While Drybrook, a former royal hunting ground in the Forest of Dean, is charming in its own right, it also offers a wide range of services to visitors, including a village store and post office as well as a butcher, fish and chip shop, and local bar. There are numerous nature reserves in the region, the closest of which is Wigpool Common, a 19-acre SSSI where visitors can witness a wide variety of uncommon plants, animals, and birds. In England’s largest oak forest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Royal Forest of Dean, visitors can go on foot, bike, or equestrian excursions to explore the many routes. Caving, abseiling and a high-wire rope course are just some of the activities available to thrill-seekers in this pristine wilderness. In the nearby market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, you’ll find charming Tudor-style homes, 17th-century market halls, majestic bridges, and a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants to suit any taste or budget. Take a river tour, walk along the banks of the Wye, or fly over the countryside in a hot air balloon!
You can visit Goodrich Castle, one of the best examples of a mediaeval ‘Marcher Castle’, or take a walk along Offa’s Dyke and the Wye Valley Walk. Nearby, in the historic coastal city of Gloucester, you’ll see Roman foundations, Victorian Docklands and a stunning Norman cathedral; you may recognise the Cloisters since they were utilised in the Harry Potter films. Take a trip to Symonds Yat, a rocky outcropping where peregrine falcons nest, or the Severn Estuary, which is well-known for its tidal bore and a haven for nature lovers. If you’re looking to spend an unforgettable holiday in Gloucestershire, this is the place for you.
