Top 19 Natural Monuments around Awre
Best natural monuments around Awre are situated within the Forest of Dean District of Gloucestershire, England, near the River Severn. This region is characterized by ancient woodlands and diverse geological features, including Paleozoic rocks. The area offers a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. Awre's proximity to the River Severn also allows for observation of natural phenomena like the tidal bore.
Best natural monuments around Awre
- The most popular natural monument is Haresfield Beacon, a viewpoint that offers expansive views over the Severn Estuary, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. This site combines fascinating archaeology, geology, and nature, set on the Cotswold limestone escarpment.
- Another must-see spot is Nympsfield Long Barrow, a historical site. This Neolithic burial mound stands high on the Cotswold scarp, providing views over the Severn Valley and representing an early example of chambered barrows.
- Visitors also love Slade Brook Travertine Dams, a unique natural monument. This remarkable series of at least 60 dams, formed by the deposition of travertine, completely dams the stream over nearly half a mile.
- Awre natural attractions include ancient woodlands, unique geological formations, and historical barrows. The region provides a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from viewpoints to specific geological features.
- The natural monuments around Awre are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 50 photos shared.
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Haresfield Beacon
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Puzzlewood
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Over a mile of pathways were laid down in the early 19th century to provide access to the woods, and provide picturesque walks. The area contains strange rock formations, secret caves and ancient trees, with a confusing maze of paths.
The site is listed as a regionally important geological site in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review'.
The geological features on show at Puzzlewood are known as scowles. Scowles originated through the erosion of natural cave systems formed in the Carboniferous Limestone many millions of years ago. Uplift and erosion caused the cave system to become exposed at the surface. This was then exploited by Iron Age settlers through to Roman times for the extraction of iron ore. It is usually impossible to date open-cast extraction precisely, although ores with a chemical signature consistent with those from the Forest of Dean were certainly used to make tools and weapons in the late prehistoric period.
Over 3,000 Roman-era coins were found by workers in 1848. The coins were stored in three earthenware jars in a cavity in the rock formations. The origin of the coins is unknown.
Puzzlewood has been used as a filming location for both film and television in recent years. Notable examples include:
Films
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)
A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016)
The Secret Garden (2020)
Television
Doctor Who (2005-present)
Merlin (2008-2012)
Wizards vs Aliens (2012-2014)
Tree Fu Tom (2012-2016)
Atlantis (2013-2015)
Da Vinci's Demons (2013-2015)
Hidden Kingdoms (2014)
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Cursed (2020-present)
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Slade Brook Travertine Dams
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Nympsfield Long Barrow
Highlight • Historical Site
The site is managed by English Heritage and is free to enter during daylight hours.
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Cathedral Stained Glass Window, Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
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Tips from the Community
As I ride slowly, I soak in all the beauty of the forest. It’s easy to overlook the sculptures in this area, so I make sure to take a gentle ride and glance around to appreciate the wonders of this beautiful trail system.
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Please be aware that this is a shared trail; lots of walkers, families, and dogs will be found around this very popular area.
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Along this section, you will see an old cathedral window erected in 1986 on the sculpture trail at the Forest of Dean.
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forest Dean explore trail glass window
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One of the original items ever changing sculpture trail, worth a visit either by bike or on foot.
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Fascinating archaeology, geology and nature combine at Haresfield Beacon. This spectacular viewpoint, which was once a strategically positioned hillfort on the Cotswold limestone escarpment, affords views across the England/Wales border and into the Brecon Beacons. All around is a mixed landscape of woodland and chalk grassland, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore near Awre?
The area around Awre, within the Forest of Dean, offers diverse natural features. You can discover the remarkable Slade Brook Travertine Dams, a series of over 60 natural dams formed by lime deposition. Additionally, Puzzlewood presents an ancient woodland with unique rock formations, secret caves, and ancient trees, resulting from the erosion of natural cave systems in Carboniferous Limestone.
Are there any historical or archaeological natural monuments to visit?
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with rich history. Nympsfield Long Barrow is a significant Neolithic burial mound on the Cotswold scarp, offering insights into ancient history. Haresfield Beacon, while a natural viewpoint, also features fascinating archaeology as it was once a strategically positioned hillfort.
What are the best viewpoints to experience the scenery around Awre?
For expansive views, head to Haresfield Beacon. From this Cotswold limestone escarpment, you can enjoy glorious vistas over the Severn Estuary, the City of Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. Nympsfield Long Barrow also provides incredible views over the Severn Valley from its elevated position.
Are there family-friendly natural attractions near Awre?
Absolutely! Puzzlewood is a fantastic family-friendly destination, known for its maze of pathways, strange rock formations, and ancient trees, often described as a 'magical' woodland. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, including the Cathedral Stained Glass Window, is also suitable for families, offering an engaging way to explore the forest.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The Forest of Dean area offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and running paths. For example, there are several road cycling routes around Awre, MTB trails, and running trails to explore, catering to various difficulty levels.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Awre?
The Forest of Dean, which encompasses Awre, is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant new growth and wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular foliage. Summer is ideal for longer walks and outdoor activities. Even in winter, the ancient woodlands and geological features have a unique, serene charm.
What makes the Slade Brook Travertine Dams so special?
The Slade Brook Travertine Dams are considered possibly the best example of such structures in the country. They are formed by spring water rich in lime, which deposits travertine (a porous limestone) over obstructions in the stream bed, creating a series of over 60 natural dams. These dams are ecologically significant, colonized by various mosses and algae.
Can I observe wildlife or unique flora in the natural monuments?
Yes, the region is rich in biodiversity. Haresfield Beacon and its surrounding Standish Wood are sites of special scientific interest due to their Jurassic rocks and diverse flora and fauna in the mixed woodland and chalk grassland. The ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, including areas like Puzzlewood, support established ecosystems with various species.
What is the significance of the River Severn near Awre?
Awre's proximity to the River Severn offers a unique natural phenomenon: the tidal bore. This is a natural occurrence where the incoming tide forms a wave that travels upstream, providing an impressive sight for visitors.
Are there any less crowded natural attractions near Awre?
While popular sites like Puzzlewood can attract visitors, the wider Forest of Dean offers extensive ancient woodlands and trails where you can find quieter spots. Exploring the less-trafficked paths around the Slade Brook Travertine Dams or the broader areas surrounding Haresfield Beacon outside peak times can provide a more serene experience.
What kind of geological history can be seen in the Awre area?
The Forest of Dean, including the area around Awre, is characterized by a basin of Paleozoic rocks, including Carboniferous limestones, sandstones, and coal measures. This geological composition is evident in features like the Jurassic rocks at Standish Wood near Haresfield Beacon, the Carboniferous Limestone bedrock feeding the Slade Brook Travertine Dams, and the scowles (eroded cave systems) at Puzzlewood.
Most popular attractions around Awre
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