🌿 Autumn Weekends in the Forest of Dean

There’s something truly magical about the Forest of Dean in autumn. As the air turns crisp and the trees burst into fiery shades of amber, gold, and crimson, this ancient woodland becomes one of the most enchanting places to escape for a weekend. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat, a creative experience, or simply good coffee and great company, the Forest of Dean offers it all.

🍁 Leaf Peeping Among the Trees

Autumn in the Forest of Dean is a spectacle of colour. The canopy transforms into a painter’s palette — a patchwork of oak, beech, and birch leaves glowing in the low autumn sun. Walking the forest trails at this time of year feels almost otherworldly. Bring a camera, a thermos of something warm, and let yourself slow down.

If you’ve never experienced leaf peeping before, the Forest of Dean is one of the UK’s best places to try it. Wander through Symonds Yat Rock for sweeping views of the Wye Valley, or stroll along Puzzlewood’s ancient paths where the moss-covered roots and twisted branches look straight out of a fantasy film.

💎 Get Creative at Wye-Creative

After a morning outdoors, there’s no better way to warm up than by stepping into something hands-on and heart-led. Join me at Wye-Creative for a jewellery-making workshop where you can craft your own unique piece to take home — a beautiful keepsake inspired by your time in the forest.

Whether you’re a total beginner or already love making things, the workshops are relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter. You’ll learn techniques for working with silver and other materials, creating something truly personal — maybe even a piece that captures the autumn hues of the Forest of Dean itself.

It’s not just a creative activity; it’s a moment of calm and connection — with nature, with your own creativity, and with the joy of making something by hand.

☕ A Cosy Stop at Hen and Dot Café, Goodrich

No weekend is complete without great food and coffee, and Hen and Dot Café in Goodrich is a must-visit. Nestled on the edge of a charming village setting, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring. Their coffee is excellent, the cakes are irresistible, and the atmosphere feels like a warm hug on a chilly autumn afternoon.

You might even spot other travellers and locals comparing notes about their forest adventures over a steaming mug or two.

🍂 Why an Autumn Weekend Here is Worth It

A weekend in the Forest of Dean isn’t just a getaway — it’s a reset. The vibrant colours, creative moments, and cosy corners make it an experience that feeds the soul. You leave not just with memories, but with something you’ve made, something you’ve felt, and a renewed sense of calm.

So this autumn, swap the busy city streets for winding forest paths, trade your screens for silver and gemstones, and let the Forest of Dean remind you how good it feels to slow down.

Come for the colours. Stay for the creativity. Leave inspired.