New Road, near Blakeney, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Wenchford Picnic Area
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
4.3
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.3At Wenchford, a small stream runs beneath the oak shade of the Forest of Dean, with picnic spots and a designated paddling area close together.
Wenchford makes a simple forest visit feel hands-on: Blackpool Brook passes through the picnic site, so a woodland stop can include time by the water as well as a meal beneath the trees. It is best suited to an easy-going visit rather than a long wilderness walk.
Peaceful · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapNew Road, near Blakeney, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Come for an uncomplicated forest break: picnic beneath the trees, spend time beside Blackpool Brook and, where conditions and current site guidance allow, use the designated paddling area.
Things to do
Picnic beneath the trees
Find one of the picnic spots around the stream and enjoy a meal in the shade of the large oak trees. Take all litter home; open fires, portable or disposable barbecues and camping stoves are not allowed.
1–2 hours
Spend time beside Blackpool Brook
The brook runs through the picnic site. Explore the waterside from the site and leave the banks and water as you found them.
30–60 minutes
Use the designated paddling area
Visit the paddling area described by the local tourism listing. Check current conditions and site guidance before entering the water; this listing does not establish water quality or safety.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Brookside forest break
- 01
Park at Wenchford.
- 02
Find a picnic spot beneath the trees near Blackpool Brook.
- 03
Spend time beside the stream and return to the car park.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of Wenchford
- 01
Visit on a weekday outside school holidays for a better chance of a quieter stop.
- 02
Take a picnic and enjoy the tree-shaded area beside Blackpool Brook.
- 03
Use the designated paddling area only if current conditions and site guidance make it suitable.
- 04
Allow time for a short walk around the site; check the route and surfaces on arrival.
Verified history
The supplied sources describe Wenchford as a Forestry England picnic site in the Forest of Dean, with Blackpool Brook running through it. They provide no further history of the site.
Hidden details
Blackpool Brook through the picnic site — The stream is not just nearby: Visit the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley says it trickles through Wenchford beneath the shade of large oak trees.
When to go
May · June · July · August · Earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter visit; weekdays outside school holidays are usually less busy.
The local tourism listing identifies the paddling area as particularly appealing in hot summer weather. Forestry England says the site is usually less busy on weekdays outside school holidays and earlier or later in the day.
The paddling area is described as a place to cool down in hot summer weather. Check current weather and water conditions before visiting or entering the water.
Worth pairing with
Beechenhurst
A nearby Forestry England forest destination mentioned in a supplied source. Consider pairing it with Wenchford only if you want a longer Forest of Dean day; check current facilities and travel details.
What to look for
- 01
Look for Blackpool Brook winding through the site beneath the oak trees. The sources describe a paddling area
- 02
check local conditions before entering the water.
Best time to go
Late spring and summer for a picnic and time at the paddling area; quieter visits are more likely on weekdays outside school holidays.
For a quieter visit, Forestry England recommends weekdays outside school holidays, earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Summer is the most suitable season for making use of the paddling area.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Walkers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Forestry England says Wenchford is open daily except Christmas Day, from 8am, with closing times varying by season. The site is reached from New Road. Check current access and conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
On-site parking; charges apply from 1 March to 3 November. Forestry England lists charges of £2.50 for up to two hours, £4.50 for up to four hours and £5.50 all day. No charge for visitors arriving by public transport or bike. Check current details before travel.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Forestry England says toilet facilities are open during the parking-charge season, 1 March to 3 November. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A picnic site with tables is described by Visit the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. A supplied visitor account mentions a small hut serving drinks and ice creams; check whether it is operating.
Check before visiting
Dogs
A supplied local tourism listing depicts a family picnic with a dog, but does not state the site's dog rules. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Forestry England lists three accessible parking spaces. It does not confirm the accessibility of paths or the paddling area; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Stream
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Wenchford Picnic Area
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
