The Royal Forest of Dean, once called 'The Queen of all the Forests', is one of the most fascinating regions of Britain. Its relative isolation created by the valleys of two great tidal rivers, the Severn and the Wye, together with its hilly terrain have helped preserve a heritage unlike anywhere else in the country. The Saxons were the first people to realise its potential for hunting. Thereafter it became the hunting reserve of Kings, for many hundreds of years. Many of the Dean's ancient rights and privileges come from its unique heritage as a Royal Hunting Forest. The Norman Kings introduced Forest Law and officials called Verderers who were charged with looking after the animals and the woods they lived in. Today the Verderers' Court is still held at Speech House, one of the area's most famous landmarks. The forest was designated a national forest park in 1939. As a woodland, the Forest of Dean has played an important part in the heritage of Britain especially from the 17th century when the oak timber and iron, became important for the expanding shipbiulding industry. The exploitation of the area's timber and iron ore resources continued throughout the Civil War but in 1649 recommendations were made for the conservation and management of the Forest. This was pursued by a Commission whose long term work was scuppered by growing demand from the navy. It was not until the Dean Forest (Reafforestation) Act 1668 that effective management commenced, albeit dogged with trouble for another 120 years. During a visit to the Forest in 1802, Lord Nelson highlighted that the 'finest timber in the kingdom' was in a deplorable state. by the middle of the 19th century improved management was in hand.
The 19th century saw the major development of industry. Enterprise and innovation combined with rich natural resources brought inventions, investors and workers to the Forest from many parts of Britain. By the late 19th century the original tram roads were converted to railways with all the forest towns connected to the main lines bordering the area and linking with the docks at Lydney. The forest is one of the few places in Britain where free grazing is possible in the unenclosed parts of the Forest to anyone owning land. This is not a question of rights of common but of 'privilege' honoured for at least three centuries.
The forest covers 57 square miles and is designated the Wye Valley and Dean Forest Park. The Forest of Dean is located on the English/Welsh border, some 15 miles west of Gloucester on the A4136. Gloucester is 105 miles west of London on the A40. to reach the forest from Gloucester take the A40 to Huntley (approx 7 miles west), then turn onto the A4136 towards Longhope, Mitcheldean and Monmouth. The forest begins just after Nailbridge (some 6 miles along the A4136). Parking is available within the forest at designated parking areas. These are located on the B4234 and B4226. The B4234 is a turnoff from the A4136 past Nailbridge and Brierley. The B4226 intersects the B4234 in the forest itself.
To truly enjoy this location an overnight stay is recommended, see our hotels and restuarant sections for details on accomodation and places to eat and drink.
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Matthew Normans account of his recent visit to Bovey Castle restaurant. Bovey Castle is in Dartmoor National Park
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Bradgate Park Leicestershire
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Bradgate Park in Leicestershire is a well known and much loved visitor attraction. The Folly in the Park can be seen for miles around and the park is typical of an English country park where urbanites can escape the hurly burly of city life and breath som
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Brighton & Hove has always done things differnetly. Rather than using a cathedral as it's focal point this city on South England's Coast has the Royal Pavillion, built in 1815.
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Bristol a city built on its maritime past. An article by Jenny Spetter.
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A history of Cliffords Tower for the English Travel Guide. An essential guide to this English Heritage attraction in York.
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Croyde North Devon Village not far from Barnstable
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Derby is compact city at the centre of England, full of history, art and – reputedly – ghosts
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England has seen a high rise in tourism. Its main cities as well as its main coastal resorts have all benefited from this high rise...
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England has some of the best traveling the world. This travel guide highlights all the best travel resources from travel associated with the countryside to city travel. Mix with English people, English folklore and travel in one of the finest....
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English Travel Guide.com has been designed to provide a definitive easy to use travel companion for all your English Travel needs.
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English Travel Guide and Jurys
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English Travel Guide, the fastest growing Travel and Leisure website for England welcomes Jurys hotels to its growing family. Coupled to the English Travel Guides expanding list of attractions and features the leisure traveller and tourist can plan their
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Cornwalls oldest surviving Tin mine, now a popular tourist attraction.
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The effects on travel in England of a few heavy thunderstorms.
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HOLIDAY HOMES WITH A DIFFERENCE
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An apparently normal family will arrive by open boat at a rented holiday cottage in Britain to find there is no hot water or electricity... and the only lighting is a box of candles. Amazingly, they’ll be delighted.
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London Tourist Information
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London the capital city and major tourist attraction. A first stop on any travel, this major cosmopolitan city of the English speaking world. Population of just under eight million. This guide to the various sites to see is a must read in conjunction with
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Matthew Norman s review on Luc s Brasserie London EC3.
Sunday Telegraph Magazine 21 November 2004.
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North York Moors National Park
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A Visit to the North York Moors National Park
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Elfreda Powell article from The Sunday Telegraph magazine 28 November 2004
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Information on Penzance including hotels restaurants, attractions, museums and local points of interest. This market town is the Capital of west Cornwall and is a popular tourist attraction.
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One of the wonders of the world. This ancient stone circle is managed by Englsh Heritage and is truely a must see site for any visitor to the UK.
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Set in the far North Eastern corner of England this beautiful county borders Scotland to the North and the Industrial North East to the South. It has been designated an area of outstanding beauty.
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Rye one of the Cinque port towns on the Sussex
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The Battle of Hastings 1066
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Fought between Harold, King of England and the Norman French under William at Battle in East Sussex. The battle occured on October 14th 1066. The Battle Abbey near Battle provides information on the event.
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The Lion King - Lyceum Theatre
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Story of the Disney musical the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre London. Search London Theatres for bookings.
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Plan a visit to this spectacular forest and enjoy the peace and tranquility and wonderful scenery of this exquisite forest.
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Article on The Close, the Organs and Bells of Winchester Cathedral
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