River Cottage Guidebook
Sightseeing
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo breeds tropical butterflies so that you see every stage of their incredible life-cycle every day. You can walk with butterflies from around the world indoors - it’s tropical and it’s teeming with exotic butterflies. They also have a maze and miniature golf, so a great all-round family day out.
55 moradores locais recomendam
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo breeds tropical butterflies so that you see every stage of their incredible life-cycle every day. You can walk with butterflies from around the world indoors - it’s tropical and it’s teeming with exotic butterflies. They also have a maze and miniature golf, so a great all-round family day out.
If you enjoy walking, the great outdoors, breathtaking scenery or discovering nature whatever the season, you’ll love Puzzlewood. Experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other, and its magic will cast a spell to entice you back time and time again. It’s mystical aura is a hit with Hollywood and TV producers too, there have been a few big name movies filmed here. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into Puzzlewood
159 moradores locais recomendam
Puzzlewood
Perrygrove RoadIf you enjoy walking, the great outdoors, breathtaking scenery or discovering nature whatever the season, you’ll love Puzzlewood. Experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other, and its magic will cast a spell to entice you back time and time again. It’s mystical aura is a hit with Hollywood and TV producers too, there have been a few big name movies filmed here. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into Puzzlewood
The Dean Forest Railway is a 4 ¹⁄₄-mile long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean. The route was part of the former Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. They offer experience days that are both family and dog friendly. During the summer they offer a fish and chip dinner experience and during the winter offer a mince pie experience (due to food on offer these experiences are not dog friendly).
46 moradores locais recomendam
Ferrovia da Floresta de Dean
The Dean Forest Railway is a 4 ¹⁄₄-mile long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean. The route was part of the former Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. They offer experience days that are both family and dog friendly. During the summer they offer a fish and chip dinner experience and during the winter offer a mince pie experience (due to food on offer these experiences are not dog friendly).
Underneath the mysterious Royal Forest of Dean lies something spectacular and unseen, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. This warren of caves are fantastic to explore, learning all about the free-miners of the Forest of Dean, as well as the natural caves themselves. Special experience events are available such as candlelight tours and party nights. Deep caving experiences are also available for the brave.
115 moradores locais recomendam
Cavernas de Clearwell
The RocksUnderneath the mysterious Royal Forest of Dean lies something spectacular and unseen, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. This warren of caves are fantastic to explore, learning all about the free-miners of the Forest of Dean, as well as the natural caves themselves. Special experience events are available such as candlelight tours and party nights. Deep caving experiences are also available for the brave.
This informative centre has a site with 5 acres dedicated to the Forest of Dean, with a museum, reconstructed cottage & workshops to learn more about life in the Forest over the centuries. There is also a coffee shop and well beloved Gruffalo Trail for little ones to explore.
52 moradores locais recomendam
Dean Heritage Centre
This informative centre has a site with 5 acres dedicated to the Forest of Dean, with a museum, reconstructed cottage & workshops to learn more about life in the Forest over the centuries. There is also a coffee shop and well beloved Gruffalo Trail for little ones to explore.
Local naturalist and wildlife detective, Ed Drewitt, offers private wildlife safaris to explore the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
For dates, prices and to book please search online for his bookings calendar. The wildlife safaris include listen for woodland birds on a dawn chorus or evening birdsong walk, watch for wild boar or deer, discover butterflies and trees, or explore the forest for its special birds such as hawfinches, crossbills and peregrines. These experiences are for perfect for individuals, couples and groups of all ages, throughout the year.
152 moradores locais recomendam
Floresta de Dean
High StreetLocal naturalist and wildlife detective, Ed Drewitt, offers private wildlife safaris to explore the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
For dates, prices and to book please search online for his bookings calendar. The wildlife safaris include listen for woodland birds on a dawn chorus or evening birdsong walk, watch for wild boar or deer, discover butterflies and trees, or explore the forest for its special birds such as hawfinches, crossbills and peregrines. These experiences are for perfect for individuals, couples and groups of all ages, throughout the year.
