As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, the Forest of Dean becomes one of Britain’s most beautiful autumn destinations. Ancient woodland glows with shades of gold, copper and crimson, wildlife becomes more active, and the cooler days make it the perfect time to get outdoors before returning to a cosy fireside dinner.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a foodie escape or an active break, here are our favourite things to do in the Forest of Dean this autumn.
1. Discover the Forest Through Foraging
There is no better way to experience autumn than by discovering what the forest has to offer beneath your feet.
At Tudor Farmhouse we offer two very different foraging experiences, each led by experts who know the Forest of Dean intimately.
Wild Food with Liz Knight
Liz Knight is an award-winning forager, author and founder of Forage Fine Foods. For more than a decade she has been helping people see familiar plants in a completely new way, showing how common weeds, herbs and wild ingredients can become delicious, nutritious and sustainable food.
Her immersive experiences take place on the hotel’s Site of Special Scientific Interest and surrounding woodland, where you’ll learn to identify edible plants safely before creating tinctures, remedies or recipes inspired by your discoveries. Every course includes a seasonal lunch at Tudor Farmhouse, making it a wonderful day out for food lovers and anyone curious about the natural world.
Autumn Mushroom Foraging
Autumn also brings our dedicated mushroom foraging experiences, led by specialist fungi experts Eric and Marlow.
After tea, coffee and an introduction to safe and sustainable foraging, you’ll head straight into the woodland surrounding Tudor Farmhouse to search for wild mushrooms and seasonal edible plants before returning for a seasonal three-course lunch.
One thing we always tell guests is that mushroom foraging is part of nature’s adventure. While the Forest of Dean is one of the UK’s best places to discover fungi, what you’ll find depends entirely on the weather and growing conditions. There are never any guarantees, but that’s all part of the excitement. Even on quieter days, you’ll learn how to identify different species safely and gain a fascinating insight into the hidden world beneath the forest canopy.
2. Join a Wildlife Safari
Autumn is one of the best seasons for wildlife watching in the Forest of Dean.
As the woodland becomes quieter, deer are more visible and wild boar spend longer foraging across the forest floor. Cooler evenings also provide excellent opportunities to hear woodland birds and, if you’re lucky, spot foxes emerging at dusk.
Our Wildlife Safaris are led by experienced naturalists Ed and Liz Drewitt, who know exactly where to look and explain the fascinating behaviour of the forest’s wildlife along the way.
You might see:
- Wild boar
- Fallow deer
- Roe deer
- Woodland birds
- Birds of prey
- Foxes
No two safaris are ever the same, making every visit a unique experience.
3. Walk Through the Autumn Colours
The Forest of Dean contains over 42 square miles of ancient woodland, making it one of England’s finest destinations for autumn walks.
Some of our favourite places include:
- Mallards Pike for lakeside reflections and peaceful woodland.
- Cannop Ponds for birdlife and photography.
- Beechenhurst for gentle woodland walks.
- Cyril Hart Arboretum for an incredible variety of trees and vibrant autumn colour.
Bring your camera. The colours often peak between early October and mid-November.
4. Explore Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood is magical at any time of year, but autumn gives it an almost otherworldly feel. Twisted yews, moss covered rocks and winding pathways have drawn filmmakers here for years, including scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Go early on a misty morning if you can; the light through the trees is at its best before the crowds arrive.
Our tip: it’s 4 minutes from the hotel, and it gets busy at half term, so book your slot online before you leave. Wellies are a good idea after rain, and we’ll happily hose them down for you when you get back.
5. Follow the Sculpture Trail
Beechenhurst’s Sculpture Trail combines contemporary art with one of the Forest’s loveliest woodland walks. The four and a half-mile circular route winds beneath ancient trees, revealing pieces inspired by local wildlife, history and folklore. In autumn, fallen leaves and low sunlight give every installation a new backdrop.
Allow two to three hours at a gentle pace. There’s a café at Beechenhurst, making it a handy place to stop for a drink, snack or something to eat during your visit. It’s a good spot to take a break before or after exploring the surrounding forest and walking trails.
6. Ride the Perrygrove Railway
For a slower way through the woods, take the narrow-gauge steam train at Perrygrove. The line loops through forest that turns red, orange and gold in October, and there are treehouses and a secret-passage trail for children to explore between rides.
It’s a favourite with families staying with us, and just 3 minutes away by car. Check the running days before you go; the timetable is shorter outside the school holidays.
7. Canoe Along the River Wye
Few experiences capture autumn quite like paddling along the River Wye.
As colourful woodland reflects in the water and kingfishers dart along the riverbanks, you’ll discover a completely different perspective on the Wye Valley.
Several local operators offer guided canoe and kayak trips suitable for beginners.
8. Explore the Forest by Bike
Autumn’s cooler temperatures make it one of the best seasons for cycling.
Whether you choose the Family Cycle Trail, quiet forest roads or one of the area’s mountain bike routes, you’ll enjoy peaceful woodland, spectacular scenery and crisp autumn air.
You can find more in our blog, Cycling in the Forest of Dean. To discover more cycling routes, head to our blog, Cycling Routes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
9. Visit Symonds Yat Rock
No autumn visit is complete without the view from Symonds Yat Rock. The Wye bends far below, and in late October the valley sides turn every shade from copper to bronze for miles in each direction. It’s also one of the best places in England to watch peregrine falcons.
Go for the last hour of daylight, when the light is warmest, and most day-trippers have gone. The walk from the car park to the viewpoint is short and mostly level, and the log cabin café does a decent hot chocolate if the wind gets up. From the hotel it’s about a 12 minute drive.
10. Celebrate the Flavours of Autumn at Tudor Farmhouse
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean, there’s nothing better than settling in for a seasonal dinner.
Our menus celebrate the best local produce, with many ingredients sourced from within 20 miles of the hotel, alongside herbs, fruit and vegetables from our own kitchen garden and orchard.
Expect dishes inspired by the season, carefully chosen wines and one of the country’s most extensive non-alcoholic drinks lists, all served in a relaxed countryside setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Forest of Dean in autumn?
Autumn colours usually begin appearing in early October and often reach their peak between late October and mid-November, although this varies depending on the weather.
Can you see wild boar in the Forest of Dean?
Yes. The Forest of Dean is one of the few places in England with a free-roaming wild boar population. Early mornings and evenings in autumn often provide the best opportunities.
Is mushroom foraging guaranteed?
No. Mushrooms are entirely dependent on weather conditions, temperature and rainfall. While autumn is the best season for fungi, every walk is different. Our expert guides focus on teaching safe identification and sustainable foraging, making every experience rewarding regardless of what nature provides.
Are the foraging experiences suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Both our Wild Food experiences with Liz Knight and our autumn mushroom foraging days are designed for complete beginners as well as those with an existing interest in wild food.
Plan Your Autumn Escape
Autumn is when the Forest of Dean truly comes into its own. From learning the secrets of wild food and searching for mushrooms to spotting wild boar, walking beneath ancient trees and enjoying seasonal dining, it’s a destination that rewards those who slow down and immerse themselves in nature.
At Tudor Farmhouse, we’ve spent years creating experiences that help our guests discover the Forest through the eyes of local experts. Whether you’re joining a Wildlife Safari, foraging with Liz Knight or heading into the woods in search of autumn fungi, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable landscape, and memories that last long after the leaves have fallen. You can check our availability here.