Activities at Dymock Forest

Visitor information

Activities at Dymock Forest

Horse riders on a woodland trail
Horse riding at Dymock Forest
Dymock lake in autumn
Lake Walk
couple enjoying a picnic in a clearing within a forest
Picnics at Dymock Forest
Family walking Forest of Dean generic
Princes Walk
Close-up of two people's walking boots stood on forest ground.
Walking at Dymock Forest

Nearby forests

Broadleaf tree in field autumn

Haugh Woods is a 350 hectare mixed woodland, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rich diversity and nationally recognised for its butterflies and moths, with over 600 species living there! The rare Wood White butterfly and Drab Looper moth thrive in the recently coppiced areas.

Speech House Woods

Visit Speech House Woodland, which is situated close to the most famous building in the Forest of Dean - The Speech House. 

The Speech House was built in 1676 by the King as a "court" where local people could have their say. Regular verderers meetings are still held here to discuss the management of the vert and venison.

Trees in mist

Established in 1915 with trees brought back by the Victorian plant hunter Ernest Wilson from his 1910 explorations of China, The Cyril Hart Arboretum is home to over 200 tree species. 

Originally known as the Speech House Arboretum, it was later renamed the Cyril Hart Arboretum after Dr Cyril Hart who dedicated a lifetime of service to forestry and was a Senior Verderer (1952 – 2009) of the Forest of Dean.

View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England