National Birds of Prey Centre

Founded by Phillip Glasier in 1967, the centre has grown into one of the largest collections in the world, but is currently going through a difficult time financially, so do check opening times before organising a visit. Tel. 0870 990 199

Westbury Court

Laid out in the late 17th century, this is the only restored Dutch water garden in the country. It was the National Trust’s first garden restoration, undertaken in 1971, and is planted with species dating from before 1700. The garden’s newest feature is the recreated 17th century vegetable plots. There are garden tours and a programme of events.

Painswick Rococo Gardens

18th-century garden combining contemporary garden structures with woodland walks and magnificent views.

St Briavel’s Castle

A splendid 12th-century castle, now operating as a youth hostel, set in glorious walking country. The village of St Briavel’s lies seven miles north of Chepstow off the B4228.

Dymock

The village of Dymock and its surrounding woods boast glorious displays of wild daffodils in spring. You can download a list of woodland walks at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or buy leaflets from the Tourist Information Centre in Coleford. The area was much loved by the so-called Dymock poets, who lived in the area before the Great War. Lascelles Abercrombie was the first to arrive, living in a thatched cottage below Ryton Woods. Wilfred Wilson Gibson followed, and set up home at Greenway Cross. The two men organised a quarterly poetry magazine, ‘New Numbers’, which included poems written by their friends Rupert Brooke and John Drinkwater. They were joined by Robert Frost and Edward Thomas in the summer of 1914, the last summer they were all to be together. Their homes still stand, and are now in private ownership.

The village has several interesting buildings, including The White House, Ann Cam School and St Mary’s Church. The only remaining village pub has been purchased for the community by the parish council.