EXPLORE THE FOREST OF DEAN
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is brimming with activities.
Whether you like walking, biking, pampering yourself or learning about the heritage and history of the Forest, there is something here for you.
From canoeing on the Wye, to the Dean Heritage Centre, we can guarantee you’ll find something to keep you busy.
Below are some of our suggestions of activities and things to do in the Forest during your stay. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more hidden gems to discover. Book your stay and ask us for more information on anything that takes your fancy.
Dog Friendly Stays in The Forest of Dean
Dog Friendly Summer Escape: Exploring the Forest with Your Furry Friend Summer is the perfect time to step into the great outdoors—and what better companion than your four-legged friend? At Speech House, we’re a truly dog friendly hotel. Here’s why it’s your pup’s...
Speech House Vintage Show
Speech House Vintage Show Sunday 14th September 2025 For a great day out at the Forest of Dean, join us at Speech House Hotel on Sunday 14th September from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Steam & Vintage Show On the grounds of The Speech House Hotel and in support of local...
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds Near The Speech House Hotel The Cotswolds stretches across six counties and is famous for its lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers. One of those counties is Gloucestershire which is a major part of the region, and The Speech...
The Speech House Fireworks by The Lions
Lions Speech House Fireworks 2025 Saturday 1st November 2025 This year’s annual Lions Bonfire and Fireworks Display takes place on the Speech House Field on Saturday 1st of November from 4pm. Look forward to a large bonfire and fireworks display along with the...
Top things to do this Christmas
Our top pick of things to do this Christmas Whilst staying at The Speech House Hotel Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Forest of Dean, the Speech House Hotel is your perfect base for a magical Christmas escape. Whether you are enjoying our 3-Day Christmas Break,...
Top 5 things to do in the Wye Valley
5 things to do in the Wye Valley The Wye Valley is full of hidden gems and activities for everyone. If you’re venturing into the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and looking for things to do, then we have a tried and tested top 5 things below for you. For those who...
Spooky Season – Tales of the Forest with Luca
Spooky Season is up on us, and Luca, our Dog Director shares some of the tidbits and stories he has picked up along the way. The Moose Pig The other week I decided I should take my boss “Big Pete” over to the amazing Speech House Vintage Show. I heard that one of...
A Speech House Christmas with Luca
Luca, Head of the Pet Division, writes a letter about Christmas at The Speech House for his fellow dog friends. Hi fellow dog friends, and humanoids. Well, it’s heading towards my favourite time of year, yes you guessed it, Christmas. Christmas trees, baubles,...
Dog Friendly Hotel – Luca’s Blog pt 2
The Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire shares a blog post written by their Head of Dog Experience, Luca. He is a Lucas Terrier, and has had a distinguished career consulting for hotels on what it really is that dogs, and their owners want from a...
Family Activities in the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire
Plan your Family Break with fun filled activities! The Forest of Dean is the perfect family holiday destination. Packed with family activities and attractions for suitable for all ages, young or old! Families staying in the Speech House Hotel are guaranteed a...
Float in the Forest
Relax and switch off during your break to the Forest of Dean. If you're looking for something different to do, or a moment to regenerate in-between adrenaline fueled activies - why not book yourself a session at Float in the Forest. Floatation is the ultimate...
Stand Up Paddleboarding
PADDLEBOARD ADVENTURES Create magic moments on a paddleboarding adventure. Learn SUP skills with our friendly coaches. Create magical memories in fun family activities, or glide down the River Wye kingfisher spotting. Fuel the adrenaline with a white-water adventure....
Mountain Bike Coaching
With all the incredible cycling trails out in the Forest of Dean, you may wish to have a guided ride, or some mountain bike coaching during your stay! Whether you are new to mountain biking and looking to gain basic skills, a veteran rider who’s lost the love, or a...
Forest of Dean Yoga
If you're looking to do some yoga in the Forest of Dean during your stay, look no further. Soul Connection Yoga classes are alignment focused, designed to create a strong and flexible body that allows you to do the things you love with ease. As you calm the mind and...
Dog Friendly Hotel
The Speech House Hotel in Gloucestershire has hired a Head of Dog Experience, Luca. He is a Lucas Terrier, and has had a distinguished career in consulting for hotels on what it really is that dogs, and their owners want from a UK...
Mobility Scooters to Hire
We’ve partnered with Countryside Mobility (a charity initiative, operated by Living Options) to offer all-terrain mobility scooter (“Tramper”) hire. It has a restricted speed of 4mph which is ideal to accompany walkers and children on bikes. Trampers are safe and easy...
Photography Courses
Join professional photographer David Broadbent in the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Improve your technique with a themed group course or hone your skills to perfection on a bespoke one to one training day which is unashamedly - all about you... remember,...
Local Bike Hire
There are many different ways to explore the Forest of Dean. One of our favourites being by bike. With trails for all abilities and riders, there's something for families, the experienced cyclist and those who want to cruise around the Forest without the hard work of...
EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE
Welcome to The Speech House, an unmissable historic building that has been a part of the Forest of Dean's scenery since 1669. Set in the centre of the Forest, this historic house is surrounded by one of the only surviving ancient woodlands in England. Whether you're...
A Walk on the Wild Side
Guided walks in the Forest of Dean, right from our doorstep. Take advantage of our central location in the Forest of Dean and book out local naturalist Ed Drewitt to inform you about and find with you the wildlife on our doorstep. The ancient trees of the Forest of...
Inspire2Adventure
Looking for a bit more adventure then we suggest you get outdoors and exhilarated by visiting one of the many local activities at Inspire 2Adventure. Get outdoors and discover some of the most stunning areas the UK has to offer! Inspire2Adventure provides a multitude...
Local Activities
Located in the Forest of Dean, The Speech House Hotel is ideally situated for access to a large variety of local activities such as; Go Ape, Off Road Driving, Canoeing, Walking, Cycling, Caving, Shooting… or you may just prefer having a quiet afternoon tea! With so...