An exclusive report has revealed that a striking UK destination, used as a movie set and featuring 27,000 acres of ancient woodland with a meandering river, has been named one of the 'best places in the world'. This beautiful part of the UK, nestled between the Rivers Wye and Severn in Gloucestershire and straddling the Welsh border, is the ancient Forest of Dean. It is one of England's largest ancient woodlands and a celebrated haven of outstanding natural beauty.
Symonds Yat Rock: A Ranger's Favourite
Forest ranger Gerry O'Brien, speaking to the Mirror, expressed his love for the Forest of Dean, highlighting its rich history, heritage, and wildlife. He named Symonds Yat Rock as one of his favourite places in the world, describing it as an incredible spot offering breathtaking views across the winding River Wye, limestone cliffs, and sprawling ancient woodland. The area is a haven for birdwatching, with goshawks, buzzards, and sparrowhawks, and features ample walking trails.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Gerry noted that Symonds Yat Rock is an old Iron Age Hill Fort, almost on the Hertfordshire border, where people lived 2,500 years ago. Peregrine falcons nest in the cliff face, and the woodland below was used as a filming location for Harry Potter. Additionally, the red house in Symonds Yat East was used in the Netflix series Sex Education. The Forest of Dean has hosted many movies and TV productions.
Puzzlewood: A Fairytale Landscape
Another highlight is Puzzlewood, with 14 acres of twisted, moss-draped trees, ancient wooden bridges, and snowdrops. It was named one of the '50 Most Beautiful Places in the UK' by Big 7 Travel for 2025 and 2026. Puzzlewood has served as a backdrop for productions such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Secret Garden, Doctor Who, and Netflix's Our Planet.
Other Recommendations
Gerry also recommended King Arthur's Cave, Little Doward Hill Fort, and the lesser-known Darkhill Ironworks, an atmospheric industrial ruin reclaimed by nature. Visitors can explore these sites by staying at Forest Holidays lodges, cabins, or treehouses, many with outdoor hot tubs, or via Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk.
