Looking at dates with the good lady to take a week off in the van - prob in Sept. Already been to Scotland twice this year; a few mates biking trips planned in July and Aug to the Lakes; Northumberland is a possibility as is the New Forest but just thought about the area in the title. Drive through it every time I head back ‘home’ to South Wales but never spent much time there in it’s own right. I’d def take the bike as the riding is meant to be decent in the FOD. Wife doesn’t bike at all though so how can I keep her sweet in that vicinity for a full week? Any sensible suggestions appreciated including campsite recommendations - cheers y’all!
We have been to the Bracelands campsite a lot, but that's mainly as it's big and has lots of kids for our son to play with, nice site though surrounded by woods.
Plenty to do if you like the touristy stuff as well as ride. Many cost unless you like walking in the woods. Autumn has nice colours. As well as Bracelands (big, flash, nasty) there is Whitemead in Parkend. Look on the boundless website . Advantage is two decent pubs, flat familty trail, bike hire. Quieter site near St Briavels. Poncy pub short walk away. Campsites near Coleford walking distance into town. A couple of pubs and eateries.
Lots to do around there.
Canoe trip on the Wye is recommended and some places also offer stand up paddle boarding.
History wise Goodrich castle, Tintern abbey and Chepstow castle worth visiting.
Puzzlewood also worth a visit - used as a filming location for Star Wars, Harry Potter and more.
Canoeing on the Wye is great, we've done it in a few locations. In FoD area, we used Wye Canoes
If your wife "doesn't bike at all" but might be up for a something a bit different, but how about hiring a tandem and doing the family trail.
Chepstow and Cheltenham both within easy reach for a day wandering around a lovely old town (and Gloucester too I suppose, though we've not been there)
Time it right and you might be there at the right time to see the Severn Bore, that can be pretty awesome - 11th and 12th seems to be the dates to aim for in September
If you don't mind being outside the forest then Severn Valley Touring in Awre is a beatutful little site
