / Forest of Dean area this November. Get out there and enjoy yourself.

The Kymin – in the Forest of Dean

Comments Off on The Kymin – in the Forest of Dean Written on September 30th, 2020 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions
The Kymin – in the Forest of Dean

The Kymin – Forest of Dean

Admire the Georgian banqueting house at the Kymin. A “must-see”

 

Where are the best places to visit in the Forest of Dean? How long is a piece of string? That’s how hard a question that is.

Why?

Because the Forest of Dean has so many natural beauty spots as well as traditional tourist sites and services. There really is something for everyone. This includes your pets as well. Taking the dog along on holiday is just one way to enjoy the UK break in the Forest of Dean Lodges at beautiful Coleford. Pets are more than welcome.

The Kymin

Walking in the Forest of Dean is a great pleasure at any time of the year. Each season is different, each season has something special to offer the visitors. But, there are some “must-see” places; one such place is the Kymin.

The Kymin, is a hill overlooking Monmouth, in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is located approximately one mile east of Monmouth, on the eastern side of the River Wye and adjacent to the border with the Forest of Dean and England.

The summit of the hill, about 800 feet above sea level, is known for its neo-classical monuments, the Roundhouse and the Naval Temple, built between 1794 and 1800. The site is within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is owned by the National Trust. Wikipedia

 

The most common wood ant is the Southern Wood Ant, or ‘Red Wood Ant’, which is found in England and Wales.

 

The Kymin is home to one of Britain’s rarest and largest ants, the Red Wood ant. Their impressive nests can be found across our land here and are fascinating to watch.

Most of us don’t notice when a common little ant stumbles across our feet, but Red Wood ants are hard to miss, with the queens measuring about 12mm long.

An endangered species

Red Wood ants are on the Red Data List of endangered species in Wales. They’re under threat from changes in agriculture and woodland management.

Nearly all the nests at The Kymin are on the edge of the bowling green in the rockery and below the Round House in the meadow. Although the nests do move year on year, they tend to stay in the same general areas. Read more National Trust

There is much more to see and do but be sure to visit the Kymin and the lovely banqueting house.

Why do we consider Friday 13th to be an unlucky day?

Comments Off on Why do we consider Friday 13th to be an unlucky day? Written on September 12th, 2019 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions
Why do we consider Friday 13th to be an unlucky day?

Why do we have a phobia about Friday 13th?

To many people, Friday the 13th is something to be very wary about. If something is going to go wrong, you can bet, it will happen on Friday, the thirteenth day of the month.

This isn’t true. Of course, it isn’t but many people would argue otherwise. But where did such a superstition come from? Why Friday? and why the thirteenth?

There are many stories concerning that day and that date. One such theory goes back to biblical times and the last supper. Legend has it that Judas Iscariot was the thirteenth guest at the last supper. This was held on a Thursday ( Maundy Thursday) and Jesus was taken away and crucified on Friday. Thus the 13th + Friday.

For the best explanation, we have to go back in time to France.

The Knights Templar – who were they?

The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, also known as the Order of Solomon’s Temple, the Knights Templar or simply the Templars, were a Catholic military order recognised in 1139 by the papal bull Omne datum optimum

What happened on Friday 13th 1307?

At dawn on Friday, October 13, 1307, scores of French Templars were simultaneously arrested by agents of King Philip of France, later to be tortured in locations such as the tower at Chinon, into admitting heresy and other sacrilegious offences in the Order. Then they were put to death.

Many reasons were given for the treachery of Philip and Pope Clement V. Money is thought to have been one factor. The Knights Templars were both soldiers and Monks, they were also bankers. It is taken as a matter of fact that the Templars invented what is, today’s modern banking system.

The Templars had accrued vast wealth over many years. They were originally formed to protect the pilgrims who visited the holy land.

After the Holy Land was re-conquered by Saladin, the Templars went into decline.

May rumours surrounded the order. One was that they worshipped the severed and preserved head of John the Baptist. Other ‘crimes’ they were arrested and tortured for included homosexual acts, spitting on the cross, treason and a number of other trumped-up charges.

In the end, they were mostly killed by being burned as heretics and traitors. Many were put to death in Paris.

What was the Templar Curse

The Grand Master of the Knights Templar Jaques de Molay was burnt at the stake. While burning on the pyre, De Molay cursed King Philip IV of France, his descendants, Pope Clement V, and everyone else who supported his death. De Molay said that within a year and a day, Clement V and Philip IV would die. He also said Philip’s bloodline would reign in France no more.

