The gorgeous wild landscapes of the Forest of Dean provide ample outdoor spaces to take advantage of whatever the weather, with walking and cycling trails to follow, birdwatching spots to find and new sports to try.
We've teamed up with Active Gloucestershire to share 10 outdoor spots and activities to try while there across the Forest of Dean over the summer months. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a way to meet friends or free activities to get the family moving and adventuring, there's something for all to try in our top picks.
Most of our choices are free to try, but we've outlined where cheaper options are available for those that require a fee.
Follow the Forest of Dean Sculpture trail at Beechenhurst
Follow the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst and find the striking stained glass suspended in the air among a tree lined path.
This specific artwork, named Cathedral, was created by sculptor and artist Kevin Atherton and makes for a great spot to catch a snap for Instagram. If you catch it at the right time, the sun streams through creating a colourful glow.
There are a total of 18 sculptures to see along the way, with each one created by a different artist and incorporating materials like cast iron, steel, and wood.
Give volunteering among the wildlife a go
Make a difference while meeting new people and getting stuck in among nature by volunteering.
There are lots of volunteer initiatives that run across the Forest of Dean, from gardening clubs to assisting with nature reserve monitoring or even getting hands-on with removing invasive species from the natural spaces across the region.
Find out more information on the different kinds of opportunities you can try by contacting Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
Find your balance with paddleboard yoga
Take yoga practice to another level by trying it out on the water among the great outdoors.
Paddleboard yoga, otherwise known as SUP yoga, helps to improve balance and focus while incorporating the serene surroundings of calm water and woodlands to tune into a mindful state.
Ran by Paddleboarding Adventures, you can try it out for yourself with sessions taking place at Court Farm Lakes in Lydney. Families also wanting to get out on the water can book a family fun session on the River Wye.
Those not keen on the water can take a mindful moment on land, and take along their own mat to find a quiet spot in one of the many woodland areas within the Forest of Dean for free.
Prices for SUP yoga start at £20.
Develop your biking confidence at the Cycle Centre
You don't need to be an expert cyclist to take a ride in the Forest of Dean. Head down to the Cycle Centre at the former site of Cannop Colliery in the Cannop Valley to find the right cycle path for you.
The award-winning centre offers colour-coded paths, offering easy trails for beginners, leisurely rides for families, and more challenging terrains for the more experienced.
Have a practice at the dedicated skills area, or give the pump track a go to find your own flow.
The paths are free to access for all. If you don't have a bike, you can hire one from the centre. Costs vary depending on your chosen bike and how long you'll be using it for.
Splash around at Wenchford
Families can make a splash in the flowing stream at Wenchford, where the Blackpool Brook runs through an area shaded by towering trees, creating a cool spot to splash in on a hot summer's day.
The water is shallow so both older children and little ones can have hours of fun splashing around together. Gather round one of the nearby tables for a picnic lunch, and enjoy a stroll around the forest afterwards.
Conquer the trim trail at Bathurst Park
Head to Bathurst Park in Lydney to let off some steam and have a day of hands-on family activities.
Children can have a go on its trim trail and play area, while its green fields offer plenty of space for sports and ball games to be enjoyed by all.
It's free to explore Bathurst Park, but if you'd like an extra challenge, you can hire a tennis court through the Lydney Tennis Club, too.
Explore the Forest's famous filming location
Adventure in the Forest of Dean's mystical woodland, Puzzlewood and see if you can spot any familiar filming locations.
Puzzlewood is often used as a filming location for documentaries, television shows and films. Over the years, it's hosted filming for Doctor Who, Merlin, Star Wars and even David Attenborough's Our Planet documentary for Netflix.
While at Puzzlewood, you can spend hours watching out for a wide range of wildlife including birds, both native and rare animals, and species of fern plants and feathery moss. Children can also enjoy playtime in its willow maze or small play area.
There is an admission fee of £9.90 for adults and £8.50 for children. Children two and under go for free, and there are concession prices offered too.
Go on an Art Trail around Cinderford
Take a fresh look at Cinderford this summer by following the colourful Artspace Trail around town.
Go birdwatching at Symonds Yat
Take some binoculars and look our for birds at the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. You'll be able to spot common bird species and rare birds of prey from here, across all seasons of the year.
Look out for honey buzzards, white tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, as just a few species to spot. The River Wye below also attracts species like kingfishers and sand martins.
Park at the Forestry Commission car park for a short walk up the slope to the viewpoint.
Trek to the Devil's Pulpit for views of Tintern Abbey
This viewpoint offers a wide look across the River Wye, Tintern Village, and the ruins of Tintern Abbey, famously featured in poetry by William Wordsworth.
The Devil's Pulpit gets its name from an old legend that claimed the devil would occupy the spot to preach to and taunt the monks of the Abbey below, encouraging them to join him.
You can get to the viewpoint by walking from the main carpark at Tidenham Chase.
