Blog
Art Underground
This summer, sculpture goes underground at Clearwell Caves for the second time with this exciting exhibition, in collaboration with Gallery Pangolin....
READ MOREJun
New Maps Available to Inspire Accessible Walks in the Forest of Dean
The Creative Canopy Network has produced three new maps specially designed to make getting out into nature more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring for everyone. Each mapped route is intentionally short (around 1 mile), focusing on the journey [...]
READ MOREMar
The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Wildlife Experiences In The Forest Of Dean
There’s something truly special about the Forest of Dean. As the seasons change, this ancient woodland transforms, offering a different experience each time you visit. Spring brings carpets of bluebells and the calls of returning migratory birds, [...]
READ MOREMar
Springtime in the Forest of Dean
There’s something genuinely magical about spring in the Forest of Dean. As winter fades, the ancient woodland bursts into life, filling the air with birdsong and the scent of fresh blooms. It’s the perfect time to step [...]
READ MOREFeb
Bestie Dates and Breaks
Bestie Dates and Breaks In today’s busy world it is especially important to carve out some time to spend with some of the people who matter the most to you, your friends. We are excited to introduce [...]
READ MORESep
Swimming beyond the River
The Forest of Dean is surrounded by rivers from the Severn to the Wye and the Monnow. But what about if you don’t want to swim in the rivers? Here are our top four alternative outdoor wild [...]
READ MOREJul
Top 5 Locations to Propose in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley has so many beautiful locations, but where do you choose for one of the most important moments of your life?
READ MOREJul
Supplier Info – Wye Bikes
We’ve started working with a great new local company called Wye Bikes.Whether you're here on holiday or you live in the stunning Wye Valley, their aim is to ensure you get to explore more of this bea…
READ MOREJun
June Events Guide 2024: What’s Happening in Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Surely we will see some warmer weather in June! Regardless of what the weather holds for us, there is plenty to keep you busy in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
READ MOREMay
May Events Guide 2024: What’s Happening in Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
The perfect time of year to see the bluebells, but see what else is on in our handy blog.
READ MOREApr
April Events Guide 2024: What’s Happening in Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Find out what is on in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - so many great reasons to visit.
READ MOREMar
Short Breaks for Families
There is so much for families to do in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
READ MOREFeb
March Events Guide 2024: What’s Happening in Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
As spring unfolds, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley blossoms with activities, echoing the region’s vibrant landscapes and rich heritage. March brings an eclectic mix of events, promising memorable experiences for every visitor. Whether you’re drawn [...]
READ MOREFeb
Start 2024 Right: Events in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley this January and February
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness, offers a diverse range of events to start off 2024. Here’s a curated list to help you plan your visit. Art [...]
READ MOREDec
Frosty Forest Fauna: Discovering Winter Wildlife In The Forest of Dean…
The Forest of Dean, a majestic ancient woodland in England, is particularly enchanting in winter. This guide highlights the wildlife that thrives in this forest during the colder months, offering a spectacular experience for nature enthusiasts. Deer: [...]
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A December to Remember: Winter Events in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
As the festive season rolls in, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley transform into a winter wonderland, brimming with events that capture the magic of the season. From artistic exhibitions to nostalgic train rides, here are [...]
READ MORENov
August 2023: Events & Activities
The school summer holidays are almost here, but you don't have to wait for the holidays to find great events and activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
READ MOREAug
Our Cottage Garden Design
During the first lockdown, Hari, Colin & their children moved into the hotel. One day sitting in the Cottage Garden, Colin realised that the space in the garden could be much better utilised. We would often run [...]
READ MOREJul
Twenty for Twenty at Tudor Farmhouse
The year is 2003, a year full of talking points, Beyonce released Crazy in Love, Apple launched iTunes music store, Dan Brown published The Da Vinci Code but most importantly, Tudor Farmhouse welcomed its new owners – [...]
READ MOREJul
July 2023: Events & Activities
The school summer holidays are almost here, but you don't have to wait for the holidays to find great events and activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
READ MOREJun
June 2023: Events & Activities
As we step into the month of June 2023, the region gears up for an array of exciting events and activities that are sure to captivate visitors and locals alike.
