Flanesford Priory

Stay At Flanesford Priory & Explore The Great Outdoors

Our self-catered accommodation serves as an excellent base for exploring the world famous scenery of the Wye Valley and The Forest of Dean. We are located within the Wye Valley AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) which contains some of the most picturesque lowland scenery in the British Isles, including the bewitching River Wye which courses down through breathtaking limestone gorges and dense ravine woodlands containing an array of wildlife and intriguing areas of archaeological and geological importance.

There are an abundance of nature trails and public footpaths which explore the local woodlands, offer magnificent views of unspoilt countryside and follow the meandering River Wye, some starting within just a few feet of the entrance to the Priory. Within the reception and the entrance hall of Flanesford Priory are a range of leaflets detailing local attractions, activities and upcoming events to help you make the most of your trip.

This page provides just a taster of the wide range of outdoor leisure activities which we are sure will make your visit to Flanesford Priory a fantastic and truly remarkable experience. At the foot of the page there are also links to various tourism websites which we feel will be of interest to you.

Local Scenic Walks & Attractions

Coppett Hill Common

In the parish of Goodrich near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, Coppett (sometimes ‘Coppet’) Hill Common is a Local Nature Reserve of over 100 hectares. It is owned by Trustees who live in the parish and conservation work is supported by the Friends of Coppett Hill. It is a mix of woodland and open hillside and a good site for butterflies, birds and fungi.

Permissive paths give access to the reserve as well as offering marvellous views stretching from the Brecon Beacons to Clee Hill and the Malverns. The Reserve is within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Coppett Hill is easily accessed from the A40 between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. Follow the signs for Goodrich Castle with its car park and toilets. Walk back through Goodrich following the signs to Welsh Bicknor. There is no parking on Coppett Hill and access is on foot only – no powered vehicles or mountain bikes.

For more information on Coppet Hill Common we recommend that you visit The Friends of Coppett Hill website.

Goodrich Castle

Standing dramatically on the rocky outcrop of a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat, Goodrich Castle offers stunning views over the Wye Valley and gives a fascinating insight into life in a medieval castle.

Come and relive the turbulent history of Goodrich, once a baronial palace built to defend the English borders with Wales. The site still boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle.

The Castle regularly hosts events for people of all ages, to see a full list of upcoming events click here: Events At Goodrich Castle.

For opening times, prices and other details please see refer to the following page: Goodrich Castle Visitor Information.

Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides

There are many great walks close to Flanesford Priory both in the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. To get the most from them for your group, why not consider a guided walk with an accredited Tour Guide?

Your Official Guide will provide you with an informative, yet entertaining experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more. We have experts in the folklore, history, architecture, and nature of the area. Just name your interests and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

We lead country walks that can vary with the seasons; daffodils and bluebells in the spring or stunning autumn colours. Walks can be along the riverbanks, woodlands or rolling pastures. We can provide a gentle stroll or a more challenging walk. We lead walks in the local market towns of Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Coleford, Chepstow and Newent.

We also provide guides for coach operators touring the area but can also lead smaller groups in a minibus or large car. We are members of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourist Association and are accredited by the Forest of Dean District Council.

We recommend you take a look at the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tour Guides website, which provides lots of information including details of scheduled guided walks.

If you would like to arrange coach commentary, a guided walk or talk in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley you can use the online form or contact their Booking Coordinator by email; bookings@wyedeantourguides.org.uk, or telephone; 01594 888 197.

Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure

On the edge of the Royal Forest of Dean in a lovely rural setting, Perrygrove Farm has a private railway which the owners (Frances and Michael Crofts) open to the public during the holiday season. The return trip is 1 ½ miles, travelling between 4 different stations, each with paths leading into ancient woodland. You can join the train as often as you like. All the engine drivers are friendly and will explain the workings of the locomotives if you are interested.

At the main station there is a fascinating Indoor Village with Secret Passages – these are ideal for hide-and-seek and are (just) big enough for adults too! There is a covered picnic and play area at Foxy Hollow, a short stroll from Oakiron station. In 2009 a new attraction is opening – the Treetop Adventure.

There is a café which offers hot and cold drinks and light refreshments at very reasonable prices but Perrygrove also welcomes picnics, for which seats are provided in the open and under cover if it rains. This is particularly helpful if you are organising a birthday party on a tight budget.

Disabled visitors are welcome. Outdoor clothes and shoes are needed in the wood. You do not need to book in advance for a visit except in December when Father Christmas actually comes down the chimney to meet children and hand out presents in a magical atmosphere which is unique to Perrygrove.

We recommend you visit the Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure website for more information.

Wye Valley Visitor Centre

The Wye Valley Visitor Centre is at Symonds Yat West – the very heart of the Wye Valley AONB, where the spectacular Upper Wye Gorge opens out briefly into farmland before the River Wye plunges once more between cliffs overlooking the Wye. Enjoy three famous attractions, a friendly welcome and a delicious cream tea beneath towering woods and hills.

The aMazing Hedge Puzzle

Explore the aMazing Hedge Puzzle, a traditional hedge maze. The maze is a great place to play tag with all the family. It’s not too difficult to have fun, but if you are up for a serious challenge, investigate the history of the labyrinth at the Museum of Mazes, complete with hands-on puzzles about making mazes.