City/town information
Tintern is gorgeous and is dripping in history; from its famous abbey, built in 1131 to The Old Station, that was the gateway to the Wye Valley railway lines. There are several pubs and cafes offering traditional afternoon teas, lunch and dinner that are all family and dog friendly. Every second Saturday of the month (from May to September) Tintern has a Street Food Saturday, where a different street food trader is invited to 'pop up' at the distillery for the day. It also has the lovely Parva vineyard (see Culture section below). Tintern is a must see in your itinerary.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Tintern
Tintern is gorgeous and is dripping in history; from its famous abbey, built in 1131 to The Old Station, that was the gateway to the Wye Valley railway lines. There are several pubs and cafes offering traditional afternoon teas, lunch and dinner that are all family and dog friendly. Every second Saturday of the month (from May to September) Tintern has a Street Food Saturday, where a different street food trader is invited to 'pop up' at the distillery for the day. It also has the lovely Parva vineyard (see Culture section below). Tintern is a must see in your itinerary.
Monmouth town is only 3 miles down the road and offers the closest shopping to River Cottage. There is a Waitrose with the town centre and a Lidl on it’s outskirts, so well covered for supermarkets. The High Street itself is an attractive, bunting-clad street with a mix of well known high street shops and great independent shops offering local produce and offerings. There are many great restaurants, pubs and cafes catering to all tastes and has a wonderful Theatre, which you can find out more about in the Culture section of this manual
152 moradores locais recomendam
Monmouth
Monmouth town is only 3 miles down the road and offers the closest shopping to River Cottage. There is a Waitrose with the town centre and a Lidl on it’s outskirts, so well covered for supermarkets. The High Street itself is an attractive, bunting-clad street with a mix of well known high street shops and great independent shops offering local produce and offerings. There are many great restaurants, pubs and cafes catering to all tastes and has a wonderful Theatre, which you can find out more about in the Culture section of this manual
Ross-on-Wye has rapidly gained a reputation as being the ‘town of independent shops’. For visitors who prefer their high street shopping experience to be far less corporate. There are very few recognisable high street band names in the town and a good many highly original retail outlets and arts and crafts specialists to attract those looking for something they can’t buy anywhere else. ‘Made in Ross’ is a local co-operative of artists and crafts people and you will find these items well labelled in the shops; there is also the Vintage Trail around the town, taking in 10 antique shops with some rare collectibles to be found.
132 moradores locais recomendam
Ross-on-Wye
Ross-on-Wye has rapidly gained a reputation as being the ‘town of independent shops’. For visitors who prefer their high street shopping experience to be far less corporate. There are very few recognisable high street band names in the town and a good many highly original retail outlets and arts and crafts specialists to attract those looking for something they can’t buy anywhere else. ‘Made in Ross’ is a local co-operative of artists and crafts people and you will find these items well labelled in the shops; there is also the Vintage Trail around the town, taking in 10 antique shops with some rare collectibles to be found.
Culture
The Savoy stands on the oldest known theatre site in Wales and is also one of the oldest working theatres in Wales. It is currently managed by the Monmouth Savoy Trust. The programme is a mixture of feature films, live entertainment and special cinema events. Check out it’s website for a full listing of what’s on.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Savoy Theatre, Monmouth
Church StreetThe Savoy stands on the oldest known theatre site in Wales and is also one of the oldest working theatres in Wales. It is currently managed by the Monmouth Savoy Trust. The programme is a mixture of feature films, live entertainment and special cinema events. Check out it’s website for a full listing of what’s on.
Parva Farm is a privately owned and run vineyard in the village of Tintern, South Wales. The vineyard produces award-winning wines, meads and sparkling wines for all occasions. It is a small, family run vineyard that has been featured on Hairy Bikers cooking programmes. The vineyard is believed to be originally planted by the Roman’s and was the vineyard for the Tintern Abbey Monks. There is a self-guided vineyard tour available, that is dog friendly and their farm shop sells not only wines, but also offers meads, cider & perry, honey, preserves, and much more. It also incorporates an indoor tasting area.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Parva Farm
Tintern ChepstowParva Farm is a privately owned and run vineyard in the village of Tintern, South Wales. The vineyard produces award-winning wines, meads and sparkling wines for all occasions. It is a small, family run vineyard that has been featured on Hairy Bikers cooking programmes. The vineyard is believed to be originally planted by the Roman’s and was the vineyard for the Tintern Abbey Monks. There is a self-guided vineyard tour available, that is dog friendly and their farm shop sells not only wines, but also offers meads, cider & perry, honey, preserves, and much more. It also incorporates an indoor tasting area.
