Broughtons self catering holiday cottage is in the Vale of Severn on the edge of the Royal Forest of Dean. There is lots to do in and around this quiet and peaceful part of Gloucestershire.
Here are just some of our favourites
Soudley Ponds and Dean Heritage Centre
A gentle walk- not too muddy with fairly flat well marked paths & it is possible to push buggies around the lakes.Take some bread to feed the ducks. 10 minutes drive from the cottage with plenty of parking either at the ponds or the museum itself. You can stop halfway way round at the Dean Heritage Centre and discover more about this fascinating area, its geology and history.
Drive via Littledean to collect the Sunday papers to read in the tea room or outside picnic area while the children explore.
Allow 1 hour – more if you plan to stop at the museum or take the nature trail which is more demanding.
1/2 Day Favourites
30 minutes drive away and just across the border into Herefordshire. Browse around the wonderful variety of shops; enjoy the black and white timbered architecture, nice shops with good places to eat. Take the direct route or follow the maps and take the scenic route cross country.
Monmouth
Also 30 minutes drive away through the Forest of Dean and across the border this time into Monmouthshire. Situated on the River Wye Monmouth has plenty to offer for a leisurely 1/2 day out. If you have time make your way to the Kymin for breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside and a woodland walk.
20 minutes drive away. A market town with Tugor timbered houses.
I love visiting the nearby butterfly zoo.It is so peaceful and magical, especially when a huge, gorgeously coloured butterfly decides you might be a source of nectar and chooses to perch briefly on your hand or head. It is also warm and dry on a cold wet day!The amazing hedge puzzle maze is next door if the weather is being kind, also crazy golf.
Family Days Out -Castles,Caves and Cathedrals
Castles –we are surrounded by castles here, something to do with being very close to the Welsh Border! The closest is Goodrich Castle standing above the River Wye. Pack up a picnic or eat in the tearoom. Chepstow castle is another local castle, again standing over the River Wye.
Caves -Clearwell Caves. These are extensive natural caves, mined for iron ore and ochre pigments.
Cathedrals – we have three within easy reach – Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester. Why not stay with us during the Three Choirs Festival?
The Royal Forest of Dean
This is England’s largest oak forest and is a wonderful playground for old and young alike and there really is something for everyone to do. Be adventurous and brave the high ropes at Go Ape, or hire a bike from Pedalabikeway .
Or simply stroll through the woods following well marked paths as far as you want to go before picnicking in the trees.
For the very young – try Dick Whittington’s Farm – 15 minutes drive from Broughtons Cottage.
Our family always love a day at Puzzlewood it seems to appeal to all, from 5 years old upwards! It has the perfect combination of animals, cafe and crafts & extraordinary rock formations to explore within the forest. JRTolkein was a frequent visitor and Puzzlewood may well have been the inspiration for the fabled landscapes of ‘Middle Earth’ in Lord of the Rings.
Houses and Gardens
Westbury Court garden is 5 minutes away, and is a real gem –it is the only restored Dutch water garden in the country. Afterwards I recommend a visit to nearby Westbury church dating back to 1290. Look for the crusader marks in the main doorway. The detached tower was built in 1290 as a garrison and is 160ft high –constructed entirely of wood – even the roof tiles!
We are also less than 1 hour from Hidcote Manor Garden, one of Englands greatest gardens.
