(see picture 1)
Kingfisher Cruises
From Symonds Yat East, daily.

Symonds Yat is world famous for its natural river scenery. The river winds its way through Symonds Yat gorge and village, dividing it into east and west. Trips last around 35 minutes and start at 11am and go on until sunset. A full commentary is provided, telling of the natural beauty and history of the area. Evening trips with bar and buffet parties by arrangement.
Tel: 07831 297672 or 01600 891063

http://www.fweb.org.uk/kingfisher/

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Go shopping in Monmouth

http://www.monmouth.org.uk/

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Go find spooky Newland and try the best pub food in the region!

http://theostrichinn.com/

 

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National Birds of Prey Sanctuary

http://www.forestfalconry.co.uk/

 

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The Shambles

A delightful museum of Victorian life, set out as a complete town of shops, cottages, and houses in a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways recreating the life and atmosphere as it would have been in Victorian times. With a Gift shop and tea-room with light lunches.

The Shambles Museum, Church Street, Newent, Glos. GL18 1PP  Tel: 01531 822144
Opening  Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am - 6.00pm. Last admission 5.00pm.
Admission:  Adults  £3.25   Child    £1.95   O.A.P. £2.85

No website

 

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Abbey Mill in Tintern
Forest of Dean Resource Centre

http://www.abbeymill.com/

Tel: 01291 689228 

 

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Forest of Dean Tour Guides
Guided walks in the Forest of Dean

http://www.forestofdeantours.org

 

 

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Puzzle Wood

Puzzle Wood is an area which has remained unaltered since it was transformed into tranquil woodland walks in the 1800's. It has been open to the public for some 50 years.
A fascinating open iron workings in beautiful surroundings.
A maze of paths with unique wooden seats and bridges enables the weathered and moss covered rocks to be seen at their best. Roman iron mines, Souvenir Shop, Tea garden, Sykes Trophy winner 1984. School parties catered for by prior arrangement
1 mile south of Coleford on the B4228 - Open 11am to 6pm (Easter to the end of October) - Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays - No pets
Tel: 01594-833187

No Website

 

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Lydney Park Spring Gardens

Call first for opening times (no website)

Lydney Spring Gardens,
Lydney Park,  Glouc, GL15 6BU
Tel: 01594 842844

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Goodrich Castle

Standing on a hill overlooking the village whose name it bears, the castle guards the river crossing on the old Roman road from Monmouth to Gloucester. Built by the Normans, it was heavily improved in the 13th century.  The keep, a square three storey tower, is still there and the whole castle is surrounded by a deep ditch dug into the local red sandstone and reached over a drawbridge. Plus various summer special medieval events.

http://www.castlewales.com/goodrich.html

 

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Dean Forest Railway

From April trains will run to Parkend and Lydney every Sunday until the end of October, plus Wednesdays and Saturdays from June to September, and Tuesdays and Thursdays in August plus Bank Holiday Saturdays and Mondays.

Other SPECIAL's (including a Dining Car on Mothering Sunday!) so do check the website.

http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk

 

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What's on

http://www.forestofdean.gov.uk

 

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Other places to see

Clearwell Caves

See this unique part of Britain's Heritage hidden beneath the Royal Forest of Dean.
Iron ore has been mined here for nearly 3000 years to form an incredible system of underground tunnels and chambers, of which 8 large caverns are now open to the public.
Originally a natural cave system, it partially filled with iron ore, which has been mined extensively since the beginning of the iron age. Geological and mining displays show how the primitive miners worked and the slow development of mining techniques up to the present day.  The engine room contains several vintage engines, including the 1915 Ingersol Rand compressor used to drive the early pneumatic drills. The miners stores stocks not only souvenirs of your visit, but books and maps relating to mining, geology and local history.  We have a good selection of minerals from the mine and other parts of the world, as well as caving equipment. Open 10am to 5pm every day, including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
1st March to 31st October Caving trips and guided tours available throughout the year by appointment.
For further information tel. 01594-832535

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Fishing

If you go to Morgams Post Office in Monmouth (half way down the main high street. Bring I.D. and go straight to the post office bit at the back - go early during the weekdays, to avoid the queues too!) you can buy a 24hr pass to fish the rivers. You then need the land owners permission to use his/hers riverbank you wish to fish from (usually a bottle of good wine will do the trick, outside pubs especially!). Of course in you're staying at Garth Cottage you automatically have permission to fish from their stretch of river bank.
Note: Do not fish illegally - Wardens are always on patrol 24-7 and they don't take prisoners, (pouching is a very serious offence round these parts). No joke either.

Tip: Upstream from the famous Monnow bridge is an island with a house on it. If you call out to the owner, offering him a bottle of whisky, he's been reputed to allow you to fish there...