READ MOREJun
Supplier Profile – Anon Drinks
Anon Drinks CEO Julian Ebbutt tells us more about this innovative UK brand.
READ MOREMay
Embark on a Nostalgic Journey: The Vintage Shopping Trail in Ross-on-Wye
Thirteen specialist independent shops have formed a ‘trail’ around Ross-on-Wye which provides visitors looking for antiques, collectibles, bric-a-brac, vintage clothes, jewellery and furniture with a fascinating tour around the town.
READ MOREMay
Learn more about Float in the Forest
A GUEST BLOG Here at Float in the Forest, we welcome you to carve out a small fragment of time that is solely yours alone to indulge in. An opportunity to pause, reflect, recharge and relax, whilst [...]
READ MOREApr
8 Things to do in the Forest of Dean when it’s raining
They say there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. If you really don't like rain though, we have 8 great suggestions of things to do.
READ MOREMar
8 of the best walks in and around the Forest of Dean
People travel here from all over the world to visit places like Clearwell Caves, Puzzlewood Forest and Redbrook because of their natural beauty. We’ve put together 8 of our favourite walks
READ MOREFeb
6 top tips for starting and growing a successful business
Running a small business is hard at times. Hard but also incredibly rewarding. At Tudor Farmhouse Hotel we are always looking for ways to collaborate with local businesses
READ MOREJan
Things to do in the Forest of Dean in the Autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Forest of Dean. The children are back at school and the leaves are turning...
READ MORENov
Why the Forest of Dean is so popular for foraging
Foraging for your own food is both immensely satisfying and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The Forest of Dean
READ MOREAug
How to Plan Your Next UK Cycling Holiday
Cycling is fast becoming one of the nation's favourite past times. Here's our guide to planning your next holiday.
READ MOREJul
Back to the Cave
First of its kind, subterranean exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the extraordinary environment of Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean.
READ MOREJun
What to Expect on a Wildlife Safari
As the day draws towards a close many animals in the forest, such as deer and wild boar, begin to emerge.
READ MOREMay
Easter: The Perfect Time to Visit the Forest of Dean
With Spring in full bloom, Easter is a perfect time to visit the Forest of Dean. And there is so much to do while enjoying the fabulous views, ancient woodland and hidden valleys.
READ MOREMar
Mother’s Day in the Forest of Dean
Treat you mum this Mother's Day with a range of activities on offer in the Forest of Dean.
READ MOREMar
Mar
Unique Hidden Gems of the Forest of Dean: Slade Brook
As we are sure you are aware, the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley are areas of extreme natural beauty. We love exploring them ourselves just as much as we love telling our visitors about the [...]
READ MOREFeb
Discover the Hidden Forest of Dean Walks and Views this Spring
Photo credit: Lee McGrath The Forest of Dean, nestled up against the Welsh border in rural Gloucestershire, boasts an abundance of stunning scenery, ancient woodland and a huge range of flora and fauna. Read on to find [...]
READ MOREFeb
More Hidden Forest of Dean Walks and Views to Discover this Spring
Following on from our previous blog, discover more hidden Forest of Dean walks and views for you to enjoy this Spring. Wintour’s Leap – Stunning Viewpoint This viewpoint is very tricky to find – you could drive [...]
READ MOREFeb
Explore the Industrial Heritage of the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is renowned for its mining and industrial heritage and has been for many years. Although the nationalisation of the coal mining industry in 1946 prompted a decline in mining, independent freeminers are still permitted to [...]
READ MOREFeb
Delicious New Wines!
We are constantly on the lookout for new and interesting suppliers.Carte Blanche wines are our latest discovery. Working with independent, small producers from France and Spain they seek out those pr…
READ MORESep
50 Years of Offa’s Dyke Path.
The Offa’s Dyke Path winds its way through stunning landscapes close to hotel on the edges of England and Wales, between Chepstow on the River Severn towards Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. The…
READ MORESep
The Best Places to See Bluebells in the Forest of Dean
We love the springtime, after the grey, wet and dull days of winter, it is wonderful to see so much colour creeping back into the Forest. We particularly love the look of the bluebells which are a [...]
