Like many, we are thrilled to see Britain opening again and are excited to be able to welcome visitors back through our doors. We are also delighted that there is so much happening in The Forest of Dean over the coming months, and we are thrilled to see plans being made to restart many of our favourite events. Here are just a few of the local activities and events that you can enjoy during your stay with us.
Royal Forester Evening Dining Train 12th June, 10th July and 7th August
Take a step back in time and enjoy a nostalgic ride onboard a vintage steam locomotive through the Forest with Dean Forest Railway. You will enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour ride while you sit back, relax, and dine in style. All food is prepared by the Ugly Duckling in Lydney. Menu choices include Steak and Ale or Pork and Apple Pie or Goat’s Cheese and Provençale Vegetable Pie (Vegetarian & Gluten Free), served with mashed potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables. There is a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available, and these will be served at your table. This truly is a magnificent experience.
American Hoedown Night Hillside Brewery 3rd July
As part of their Classic Americana event, Hillside Brewery will be hosting their foot-tapping barn dance on Saturday 3rd July. Tickets are priced at £10 per person and guests will be able to dance the night away to a mix of Country & Western and classics from the American Songbook. DJ Rob McElvanney from Smokey Joe’s Dinner will be the special guest.
Classic Americana Hillside Brewery 4th July
Taking place on American Independence Day is Hillside Brewery’s Classic Americana event. A day of cars, Hot Rods, motorbikes, music and beer, this is a day not to be missed. Supporting the work of cancer charity, Hope for Tomorrow, this event will be a fun-filled day. The grounds will be transformed into a ‘gasoline alley’ and guests will be entertained by a classic car display, live music, trade stands and of course the food and drink.
Forest Warrior Obstacle course 18th July
Held at Huntley Estate, the Forest Warrior Obstacle Course is the ultimate obstacle race. This 10k race will be a true test of fitness. Apart from the natural obstacles and tough terrain of the course, there will also be ditches, swamps, and streams; a sandbag hill; scramble nets; walls; a tyre hill; tunnels; monkey climb; lake dip; iceberg; Tarzan swings and a ninja warrior finish. Are you tough enough?
HMS Pinafore Dean Heritage Centre 1st August
The Dean Heritage Centre will play host to Opera Anywhere, a touring Opera company, who will be performing the classic Gilbert and Sullivan production, HMS Pinafore. It tells the tale of Josephine, the Captain’s daughter, who falls in love with Ralph, the sailor. The Captain has already betrothed Josephine to Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty. What will happen?
Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival 24th-26th September
This three-day event of sixteen guided walks covers trails and footpaths to give a varied and interesting view of the town and the surrounding area. There are walks suitable for all abilities in vary in length from three miles up to seven and a half miles. All walks during the festival will be guided by knowledgeable local volunteers.
Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon 26th September
Organised by The Rotary Club and supported by The Forestry Commission, the Forest of Dean Half Marathon helps to support many local charities. The start and finish are both at Speech House and the course follows a waymarked trail. This promises to be a fantastic event for runners with a route marked out through the Forest and a lovely event for spectators and supporters too.
Forest Showcase Food Festival 3rd October
If you are a food lover and fan of artisanal and local produce, then The Forest Showcase Food Festival is bound to be a hit. There is something for the whole family to enjoy with children’s activities, parent and child cookery workshops, live music, arts and crafts, a cookery theatre, the food hall and an arena packed full of stalls and entertainment, this is a day not to be missed. There will be over one hundred food producers demonstrating their products and most likely allowing the odd sample or two as well cookery demonstrations from renowned local chefs.
With all these activities as well as the many attractions that the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley have to offer, a stay with us will be the perfect staycation. Book now to avoid disappointment under the comfort of our flexible cancellation policy. Bookings being taken for tourism from 17th May onwards.