The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is steepeddays a week but closed in December and January.
in history and has so many places to see it is notDean Forest Railway
possible to list them all here. Here are a few thatRunning between Northchard, Lydney Junction and
spring to mind.Parkend this wonderful railway takes you through
The Sculpture Trailthe Lydney area of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Starting at Beechenhurst Lodge, in the heart ofYou can hop off during trip and go shopping in the
The Forest, the sculpture train is a fantastic waytown. Visit Bathurst Park or enjoy your lunch
of exploring the area. With 21 sculptures, fromsitting by the lake at St Mays Halt. At Northchard
some of the finest artists from all over the world,there is the Museum which contains many varied
it is a fascinating way to spend a few hours.railway artifacts and also the '9681 Sales Coach'
There are not many forests in the world, (Iwhich sells books, magazines and puzzles.
challenge you to find one!), where you can find aBetween the 4th and 6th of June the ever
15 feet high, 10 feet wide stained glass windowpopular Thomas the Tank Engine will be on the
suspended between 2 trees or a secret hollowrailway with a Thomas party taking place on the
with a flotilla of small charred boats, setting out5th. This is a popular day so please book early.
across the green marsh. The Trail is free toCearwell Caves
everyone and really is well worth a visit.Iron has been mined here for thousands of years
National Birds of Prey Centreand still to this day in the caves beneath The
The first time I visited the centre I was a youngForest of Dean. Clearwell has nine large caverns
boy with my school. I can remember being totallyfor you to explore 100 feet beneath the forest
fascinated by the colours, shapes and sizes of thefloor. The ore mined here was used to make
various Owls, Eagles and Falcons collected ortools and oxides as well as pigment for dying
rescued from all over the globevarious items as told in various displays lining the
Having successfully bred over 60 species, andcaves. The caves have also been home to a few
with a breeding which is on going, you may luckypop concerts too. The best known being local
enough to see an Buzzard or Eagle chick whenboys EMF courting record companies in the early
you visit.1990's before reaching global success.
The centre holds three 'flying' shows a day, withThe gift shop has lots of goodies including
a flying team of over 60 birds and also runsjewellery for you to buy and there is a well
various courses for people who have a seriousstocked café. A picnic area is also available.
interest in these breath taking creatures. Open 7Wear good walking shoes!