Cycling & Family Trails
Pedalabikeaway at Cannop offers miles of waymarked trails for all abilities, from gentle family loops to the demanding Forest of Dean mountain bike trail. Bike hire is available on site.
~10 min drive · Cannop Valley
Maps
Forest of Dean · Wye Valley
Explore the Local Area
Bearse Farm sits at the heart of one of England's most beautiful corners — ancient forest, medieval castles, dramatic river gorges and miles of open trail are all on your doorstep.
- 1 min
- to St Briavels Castle
- 4 mi
- to Tintern Abbey
- 100+
- Miles of Forest Trail
- AONB
- Wye Valley Landscape
Right Next Door
St Briavels Village
Bearse Farm is set within the ancient village of St Briavels, one of the prettiest settlements in the Wye Valley AONB. Perched on a ridge with sweeping views across the River Wye towards Wales, the village has a character that's hard to find anywhere else in England.
The village revolves around its 12th-century castle — once a royal hunting lodge for King John and later a key fortress of the Forest of Dean — which now operates as a youth hostel. The Church of St Mary the Virgin dates from the same era and is free to visit.
- St Briavels Castle — 12th-century Norman fortress, 1 min walk
- The George Inn — traditional village pub serving food
- Panoramic views across the Wye Valley into Wales
- Annual Bread & Cheese Dole — a centuries-old local tradition each Whit Sunday
St Briavels Castle
Built for King John c.1205, used to produce crossbow bolts for the Hundred Years' War. One of the most unusual and atmospheric places to stay in England.
Open in Google Maps
Ancient Woodland
The Forest of Dean
One of England's oldest Royal forests — 42 square miles of ancient oak woodland, dramatic gorges and hidden history stretching back to Roman iron-working.
Clearwell Caves
A natural cave system mined for iron ore for over 4,500 years. Explore nine large caverns on a self-guided tour, with crystal formations and ancient mining tools. Famous Christmas and Halloween special events.
~10 min drive · Near Coleford
Maps
Puzzle Wood
An extraordinary pre-Roman open-cast iron mine, now a magical woodland walk through mossy gullies, twisted paths and ancient oaks. Said to have inspired Tolkien's Middle-earth and used as a filming location for Merlin and Star Wars.
~12 min drive · Near Coleford
Maps
Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Wye Valley
The River Wye forms the border between England and Wales just below St Briavels, carving one of the most dramatic river gorges in the UK. The Wye Valley AONB stretches from Chepstow in the south to Hereford in the north — and you're right at its heart.
Whether you're walking the Wye Valley Walk, kayaking the river, or simply stopping at a viewpoint to take in the view, this is one of those landscapes that stays with you long after you leave.
Tintern Abbey
The iconic 12th-century Cistercian ruins on the banks of the Wye — one of the most romantic and photographed ruins in Wales. ~4 miles south.
Open in Google MapsSymonds Yat Rock
A famous viewpoint 150 m above the river with a breathtaking horseshoe bend of the Wye below. Peregrine falcons nest on the crags each spring. ~8 miles north.
Open in Google MapsChepstow Castle & Town
Britain's oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification, perched dramatically above the Wye. The lively market town is great for shopping and dining. ~8 miles south.
Open in Google MapsMonmouth
A historic market town at the confluence of the Wye and Monnow rivers. Castle ruins, independent shops, a great Tuesday market and the only fortified bridge gatehouse in Britain. ~10 miles.
Open in Google Maps
The map above centres on the southern Wye Valley — Bearse Farm is just off the top of the frame near St Briavels.
Get Outside
Walking, Riding & the Outdoors
Hundreds of miles of footpath, bridleway and trail begin practically at the farm gate.
Wye Valley Walk
136 miles along the river from Chepstow to Plynlimon. St Briavels sits directly on the route — just head to the valley floor and pick it up. Stunning at any time of year.
Horse Riding
Miles of bridleway run out from St Briavels through the Forest of Dean and along the Wye Valley. Guests using our livery stables often head straight out from the farm for a hack in the forest.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The Wye is one of Britain's best canoe rivers. Paddle sections from Monmouth to Chepstow through spectacular gorge scenery with regular access points and canoe hire available locally.
