Follow the Royal Forest Route to see the Forest of Dean
If you're looking for a fun-filled holiday destination, you should definitely consider visiting the Forest of Dean. The perfect place for family days out, here you'll be able to try a wealth of activities and see a range of landmarks. However, to get a real appreciation of the area's beauty you should follow the Royal Forest Route.
This 20-mile trail can be explored by car, although to really make the most of your holiday you may want to travel on foot or by bike. Of course, taking this path in either of these ways is also a great way to get some exercise and, as you trace it, you'll get to take in the forest's wonderful natural scenery and varied terrain, not to mention stop by a number of amazing attractions.
If you are planning holidays in the Forest of Dean, it is perhaps a good idea to start your exploration of the Royal Forest Route by visiting the Dean Heritage Centre.
Consisting of five galleries, this cultural institution will enable you to find out more about the forest's environment and history, with numerous special events and one-off exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
However, it is the Royal Forest Route that is perhaps the best way to take in the region's splendours and by turning left from the heritage centre car park you'll soon be in the heart of the forest.
In the space of a few minutes, you will come to the Soudley Ponds Nature Reserve where you can look out over tranquil bodies of water that are surrounded by vibrant douglas fir trees.
From here, you can visit the historic Speech House Hotel - a former 17th-century hunting lodge that contains the oldest court in the British Isles.
Other attractions to see as you explore the Royal Forest Route include the Mallards Pike Lake and the Hopewell Colliery. In the latter, you'll be able to go underground and see one of the many working coal mines that were based in the region, with some artefacts dating as far back as the 1820s.
A great place on the route to soak up the beauty of the forest is the Nagshead Nature Reserve. Largely consisting of oak trees, this woodland is a haven for birdspotting, with around 2,000 nest boxes located here.
Among the many species that can be seen are great-spotted woodpeckers, redwings and nuthatches - the only British bird that climbs head first down trees - while you'll be able to take in a range of fantastic flora.
One attraction that is sure to catch your interest is the Clearwell Caves. This expansive network of underground tunnels and caverns has been mined for thousands of years. Today, eight large caves are open to the public allowing you to gain an insight into the lives of the Neolithic miners who came down here to dig for ochre pigments.
You can also visit a blacksmiths' shop to find out about more about the traditional craft and the role it played in the running of a mine.
Elsewhere, you will have the chance to go fishing, gorge scrambling and kayaking - among other activities - so there is bound to be something for every interest.
With so much to see and do, you can be sure that taking holidays to the Forest of Dean will prove to be a wonderful break for all the family.