As it transpired, both Pope Clement and King Philip were dead soon after. Between 1314 and 1328 the three sons and grandsons of King Philip died, thus ending 300 years of the house of Caped.

As far as Friday the 13th superstition and paranoia go, I rather like the story of the Knights Templar. Mind you, people also avoid cracks in the pavement, walking under ladders, crossing a black cat and a list of other phobias.

There are many Knights Templar sites dotted around France and other European countries. A French nobleman Hugh de Payens visited England 1128 to raise men and money for the Crusade, thus was born the English Knights Templar.

The Templars and their sites can be seen in many English churches and placenames around England. If this has given you a taste for th Templar history, you find out more here.

Even nearer to home. If you are staying with us at the Forest of Dean Lodges in Coleford, you can find traces of the Knights Templar close by. Check out this great historical website.

Whats on in the Forest of Dean March

Comments Off on Whats on in the Forest of Dean March Written on February 25th, 2019 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions
Whats on in the Forest of Dean March

What’s on in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean March 2019

Forest of Dean holidays is great at any time of the year. There is always something going on. Sporting events, arts and crafts, cultural events, you name it and there will be something happening that will get you interested.

One great source of information is the Wye Dean Tourism website, it is a veritable mine of information.

It is always a good idea to read up on the holiday locations you intend to visit. You can save so much time by checking out Blogs and websites that offer information on the area, what’s going on, shows, restaurants and so on, so, when you get to your forest lodge, you will know where you’re going and what you might be doing.

No matter! We are always available to offer you a guiding hand. So; what’s happening in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean in March 2019?

Well, we still have another week of February to get through and there are so many things left to see and do.

For example; 140th anniversary of the battle of Rourke’s Drift. There is an exhibition and talk about one of the most famous (or infamous) battles of the colonial wars against the Zulu. If you have seen the film you will no doubt have a good idea of what this is about.

There are also a number of arts, crafts, photograph and other educational events in February.

St. Patricks Day in the Forest of Dean

One of the great events of the year happens in March and that’s St Patricks Day. You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate ‘Paddy’s Day’, you are honorary Irish for the day. As usual, you will find pubs, clubs and restaurants who will be doing something special for the day.

There is a wildlife photographer of the year exhibition that has been going on since January and runs up until St Patricks Day. Live Lambing at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm is a great event for the farming enthusiasts. There are also plenty of films, shows and musical events.

Check out this link for events in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Gloucestershire. Explore Gloucestershire.

Forest of Dean Sleeps 10 to 12 or Larger Groups

Comments Off on Forest of Dean Sleeps 10 to 12 or Larger Groups Written on December 10th, 2018 by
Categories: Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages, Forest of Dean Attractions
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Forest of Dean Sleeps 10 to 12 or Larger Groups

Group accommodation in the Forest of Dean for 10 to 12 people

Worcester Lodge, plenty of space for 10 to 12 sleeps

Forest of Dean holidays are a great way to have a family get together or a group holiday. Quite often people want to get away with their families or social groups and so require larger accommodations.

Forest of Dean Losges at Coleford, Glocestershire is right in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean and we can also offer you the very best in family accommodation and great amenities.

We have Lodges and cabins that are suitable for the larger groups sleeping 10 to 12 people, or, even more.

We have such properties and Worcester Lodge, this can sleep 10 to 12 people in comfort and style and we are also happy to welcome your pets as well.

If you are planning a group holiday of 10 to 12 people or more, pklease contact us, we will be delighted to show you what we have to offer your family or group.

And remember, your pets are welcome too!

Saint Patrick’s Day Breaks Forest of Dean 2020

Comments Off on Saint Patrick’s Day Breaks Forest of Dean 2020 Written on March 7th, 2018 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions
Saint Patrick’s Day Breaks Forest of Dean 2020

Saint Patrick’s Day Breaks in the Forest of Dean 2020

Saint Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century.

HRH Duke of Cambridge is the Colonel in Chief of the Irish Guards

 

March 17th is a long-anticipated date in the calendar for millions of people. Not just the Irish, oh no! New York, Liverpool, Dublin Perth and a thousand other cities hold Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Even the British Army have Saint Patricks Day parades. Regiments such as The Irish Guards parade with Shamrock presented to them by a member of the Royal Family. They are then given the rest of the day off.