Stargazing
The Forest of Dean is one of the darkest areas in southern England — virtually no light pollution makes it superb territory for stargazing. On a clear night from Bearse Farm the Milky Way is clearly visible.
Nearby Towns
Shops, Food & Local Life
Several lovely market towns and villages are within easy reach for supplies, a meal out or a day of exploring.
Lydney
~5 miles
The nearest town with a supermarket (Tesco & Lidl), pharmacy, post office and petrol station. Also home to the Dean Forest Railway — a heritage steam railway running through the forest.
Open in Google MapsColeford
~6 miles
The main town of the Forest of Dean, with independent shops, cafés and the Great Western Railway Museum. Close to Clearwell Caves and Puzzle Wood.
Open in Google MapsMonmouth
~10 miles
A handsome Georgian market town with an excellent range of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Tuesday is market day. Gateway to mid-Wales beyond.
Open in Google MapsRoss-on-Wye
~14 miles
A beautiful Herefordshire market town on a cliff above the Wye, with a thriving food scene, antique shops and the lovely Market House dating from 1650.
Open in Google Maps
Eat & Drink
Food & Drink Nearby
From traditional village pubs to award-winning restaurants — there's plenty of great food and drink within easy reach of the farm.
The George Inn
St Briavels · 1 minThe village local in St Briavels — a classic country pub serving home-cooked food. Perfect for a post-walk pint or a hearty meal right around the corner from the farm.
Open in Google MapsThe Anchor, Tintern
~4 milesBeautifully situated on the banks of the Wye opposite Tintern Abbey, The Anchor serves fresh, locally sourced food with spectacular river views. A wonderful spot for a leisurely lunch.
theanchortintern.co.ukThe Ostrich Inn
Newlands · ~3 milesA historic inn tucked between the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Great food, real ales and a warm welcome — popular with walkers and families alike.
theostrichinn.comTudor Farmhouse Hotel
Clearwell · ~5 milesAn award-winning restaurant in a beautiful 13th-century farmhouse in Clearwell. Seasonal menus using locally sourced produce — ideal for a special dinner out.
tudorfarmhousehotel.co.ukButchers Arms, Clearwell
Clearwell · ~5 milesA welcoming village pub in the heart of Clearwell, close to the Caves and Castle. Good honest pub food, dog friendly and a great base after a day of exploring.
thebutchersarmsclearwell.co.ukOrepool Inn, Sling
~6 milesAn award-winning bar and restaurant in the Forest of Dean village of Sling. Highly rated for its food, real ales and friendly atmosphere — well worth the short drive.
orepoolinn.co.ukThe Fountain Inn, Parkend
Parkend · ~7 milesA traditional inn in the Forest of Dean village of Parkend, right on the cycle trail network. Ideal for refuelling after a day on the bikes or trails through the forest.
thefountaininn.infoThe White Horse, Staunton
Staunton · ~6 milesA country pub and restaurant in the Forest of Dean village of Staunton. Good food, a warm welcome and a great location for exploring the surrounding forest trails.
whitehorseinnstaunton.comTaurus Crafts Café
Lydney · ~5 milesA lovely café at the Taurus Crafts community arts and crafts centre in Lydney. Great for a relaxed lunch or cake alongside browsing beautiful handmade crafts and gifts.
camphillvillagetrust.org.uk
Finding Us
Getting to Bearse Farm
We're tucked away in St Briavels, but easy to reach by road from all directions. Please use the postcode GL15 6QU — satnav will bring you right to the farm gate.
M4
From the M4 (south): take Junction 22, follow the A48 north towards Lydney, then take the B4231 up into St Briavels. Approx 25 mins from J22.
M5
From the M5 (north): take Junction 13 onto the A38 south then A48 west towards Lydney. Turn onto the B4231. Approx 35 mins from J13.
A40
From the A40 (Monmouth / Ross): turn south onto the B4293 at Trellech crossroads and follow signs into St Briavels. A scenic drive through the Forest.
Ready to Explore?
Book a pitch on our caravan site and use Bearse Farm as your base for everything the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has to offer.