READ MOREMay
What’s on in 2021 in Forest of Dean
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 [...]
READ MOREMay
Our favourite activities in the Forest of Dean to explore
There is no doubt that 2022 still looks set to be the year of the Staycation due to the fallout from the pandemic travel restrictions. What better way to have a staycation than with a visit to [...]
READ MOREMay
The Heritage of the Forest of Dean
Not much is known about the Forest of Dean before the middle ages although there are some artefacts still in existence such as fossils from the prehistoric period, Mesolithic monuments, evidence of Bronze Age settlements, and tools [...]
READ MOREApr
Cycling in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Who can cycle? The Forest of Dean caters to all cycling abilities: from the gentle paved family cycle trail at Pedalabikeaway to the adrenaline fuelled trails at Cannop Cycle Centre, there really is something for all ages [...]
READ MOREMar
Filming in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is an awe-inspiring landscape and as such has featured in many productions on both the small and the silver screen. Here we will take you on a whistle-stop tour of just some of [...]
READ MOREFeb
Frequently Asked Questions about the Forest of Dean
There is definitely something special about the Forest of Dean which is what prompted us to leave London in 2003 to take on the hotel and we have never looked back. We hope you love both the [...]
READ MOREFeb
Tudor Farmhouse Christmas Gift Guide
We love to support local – whether that is for food in our restaurant, for the refurbishments we carry out or when we are looking for gifts. This is our gift guide to help you support independent [...]
READ MORENov
Cool off in the River Wye
This weather has us dreaming of lazy picnics by the riverside and splashing around in the water. We are so lucky to have lots of gorgeous wild swimming spots nearby in the Wye Valley – whether you’re [...]
READ MOREAug
Spring Birdsong
Here in the village of Clearwell we are surrounded by the chirps of house sparrows, ‘chacks’ of jackdaws and flute-like melodies of blackbirds. Ed Drewitt often takes guests out on early morning dawn chorus walks, and here [...]
READ MOREApr
Easter Scone Recipe
As we can’t be together for Easter Afternoon Tea this weekend we thought we’d share our scone recipe so you can re-create it at home. We will continue to keep in touch to let you know what [...]
READ MOREApr
Spring Flowers
All around us there are signs of spring and here at the Tudor Farmhouse we are surrounded by countryside, the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. Our own south-facing slopes, where we have a small number [...]
READ MOREApr
The Farmhouse in the Forest
We are so lucky to live in such an amazing and beautiful location. But, as with all things, familiarity can breed, if not contempt, then at least indifference to our surroundings. I was reminded however about our [...]
READ MOREMar
Meet Chris Lewis, Jewellery Designer
Chris Lewis from The Secret Wardrobe makes bespoke jewellery as well as running workshops allowing guests to design their own rings, including wedding rings, bracelets, pendants – the choice is yours. She has teamed up with Tudor [...]
READ MOREFeb
Raoul van den Broucke
We are very sorry to share the news that our forager, Raoul van den Broucke, passed away recently. It has come as a great shock to all of us and we know that there are many people [...]
READ MOREFeb
Float in the Forest
I first met Shari over two years ago when Float in the Forest was just an idea in Shari and Will’s minds. Their passion and determination were immediately evident – and they didn’t even have a site [...]
READ MOREJan
Getting in the Festive Spirit
Silver Circle Distillery are newcomers to the region but have quickly established themselves as our
READ MORENov
Wildlife Safari with Ed Drewitt
By Travel Journalist WENDY GOMERSALL The first thing that stunned me most about great British wild boars – when they eventually pitched up – was their sheer size. I was expecting a kind of roughty-toughty pot-bellied pig-sized [...]
