The Forest of Dean (map) is a geographical, historical and cultural region in the western part of the county of Gloucestershire (map).
The area is characterised by more than 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi) of mixed woodland, one of the surviving ancient woodlands in England. A large area was reserved for royal hunting before 1066, and remained as the second largest crown forest in England, after the New Forest.
The area gives its name to the local government district, Forest of Dean, and a parliamentary constituency, both of which cover wider areas than the historic Forest. The administrative centre of the local authority is Coleford (map), one of the main towns in the historic Forest area, together with Cinderford (map) and Lydney (map).
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The southern part Forest of Dean district is one of the United Kingdom’s most impressive forests, offering spectacular scenery throughout the year – whether it’s bluebells in spring or the rich colours of oak in the autumn.
The northern half around the town of Newent is more open countryside and also worth visiting. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is also a great area for outdoor activities including walking, cycling, canoeing or kayaking on the River Wye, climbing, caving, Nordic Walking are just some of the activities that can be found in the area something for all the family.
There is a train route from Chepstow to Lydney, and also the Dean Forest Railway which runs from Lydney to Parkend. Due to its semi-rural location there is a limited bus service in most parts of the area, and a car would be a much quicker means of transport. Gloucestershire Tourism provides a Royal Forest website which shows a touring route around the Forest of Dean, taking in all the major attractions.
- FORESTRY ENGLAND – 35 miles of breathtaking woodland including the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst.
- DEAN FOREST RAILWAY – Heritage Railway between Lydney & Parkend.
- DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE – The Museum of the Forest.
TRAVELINE | Provides online travel planner services for all public transportation across Great Britain. They also have separate planners dedicated to specific regions.
+ Getting to Puzzlewood (puzzlewood.net) • Travel to and around England (visitengland.com) • Getting around Britain (visitbritain.com).
BUS > National Express | UK Stop finder
RAIL > The essential source for rail travel information in Great Britain is the National Rail website. It includes an extremely useful journey planner, ticket prices and detailed information about every railway station in the country. (*Rail travel in Great Britain).
AIRPORTS > airportguides.co.uk. The most important airports are London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport. All three have multiple terminals and are collectively served by a vast range of airlines and flights from the four corners of the map.
WATERWAYS > There are many ferry routes into the UK from continental Europe. (*Ferry routes to Great Britain)
Bicycles may be taken on car ferries and on Eurotunnel shuttle trains. Eurostar allows folding bikes on all its trains, and offers a more restricted service for other bikes, but has quite strict and specific rules that are worth reading up on before you travel.