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

Also at the Wye Valley Visitor Centre, next to The aMazing Hedge Puzzle is the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo where you can walk with butterflies from around the world. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is indoors, it’s tropical and it’s teeming with exotic butterflies. Discover their fascinating lives close-up and see every stage of their life-cycle.

Wye Valley Miniature Golf

There is also the Wye Valley Miniature Golf, a twelve-hole roman fantasy course set in spectacular scenery. This is an outstanding outdoor course with all-weather artificial-turf fairways. The design unites a picturesque roman ruin theme, retro minigolf style and adventure golf features for ultimate playability for all ages.

Experience Local Outdoor Activities

Flanesford Priory is fantastically situated for explorers and there are a large number of outdoor activities which will make for a memorable break. We can help with the arrangements of all your outdoor activities, whether you want to go Canoeing on the River Wye, Climbing at Symonds Yat, Gorge Walking in Herefordshire or Coarse Fishing on the River Wye, we can sort it. We look forward to helping you create the perfect holiday break, please contact us if you would like more information or help with booking an activity. Listed below you will find an overview of some of the activities available within just a short distance of Flanesford Priory.

Life Changing Activities

Gorge Walking in Herefordshire

Gorge walking is the ultimate in outdoor thrills, your team will be scrambling up rivers, climbing waterfalls and abseiling into lichen covered chasms. Gorge walking is a great team bonding/building exercise for your staff. It is a huge confidence builder and is a great tool for examining communication and leadership. Herefordshire and Monmouthshire both have beautiful gorges that you can enjoy just a short drive from your accommodation.

Raft Building in the Forest of Dean

If you want a fun team building activity while staying in our luxury group accommodation then why not try Raft Building in the Forest of Dean? All the activity takes place in a beautiful lakeside location. It is a great exercise for exploring communication and leadership as your team design, build and then paddle their own raft around the lake without it falling apart.

Canoeing on the River Wye

Canoeing is a wonderful team activity for exploring interpersonal relationships. You will be travelling in pairs down the River Wye, paddling canadian canoes. While learning to control the canoes your team will be able to see kingfishers, peregrine falcons, and cormorants as well as some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. Your team can also stop off at a pub for lunch and have games of water polo on the way down.

Climbing and Abseiling at Symonds Yat

If you have a fairly active group with a sense of adventure then climbing and abseiling at Symonds Yat is a great corporate training experience. There is no better exercise for exploring risk (perceived v actual) and trust. When you are dangling over a cliff with your colleagues holding the rope, trust and empathy can really be explored in earnest.

Survival Training in the Forest of Dean

Finally for something different you could take your corporate team survival training. Learn how to light fires with sticks, cook wild food and build shelters, its very popular with all departments and everyone has a skill that can be useful. We can also run our survival training day as a competition if you would prefer to see how your team copes with pressure while out of their comfort zone.

Life Changing Activities

For detailed information about the activities and to book a session, visit Life Changing Activities website or contact Michael Downey from Life Changing Activities on 01989 566672

Go Ape! – BRING OUT YOUR INNER APE!

Think you, your friends and family can handle 3 hours of tree top adventure? Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer’s yes, you’re ready to Go Ape.
For further information and to book visit the Go Ape! Forest of Dean website or call 0845 643 9215 (a £1.50 booking charge will be added to a telephone booking).

Inspire2Adventure

Inspire2Adventure is an outdoor adventure activity provider based near Monmouth, The Forest of Dean and The Wye Valley. Located on the border of South East Wales. Try a variety of exciting outdoor adventure activities in this beautiful natural environment.
Inspire2Adventure specialise in tailormade events offering flexibility, choice, and qualified experienced trainers. They are AALS licensed (Adventure Activities Licensing Services), are members of the Institute of Outdoor Learning and The UK Team Building Association and cater for families, hen and stag groups, social and corporate groups. They offer a tailormade approach where your adventure is personalised to your groups requirements. You will have the flexibility to choose activities that fit your level of knowledge; whether a beginner or experienced; and your timetable. Our strength is in providing events that are of a high quality experience creating an atmosphere that is fun, challenging and that promotes participation by all. They cater for all ages and experience and our instructors have the ability and professional experience to adjust activity days accordingly. All activities are available as half, full to multi day experiences and include all activity and safety equipment. They offer open canoeing, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, high level ropes course and gorge scrambling. Contact them on 01600 891515, email info@inspire2adventure.com or visit the Inspire2Adventure website for more information.

Eastnor Pottery

Located in the stunning grounds of Eastnor Castle, Eastnor Pottery is the perfect venue for an inspirational break amongst glorious scenery, Catering for the creative minds of children and adults alike you can delve into your imagination and pull out some fabulous works of art. With teachers on hand to help sculpture your ideas anything is possible! Alternatively the Flying Potter can bring equipment to the venue of your choice.
For rates, availability and the Workshop Calendar, visit Eastnor Pottery or ring 01531 633886  

My Personal Sanctuary

If you decide you don’t want to hit the great outdoors during your stay, or simply want to unwind after a hard days exploring; then My Personal Sanctuary is perfect for you. Highly trained therapists will visit your apartment to indulge you in wonderful pampering treatments such as massages, manicures, facials and body scrubs as well as many more.  All the treatments are organic and the therapists bring all the equipment needed included heated day beds and fluffy towels.
Special packages are available for large groups, hen parties and bridal parties. Pre booking is essential. Visit My Personal Sanctuary or ring 01625 540557 for more details