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Let us take care of your Christmas while you kick back and relax
If you’re looking to spend Christmas away from home, without lifting a finger, then look no further than our boutique rural retreat here in the beautiful Forest of Dean offering a choice of one, two or three-night [...]
READ MOREOct
Meet The Supplier – Richard Vaughan, Huntsham Farm
We are extraordinarily lucky to have a huge variety of quality suppliers here on our doorstep in the Forest of Dean. None more so than Huntsham Farm where Richard Vaughan has established a formidable reputation for his [...]
READ MOREOct
So, what is forest bathing all about…?
Everyone seems to be talking about Foresting Bathing. Is it a bath, a walk or just a passing wellbeing fad? We decided it was time to head into the woods and find out for ourselves. We are based [...]
READ MORESep
New wines for August 2019
New wines – its always a treat to meet up with our wine suppliers and see what’s new. The most difficult part is finding space on the list for their great suggestions. Here’s a selection of special [...]
READ MOREAug
Cocktail of the Month – Truly British
This is one of our favourite cocktails, and it’s easy to make. No specialist cocktail making equipment is needed. Fill a high ball glass with ice Add 50ml of gin and a splash of elderflower cordial Top up [...]
READ MOREFeb
A Greek addition to the wine list
Xinomavro “Jeunes Vignes” Thymiopoulos 2017 We are constantly on the
READ MOREFeb
Date Days and Nights in the Forest of Dean #datesdonedifferently
Love. It can all seem a little forced in the run up to February 14th. A mush of momentous gestures
READ MOREJan
A Hidden Gem, the Gorgeous Forest of Dean – a blog post by Abi King
We were delighted to host Inside The Travel Lab AKA Abi King recently, here’s her lovely blog post about her stay in the Forest of Dean: Love the Cotswolds but looking for something new and a little [...]
READ MOREJan
10 Reasons to Treat Yourself this January.
Why you deserve a winter getaway Starting the year, relaxed, restored and rejuvenated must be on this year’s Christmas wish list. Whether active, relaxing or indulgent, there are many reasons to escape this January. Start your [...]
READ MOREDec
Mushroom Foraging at Tudor Farmhouse – a blog post by Sara Chardin
This week we're delighted to share a blog post written by
READ MORENov
Tudor Farmhouse Named ‘Country Hotel of the Year’ by the Good Hotel Guide 2019
Boutique hotel Tudor Farmhousein the Forest of Dean, 20 miles from Gloucester, has just been named Country Hotel of the Year by the prestigious Good Hotel Guide2019; an independent guide to the best hotels in Britain and [...]
READ MOREOct
Change Gear and Slow Down with Tudor Farmhouse’s new Car-Free Escape
Free train station transfers, bicycle delivery, neighbourhood adv
READ MOREJun
Afternoon Tea – perfect all year round!
Afternoon tea always feels like such a luxury. Just having the time to stop in the afternoon, and sit (either in front of a roaring log fire or out in the garden, depending on the weather) is [...]
READ MOREApr
NEW – In Room Massage available!
We are delighted to announce that you can book a massage as part of your stay at the Tudor Farmhouse! Make your stay even more relaxing with a one hour therapeutic massage from one of our in-house [...]
READ MOREApr
Afternoon Tea Hen Party
The Forest of Dean is the ideal location for an active hen weekend, but you will all want some time to relax, eat and drink! Why not combine your other activities with a wonderful afternoon tea at [...]
READ MOREApr
Baby Shower Afternoon Tea
Baby showers have crossed the Atlantic and are now all the rage in the UK. What a fantastic way to get family and friends together to celebrate your imminent new arrival! Afternoons tend to be the most [...]
READ MOREApr
Ask the Supplier – John Childs from Cowshill Farm
We asked one of our long standing and favourite suppliers
READ MORENov
Making sprouts sing!
Personally I love sprouts, but there are many perennial sprout dodgers out there who every year deny themselves the delight that is the good old Christmas sprout. This recipe should, in my view, change the opinions of [...]
READ MORENov
Christmas Celebrations.
