Things to do in autumn at Penhein
September 25, 2026
As the days get shorter, there is still plenty to do at Penhein and the surrounding Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, whether you want to relax into the new season or get active exploring…
What can I do that’s cozy and relaxing?
With a woodburner in each tent you can enjoy a lazy, cozy day reading, playing cards or board games or just connecting with family and friends away from the busy everyday. If you wanted to treat yourself, our wonderful therapist Kate offers relaxing massages, facials and reflexology. When it’s time for something to eat, you can use the firepit outside your tent to cook whatever your stomach desires – pasta, soup, slow-cooked stew, baked potatoes – and with pots, pans, utensils, crockery and wood provided by us your only decision is what you fancy eating! Or have a fun evening making pizza in our woodfired pizza oven.
What can I do to get out into nature?
Explore our farm and nearby Wentwood Forest from the top of Gray Hill to the Castroggi Stream 300 feet below with woodlands and meadows galore in between. Our farm adjoins Wentwood Forest (which is over 1,000 acres and the oldest forest in Wales) so you won’t even need to get in the car to enjoy this beautiful area. Wentwood Forest comprises some areas of ancient woodland (at least 400 years old) as well as some conifer plantations. It was once a hunting preserve of Chepstow Castle and stretched from the River Wye to the River Usk. Autumn is a wonderful time to explore and take in the colours, sights and sounds of the season.
What is there to do for children?
Penhein is a rural playground for children of all ages (including big ones). With space to roam, an adventure playground, a wildflower meadow for all kinds of games, it’s a place where children can escape the daily routine and run wild. A wonderful way of seeing all that Penhein has to offer, the Penhein Wildlife Challenge pack is perfect for anyone aged 9 or over to test their wildlife knowledge or learn more about the wildlife to be found on the farm. The pack that goes with the challenge contains a quiz based on what you find on fact sheets called ‘Penhein Wildlife Wonders’ which are dotted throughout the glampsite and wildflower meadow.
Or why not give yourself a few hours off and let the children enjoy our junior bushcraft course. A fun way to learn survival skills: building different shelters and lighting fires without matches in the woods on our farm.
What is there to do in the surrounding area?
There’s a lot going on in Monmouthshire in autumn! From a ghost hunt at Caldicot Castle to falconry displays at Tintern Abbey, you are spoilt for choice with local activities, festivals and plenty of cozy places to eat and drink serving seasonal menus and local produce . The best place to find out what’s on is on the Visit Monmouthshire website.