Did you know, travelling to and from your holiday destination could account for around 70% of the carbon emissions of the entire trip? So the most effective way to be a responsible traveller is to reduce those emissions and look to public transport (bus or train).
Once you arrive, sight-seeing around the area can also clock up your carbon usage – so we encourage visitors to explore on foot using the local footpaths around the village, public transport (where possible) and to make use of the excellent and varied cycle paths for all abilities in the forest.
Below are a list of our favourite low carbon impact activities in the area. Please ask to see our Green Guest policy for more ideas on reducing your footprint further!
- Wye Valley Flowers offers PYO bouquet and cream tea events through the year, based on their eco-flower farm. https://www.facebook.com/WyeValleyFlowers/events/
- Bike hire is the perfect way to see the forest, on a range of family trails. https://pedalabikeaway.co.uk/bike-hire/ have kids bikes, tag along and lots of advice for making the most of your day. They also have a site at the start of the stunning Wye Valley Greenway https://pedalabikeaway.co.uk/wye-valley-home/
- It’s no wonder that film sets love the atmospheric Puzzlewood. Scenes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Secret Garden, Doctor Who and more have used this lush, other worldly ancient woodland, with play area, café and animal areas. https://www.puzzlewood.net/
- https://www.deanheritagecentre.com/ Museum of buildings from the area, including a Victorian classroom, allotments, water wheel, Gruffalo trail, chainsaw carving, charcoal building and good cafe. Mallards Pike lake is not far if the weather clears up too.
- There are two Go Ape venues in the forest, one suitable for unaccompanied kids and the other is more demanding for the fitter (competitive) family. Both set in lovey woodland, with excellent cafes and walks https://goape.co.uk/
- For more adventurous climbing, try: https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/activities-and-experiences/climbing
- There is a wealth of information here on Forestry Commission sites for visitors – many of which have cafes, signposted walks and activities: https://www.forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean
- #SupportLocal Where you can please use local products and services. They give you a flavour of the area and create a vibrant local community. This includes the vast array of artisan makers, try a visit to Taurus Crafts in Lydney to see them at work.
- Don’t forget to book a stay in an off-grid site, perfect for star gazing and completing your eco-credentials or research accommodation that uses renewable energy, eco toilets and water harvesting, such as www.hopefarmretreats.com
Enjoy
Jo, Mark & Izzy x