No matter where you go, you won’t be too far from an Irishman of some shade of green and, you can bet, it will be a great day.

 

Saint Patrick’s Day in the Forest of Dean 20202

 

This year, Saint Patrick’s day falls on Tuesday the 17th of March. As with every other year, it will be party time all over the world. The Forest of Dean will not be an exception.

The best way to enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day is to prepare before you start. make sure you have suitable accommodation beforehand. We have special deals in the Forest of Dean Lodges and we will be happy to make sure you have a luxury cottage or lodge, if you book early that is.

You might also want to fi¡nd out what is on and where. A great source of information for anything happening in the Forest of Dean in the Wye Valley Tourist Site.

There is a great night to be had, starting at 18:00hrs at a place called the Brewery Tap. This is a full-on Irish Night for Saint Patrick’s Day frivolity. See the Hillside Brewery at Hollybush Farm for more details.

There will be more places hosting these events, so, check on Google and make sure you contact us to book your lodge or cottage.

Your all welcome.

 

Hugh’s Wild West BBC2

Comments Off on Hugh’s Wild West BBC2 Written on January 8th, 2018 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstal Forest of Dean

Chubby and with stumpy little wings. The Dipper is a great reason to visit the Forest of Dean.

Hugh’s Wild West. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstal is one of my favourite TV chef’s-come-presenter. I have watched his programs for many years. He’s a sort of posh hippie.

Many of the tv prgrames he made i8nvolved eating road kill, rummaging about the forest to eat all sorts of weird and wonderful plants, as well as rearing sheep, pigs and goats, to eat, of course.

When I was searching the TV for something to watch, I came across this little gem. “Hugh’s Wild West”. I thought he had gone completely tonto! What did HFW know about the wild west?

I need not have worried. The new series started with a great documentary on the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.

Hugh’s Wild West

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall explores the wildlife of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, the hideaway for some very particular creatures. He becomes captivated by the extraordinary life of the dipper, the UK’s only aquatic songbird. Hugh meets one of his wildlife heroes, the tireless Stephanie Tyler, who has studied these delightful birds for 40 years. With the help of wildlife cameraman Robin Smith, the pair get a privileged insight into the extraordinary underwater agility of these unique birds.

On the river, Hugh takes the chance to relive his childhood, catching minnows in the clear waters of the Wye. And nearby, wildlife enthusiast and IT technician Gareth Jones has rigged his garden with a network of mini cameras to spy on the secret lives of his animal neighbours – and his home movies are more gripping than any soap opera!

The Dipper Bird

I was completely enthralled with the section of the program dedicated to a wonderful little bird called a “Dipper”. A chubby little brown and white coloured bird, rather like a big Robin but with stubby wings more suited for swimming than flying.

If ever there was a reason to visit the Forest of Dean, seeing the Dipper would be high on the list. Almost comical to watch as it dives into the fast flowing streams of the forest and catches dinner for its checks.

Check out this great underwater footage of the Dipper in action.

We look forward to seeing you in 2018 at the Forest of Dean Lodges at Coleford. Check out our main website pages for a great lodge or cottage for your holidays or weekend breaks in 2018.

Massive Wild Boar holds up traffic

Comments Off on Massive Wild Boar holds up traffic Written on October 23rd, 2017 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions

Massive Wild Boar holds up traffic in the Forest of Dean

I love oddball news stories and, if it also features our animal friends, even better. Here’s one about a Wild Boar.

People come to the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire for many reasons. Some come as tourists and stay at our Forest of Dean Lodges, some as day trippers, cyclists, hikers, photographers, bird watching, the list goes on. Also, some come to see the wildlife in the Forest of Dean

Well, you can’t get enough of a good thing, can you? Checking through the news website Glocestershire Live, a massive Boar held up traffic in Blakeney, Forest of Dean, Gloucester.

The animal had gone walkabouts around the town, causing some concern to local residents. One woman wrote that she thought it was the same Boar that was in her garden that morning. Come on! How many of these porkers, especially that size, would one expect to see on any given day in Blakeney?

Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean

According to one local lady, there are ever more wild Boar in the Dean Forest, thus causing competition for food and so these animals are making more and more visits to the towns in search of a snack or two.