The home of Wales' most prestigious race meeting, the Coral Welsh Grand National. With 32 meetings annually, both flat and jump racing, the racecourse is just 15 miles away and offers a wonderful day out. Please do check out their calendar for race fixtures.
37 moradores locais recomendam
Hipódromo de Chepstow
Saint Lawrence RoadThe home of Wales' most prestigious race meeting, the Coral Welsh Grand National. With 32 meetings annually, both flat and jump racing, the racecourse is just 15 miles away and offers a wonderful day out. Please do check out their calendar for race fixtures.
Neighbourhoods
Every weekend from May – October, and every day during school holidays there is always plenty of specialty events held in Monmouthshire and the Forest of Dean. From food festivals and pottery making to live music and farmers markets, we recommend asking Tourist Information or a quick search on the internet to check out what’s happening while you are staying, some days are dog friendly..
Monmouthshire
Every weekend from May – October, and every day during school holidays there is always plenty of specialty events held in Monmouthshire and the Forest of Dean. From food festivals and pottery making to live music and farmers markets, we recommend asking Tourist Information or a quick search on the internet to check out what’s happening while you are staying, some days are dog friendly..
Village Store & Post Office
A bit like the store from ‘Open All Hours’ this little shop does seem to have it all. Fresh milk, bread, meat and cakes are delivered daily. There is a good selection of pantry, refrigerated and frozen food, including a small selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are Gluten Free and Vegan food options also in stock, as well as home essentials. There is also a Post Office counter. Opening hours are Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:30pm, Saturday 8am-7pm and Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Phone: 01600 772488
Redbrook
Village Store & Post Office
A bit like the store from ‘Open All Hours’ this little shop does seem to have it all. Fresh milk, bread, meat and cakes are delivered daily. There is a good selection of pantry, refrigerated and frozen food, including a small selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are Gluten Free and Vegan food options also in stock, as well as home essentials. There is also a Post Office counter. Opening hours are Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:30pm, Saturday 8am-7pm and Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Phone: 01600 772488
Adventure
We recommend checking out the canoe hire companies around Symonds Yat if you wish to explore the Wye Valley via the water, is a great spot to explore from. They offer a great and flexible selection to suit your needs from hourly hire, to guided canoe tours, sunset trips and white water canoe tours. They also offer Stand Up Paddle Board hire, kayak hire and raft building activities! You will see a lot of canoe’s come down to Redbrook from Symond’s Yat, stop for a spot of lunch at the pub and then return – an excellent and fun day out!
35 moradores locais recomendam
River Wye
We recommend checking out the canoe hire companies around Symonds Yat if you wish to explore the Wye Valley via the water, is a great spot to explore from. They offer a great and flexible selection to suit your needs from hourly hire, to guided canoe tours, sunset trips and white water canoe tours. They also offer Stand Up Paddle Board hire, kayak hire and raft building activities! You will see a lot of canoe’s come down to Redbrook from Symond’s Yat, stop for a spot of lunch at the pub and then return – an excellent and fun day out!
The Forest of Dean is famous for its mountain bike trails and they are amazing! Forest tracks provide a great opportunity for both novice and experienced mountain bikers and there are plenty of companies offering guided biking tours. Trail guides and maps are available online, with varying lengths and intensities well listed.
152 moradores locais recomendam
Floresta de Dean
High StreetThe Forest of Dean is famous for its mountain bike trails and they are amazing! Forest tracks provide a great opportunity for both novice and experienced mountain bikers and there are plenty of companies offering guided biking tours. Trail guides and maps are available online, with varying lengths and intensities well listed.
