Forest of Dean
From World travel guide
The forest of Dean is a 110 square kilometer ancient woodland in the West Country region of England.
Contents |
Understand
The Forest of Dean 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.
History
Mining in the forest goes back before Roman times some estimated 8,000 years. Also the Forest of Dean used to be the elite Hunting Forest for Royalty.
Landscape
Great scenary all around the main forest area comprising of lots of hills and trees.
Flora and fauna
Bluebells and daffodils in the Spring, rich colors in the Autumn.
Climate
Typical British weather
Get in
From the South come in on the M4 and cross over the river Severn on the Severn Bridge (M48). From the north come down the M5
Fees/Permits
If you go for fishing then you will need a permit. Apart from that everything is cheap even the local council isn't allowed to charge for parking in the town centres of the Forest.
Get around
There is a train route from Chepstow to Lydney, and also the Dean Forest Railway which runs from Lydney to Whitehead. 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 Site which shows a touring route around the Forest of Dean, taking in all the major attractions.
See
The speech House walk is well worth to see for sculptures deep inside the Forest. Clearwell Caves are ancient Iron mines estimated to be worked for over 8,000 years and is worth a look into. Lydney Park is worth a visit to see some Roman ruins.
Do
Depends on what you fancy, about 200 pubs in the Forest of Dean district, some nice restaurants, couple of Night clubs, Magnums in Coleford town centre being the best one (open till 4am).
Buy
Shops are spread out across the district, the 4 town centres having the best choice of shops, namely Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent.
Eat
Lots of nice restuarants and also good quality pub meals.
Drink
Local ale is still made in the Forest of Dean for 'Real Ale' fans. The Freeminer brewery produce several different unique beers.
Sleep
Not known
Lodging
Not known
Camping
There are several camping sites in the area best to check with the tourism board for the best and facilities etc.
Backcountry
Not known
Stay safe
Most crime is unreported in the Forest of Dean, so it records a lower than average crime rate. However, the murder rate is one of the worst in the south west of England and drug abuse is also one of the highest in England, but this is restricted to the towns and villages of the district. In the forested areas itself it is really nice and quiet and usually very safe, but be careful of people using air rifles.
Get out
The nearest cities are Bristol and Newport, both within 30 minutes drive. Gloucester is actually closer (about a 20 minutes drive), but it is a much smaller city.
External links
http://www.forestofdean.gov.uk/
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