Wild Boar were once a very common site in England but were hunted to extinction over 300 years ago. Nowadays, there are populations of wild Boar in England’s forests due to accidental and deliberate releases from Boar farms.

Back in the 1990’s a large pack of wild Boar were illegally released into the Royal Forest of Dean and, by 2004, there were at least two breeding communities. Forest of Dean wild Boar are the largest populations in England.

If you are interested in these animals and want to read more about them, then, here is a link to a government website telling you all about these lovable but dangerous creatures. Link

 

Coleford Town Center Forest of Dean

Comments Off on Coleford Town Center Forest of Dean Written on October 10th, 2017 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions

COLEFORD IN THE FOREST OF DEAN – TOWN CENTER

They say that a photograph paints a thousand words, so, how many words would a video with sound paint?

I don’t know any description that would be more accurate than a picture or a video. Videos especially give you a feel for the places and the addition of sound is a definite bonus.

One of the most asked questions by guest visiting out Forest of Dean lodges is; “What is Coleford like?”

Coleford Forest of Dean

Coleford is everything you would expect from a market town. It is almost a biscuit tin cliche, at first glance. Situated two miles from the border with Wales and the Wye valley, Coleford is a small market town at the west of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.

The last census gave the population in 2011 has at less than 8400 souls. Historically, Coleford has a mixed bag, being a doorway for Charcoal and iron and also gets a mention for the English Civil war (1642 – 1651).

If you are interested in the history of Coleford then there is a great article on Wikipedia.

Modern Coleford

These days, Coleford is synonymous with the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Walking, cycling, birdwatching and many more outdoor activities bring the tourists to Coleford and the Forest of Dean in their thousands. Nowhere in the UK, in our oppinon, is there a more beautiful holiday location.

There is plenty to do and see in Coleford, not just the Royal Forest of Dean, although, this is the main attraction to the area.

Here are just a few links from the Royal Forest of Dean info website.

For more information on Coleford and the Royal Forest of Dean, check out this link

Back to Coleford Town Center

My original aim of this posting was to point out the great availability of videos relating to Coleford and the Forest of Dean that are available on Youtube. A simple search for “Coleford Forest of Dean” with get you a weath of visual information that will be a great help when planning your holidays to Coleford in 2018.

Additionally; We would love to see any videos you have made yourself about the town, the Royal Forest or the Wye Valley. Better still, send us a link and we can feature your video on our Blog.

Forest of Dean Lodges – Where to take the kids

Comments Off on Forest of Dean Lodges – Where to take the kids Written on September 27th, 2017 by
Categories: Forest of Dean Attractions

Where do you take the kids when it rains in the Forest of Dean?

I don’t care if it rains or freezes, Long as I have my plastic dashboard Jesus? Plastic balls perhaps?

Kids, you might be surprised when I tell you that it rains in the Forest of Dean! No! really, it does rain in the Forest of Dean.

To some people rain on their holidays doesn’t seem to be fair, after all, you have gone away to get a suntan and enjoy the great outdoors. Well, not everyone.

Some people go to the Forest of Dean in all weathers, they don’t mind the rain or the snow, its being in the forest that counts, not the weather.

Anyway; its for the poor souls that don’t like the rain on their jolly hols that I’m addressing this blog to.

Where to take the kids when it rains in Dean Forest?

Now, it all rather depends on the kids but I found a great website whilst surfing the web that addresses this very question.

I found an article on the Gloucestershire Live website entitled “9 places to take your kids when it rains in Gloucestershire?

OK, the Forest of Dean is one of those 9 places for the kids to go but the rest are as relevant to anyone in the Forest of Dean Lodges accommodation who wants to be out and about but not wet.

The Gloucestershire Live website offers you a host of activities, from the Wilson Art Gallery, to the many museums and historical sites and there is even Go carting and Laser Tag to keep you occupied.

Other suggestions are Gloucester Cathedral and a place called Magicland.

Magic Land is where Parents everywhere should be prepared to let your hair down. Magicland is a huge 13,000sq foot play area with a large multi-tiered soft play structure, Magicland promises to keep the kids occupied for the day. Starting at £2.00 for children under 18 months, admission covers all day play! (excluding peak times). Can’t be bad.

There are many more places to see and things to do if it rains on your Forest holiday. Google is a great source of help and information and with the WIFI in your Forest of Dean Lodge, you can pick the best place for you.

Enjoy the forest, whatever the weather.

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