We are ready and looking forward to the festive season again at the Tudor Farmhouse. A perfect venue for festive lunches and dinners we will be serving Turkey with all the trimmings 7 days a week throughout [...]
READ MORENov
A pat on the back for the team…
Its always amazing to receive recognition for what we do. This summer's been a particularly busy one
READ MORENov
Region’s best local food producers meet for celebration lunch
Yesterday, to mark over 10 years of local sourcing, we hosted a celebration lunch our local food & drink producers. The area’s finest farmers, greatest growers and the best local artisan food producers who regularly supply the [...]
READ MOREJun
Meaty treats and Manwiches for Father’s Day Afternoon Tea – June 2016
We're very excited about our special
READ MOREMay
Spring Time Reds
Spring is finally here and we’ve just added a few delicious light and fruity reds to the wine list to complement Rob’s lighter spring menu. We are Pinot Noir nuts so no surprise to see 3 new [...]
READ MOREMay
Rob Cox’s Tudor Farmhouse Sausage Meat Stuffing Recipe
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas here’s Rob’s recipe for his delicious Sausage Meat Stuffing: Ingredients Serves 10 25g unsalted butter 125g onion, chopped 850g sausage meat 10g garlic, chopped 10g fresh sage, chopped [...]
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Recipe – Cheesecake mousse, white wine poached apple, granola, rosemary oil
Rob’s cheesecake mouse has been an instant hit on his new dinner menu. Here’s how it’s done: Cheesecake 375g Philadelphia Cream Cheese 120g icing sugar 1 vanilla pod 500g double cream Whisk all ingredients until thick like [...]
READ MORENov
Sawday’s English Hotel of the Year Award
We are thrilled to announce we have won the English Hotel of the Year award in the Sawday’s British Hotel awards. We’re absolutely delighted to win this award, particularly because Sawday’s guides are so well respected; they [...]
READ MORENov
An interview with Judith and Colin from Tintern Parva Vineyard.
We’re extremely lucky to have Parva Farm Vineyard, one of our wine suppliers, so close by in Tintern Chepstow. We caught up with Colin and Judith recently to ask them a few questions… What are you most [...]
READ MOREOct
We’ve won English Hotel of The Year 2016!
What a Week! We’re delighted to announce that we have won the English Hotel of the Year in the Sawday’s British Hotel awards. We’re absolutely delighted to win this award, particularly because Sawday’s guides are so well respected. [...]
READ MOREOct
Brook’s Chocolate Brownie Recipe.
Its short and sweet…here’s Brook’s top secret chocolate brownie recipe: Chocolate Brownie Recipe 400g 54% dark chocolate 300g Netherend Farm butter 12oz soft dark brown sugar 8oz Shipton Mill plain flour 8oz white chocolate chunks 6 Pope [...]
READ MOREAug
New wines!
Its been a busy month here. We’ve been tasting, sniffing, debating, slurping, spitting (sometimes), eventually selecting and at last the new version of the wine list is ready…hope you like it! We’ve been concentrating on our [...]
READ MOREAug
Revive the Sunday Drive
Whatever happened to “The Sunday Drive”? A simple car or motorcycle trip taken purely for pleasure of leisure, typically on a Sunday where there is no rush and usually no destination. We’re keen to revive this great [...]
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Meet Raoul van den Broucke, foraging guru
Nothing is more rewarding than finding and hand-picking your own foods, then taking them back to the kitchen and experimenting with flavours to create something delicious, as 70-year-old forest forager Raoul van den Broucke explains Q – Where did [...]
READ MOREJul
Recipe – Elderflower, Bramley & Gage gin panacotta, lemon sorbet, ginger crumble
Our recipes are always very popular and its been ages since we posted one so sorry for the wait! We’ve recently contributed this recipe for a deliciously seasonal Elderflower, Bramley and Gin panna-cotta to the “A Taste [...]
READ MOREJul
From the kitchen Garden
It’s great to see Jeanie, our resident gardener, working her magic in the kitchen garden again this year. All her hard work gives the team in the kitchen the opportunity to add an extra touch of magic to the [...]
READ MOREMay