There is some amazing rock climbing and abseiling locations in both the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. There are plenty of local activity companies around that offer activity days with fully qualified instructors to get you climbing the valley walls to reach those glorious top views!
76 moradores locais recomendam
Área de beleza natural excepcional do Vale do Wye (AONB)
There is some amazing rock climbing and abseiling locations in both the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. There are plenty of local activity companies around that offer activity days with fully qualified instructors to get you climbing the valley walls to reach those glorious top views!
Golfing
With its championship 6,733 yard golf course, it is set in superb countryside with spectacular views of the Welsh hills. It is one of the most outstanding golf courses, not just in Wales, but in the whole of the UK. Over looked by a spectacular Mansion, the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of the famous Rolls-Royce company, the course has views over the Black Mountains and is open to both members and guests with prices starting at £48 per person, for a round of 18 holes. There is the 19th hole of course, that serves Carvery on a Sunday.
15 moradores locais recomendam
The Rolls Of Monmouth Golf Club
B4233With its championship 6,733 yard golf course, it is set in superb countryside with spectacular views of the Welsh hills. It is one of the most outstanding golf courses, not just in Wales, but in the whole of the UK. Over looked by a spectacular Mansion, the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of the famous Rolls-Royce company, the course has views over the Black Mountains and is open to both members and guests with prices starting at £48 per person, for a round of 18 holes. There is the 19th hole of course, that serves Carvery on a Sunday.
Labelled as the prettiest golf course in Wales. Enjoy a round of golf whilst soaking in the stunning views of the countryside. Called the "Jewel in the Hills" it is available for members and guests alike, and you can conveniently book online with prices starting at £25 per person, for a round of 18 holes. While most courses boast one "signature hole" Monmouth has many that are worthy of this label. A visit to the 19th to sample local ales and great food will complete any visit.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Monmouth Golf Club
Leasbrook LaneLabelled as the prettiest golf course in Wales. Enjoy a round of golf whilst soaking in the stunning views of the countryside. Called the "Jewel in the Hills" it is available for members and guests alike, and you can conveniently book online with prices starting at £25 per person, for a round of 18 holes. While most courses boast one "signature hole" Monmouth has many that are worthy of this label. A visit to the 19th to sample local ales and great food will complete any visit.
Fishing
Redbrook has its own fly-fishery too; hidden in the valley behind River Cottage are the lakes that used to supply the Tin Works. Bigwell consists of two spring fed lakes which are crystal clear and cold with two more lakes fed from the overflow from the spring and local stream, which bring in wild brown trout. Set in tranquil surroundings offering a diverse mix of animals and plants including ducks, geese, kingfishers, pheasants, wagtails and hawks. Pre-booking is essential.
Bigwell Fly Fishery
Redbrook has its own fly-fishery too; hidden in the valley behind River Cottage are the lakes that used to supply the Tin Works. Bigwell consists of two spring fed lakes which are crystal clear and cold with two more lakes fed from the overflow from the spring and local stream, which bring in wild brown trout. Set in tranquil surroundings offering a diverse mix of animals and plants including ducks, geese, kingfishers, pheasants, wagtails and hawks. Pre-booking is essential.
You are allowed to fish on almost all parts of the River Wye. The river has nearly everything a river angler could want – salmon, trout, grayling, barbel, chub, big pike and an array of other coarse species in addition to, of course, spectacular scenery along one of the most famous valleys in the UK. The only thing missing is, perhaps, a sizeable run of sea trout although even a few of these are caught every year, usually by pike anglers using lures in February. You must purchase a Wye River fishing passport online and there are over 60 beats on the Wye and its tributaries that can be booked online.
35 moradores locais recomendam
River Wye
You are allowed to fish on almost all parts of the River Wye. The river has nearly everything a river angler could want – salmon, trout, grayling, barbel, chub, big pike and an array of other coarse species in addition to, of course, spectacular scenery along one of the most famous valleys in the UK. The only thing missing is, perhaps, a sizeable run of sea trout although even a few of these are caught every year, usually by pike anglers using lures in February. You must purchase a Wye River fishing passport online and there are over 60 beats on the Wye and its tributaries that can be booked online.