Great locations for photographers -Wye Valley & Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean was England's first national forest park and is still the largest natural area of oak woodland in Britain. Located between the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the River Severn, it's a perfect place to enjoy wonderful activities and spectacular scenery as well as a superb range of things to see and do and photograph.

Landscapes and historic buildings
From historic buildings, gardens and museums, to craft centres and wonderful family attractions, there is a huge choice of locations and events for all ages, skills and genres of photographers. It is also one of Britain's most varied landscapes with a complex geology.

Striking images
There are striking images above and below ground (if you are a caver that is...) and unparalled views of the Severn and Wye estuaries, not to mention the Old Severn Bridge and a huge variety of wild life. But let's not forget the trees and buildings. In short there are great opportunities for photographers whether they are just starting out with their first digital camera, keen to improve their skills or a real enthusiast searching for new photographic challenges.

Tintern's atmospheric riverside setting frames a striking ruined abbey. In addition, there is substantial evidence of Tintern's industrial past; however hard it may be to imagine the noise and smoke of the furnaces in today's picturesque village. The bridge and river provide classic images and you will still be humbled by by the majesty of the Abbey ruins.

Brockweir is a small, attractive village with a cast iron road bridge over the Wye built in 1906. It includes many photogenic buildings including the 16th century Manor House (which stands facing the bridge), the 19th century Moravian Chapel (with its Gothic Windows, Art Nouveau glass and a bellcote) and the Old Malt House (with a fine stone doorway). Great shots wherever the sun is and long river vistas.

Symonds Yat is world famous for its magnificent heavily wooded limestone outcrop with a view point some 500 feet above sea level with the River Wye rushing through a precipitous heavily wooded gorge. Symonds Yat provides a colourful landscape throughout the year and there is the added bonus of accessible wildlife with Peregrine Falcons flying to and from their nesting places on the hillside around Yat Rock while an unusual man-powered Rope Ferry makes a striking contrast with the grandeur of the scenery.