When temperatures rise, the Forest of Dean becomes one of the best places in England to enjoy a summer break without feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Thanks to its ancient woodland, shaded walking trails, rivers, caves and cool stone buildings, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a refreshing escape.
If you’re searching for how to stay cool in the Forest of Dean, things to do in the Forest of Dean in hot weather, or the best places to visit during a UK heatwave, this guide has you covered.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or enjoying a longer stay at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, here are our favourite ways to beat the heat.
1. Go Underground
In the Forest of Dean. you have two choices when it comes to going underground.
One of the coolest places (literally) in the Forest of Dean is Clearwell Caves.
Descend beneath the forest floor into a fascinating network of ancient iron ore mines where temperatures remain cool throughout the year, making them an ideal escape on a hot summer’s day.
As you wander through the atmospheric caverns you’ll discover:
- Ancient mining history dating back over 4,500 years
- Impressive underground chambers
- Family-friendly self-guided tours
- Fascinating geological formations
The constant underground temperature of 10 degrees Celsius offers welcome relief from summer sunshine while providing one of the Forest’s most unique attractions.
Distance from Tudor Farmhouse: Approximately a 5 minute walk.
For another underground adventure, head to Hopewell Colliery, one of the last working freeminers’ coal mines in the Forest of Dean.
Guided tours take visitors underground into authentic mining tunnels where you’ll experience naturally cool temperatures while learning about the unique tradition of Forest freeminers.
Highlights include:
- Guided underground mine tours
- Working mining equipment
- Local history and heritage
- Woodland sculpture trail above ground
It’s an unforgettable way to cool down while discovering a fascinating part of the Forest’s industrial heritage.
Distance from Tudor Farmhouse: Around 10 minutes by car.
2. Walk Beneath the Ancient Trees
The Forest of Dean’s dense woodland creates natural shade that can feel several degrees cooler than open countryside.
Some of our favourite shaded walks include:
- Mallards Pike
- Cannop Ponds
- Beechenhurst
- The Sculpture Trail
- Cyril Hart Arboretum
Early morning or late afternoon walks are particularly enjoyable during warm weather.
On a hot summer’s day, Puzzlewood feels like stepping into another world. Beneath its dense tree canopy, temperatures are noticeably cooler than in open countryside, while the deep, moss-covered gullies and rocky scowles create a naturally refreshing environment.
The ancient woodland is famous for:
- Twisting trees and fern-covered pathways
- Moss-covered scowles unique to the Forest of Dean
- Hidden caves and rocky passages
- Film locations featured in Star Wars, Doctor Who and The Secret Garden
The shaded woodland makes Puzzlewood one of the most comfortable places to explore during a summer heatwave, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
3. Paddle on the River Wye
The River Wye offers countless opportunities to cool off.
Hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and spend a few hours drifting through one of Britain’s most beautiful river valleys.
Popular launch points include:
- Symonds Yat
- Kerne Bridge
- Ross-on-Wye
The breeze on the water makes even the hottest days feel comfortable.
4. Swimming Beyond the River
Checkout our recent blog on where to swim beyond the river.
Alternatively, head to the lido in Lydney, Bathurst Pool. It is open for public swims from Saturday May 23rd until Sunday 6th September from 12pm-5pm daily.
5. Enjoy a Long Lunch Indoors
Sometimes the best way to avoid the midday heat is simply to slow down.
At Tudor Farmhouse, our restaurant offers a cool, relaxed dining room where you can enjoy seasonal dishes made using produce from our kitchen garden and local suppliers.
Choose a leisurely lunch paired with one of our refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails, locally produced drinks or a crisp English sparkling wine before heading back out later in the afternoon.
6. Cool Down with Local Ice Cream
No summer day is complete without an ice cream.
Our two favourite local ice creams can be found within a 10-15 minute drive from the hotel. Head to Tidenham Chase and visit Chase Farm. Gently made in small batches using milk from their free range cows which gives it the delicious creamy flavour.
A little bit further down the road in Tidenham, you will find Wallhope Farm. Go along and visit ‘MOO HQ’, where you can purchase their fresh, pasteurised, non-homogenised, low food mile, whole milk, 8 delicious flavours of milkshake and 7 irresistible types of super-creamy gelato. They are open 7am-7pm, 7 days a week. Including Bank Holidays. Contactless payments only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in the Forest of Dean during hot weather?
Some of the best options include exploring Clearwell Caves, taking an underground tour at Hopewell Colliery, walking beneath the ancient woodland canopy, canoeing on the River Wye, and enjoying a leisurely lunch at Tudor Farmhouse.
Are Clearwell Caves cool in summer?
Yes. The underground cave system maintains a naturally cool temperature throughout the year, making it one of the best places to visit during warm weather.
Can you go underground in the Forest of Dean?
Absolutely. Both Clearwell Caves and Hopewell Colliery offer underground experiences where visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures while learning about the Forest’s rich mining history.
How can I book my summer escape?
Our best rates are always on our website. Should you find cheaper on another site then we will give you an additional 10% off. To check availability, visit our book now page here.