Jacqui Pulford discovered a great place for a family stay - right on our doorstep

"A LAND full of history, And pleasing to the eye," says poet Dave Harvey in his poem Twix Severn and the Wye.

In those few words he encapsulates what this wonderful area has to offer.

And, depending on where you are travelling from in South Wales, the Forest of Dean can be less than half an hour away.

OK, you can't guarantee the sun and there's definitely no sand, but there is a lot to see and do, especially for nature lovers and 'outdoorsy-types'.

The Forest of Dean was designated a national Forest Park in 1938 - the first in England - and it has been beautifully preserved.

There is so much to explore, from Puzzle Wood, which is said to have inspired JRR Tolkien when he was writing Lord of the Rings, to the Clearwell Caves.

For me the highlight of the visit was Puzzle Wood, which was thoroughly enchanting, with its higgledy-piggledy pathways, ravines and wooden bridges. You can almost imagine the Hobbits scurrying around, and when I visited the wild garlic was in bloom.

It's also a great place to take children, who will enjoy its indoor wood maze and farm animals.

Clearwell Caves are also worth a wander. In 2003 they were voted the Family Attraction of the Year for Gloucestershire by The Good Guide Britain.

Iron ore has been mined here for nearly 3,000 years.

At Christmas the caves are transformed into a magical world of light and sound. Deep-level visits for groups can also be arranged. If you're there at around lunchtime then head for the 13th-century Grade II listed Tudor Farmhouse restaurant at Clearwell. Sunday lunch was a real treat. Booking is essential.

Also worth a visit is Symonds Yat Rock, which offers spectacular views. On the day we visited the RSPB was there, and through their telescopes we were able to see a peregrine falcon sitting on her nest.

At Symonds Yat East you can take a relaxing Kingfisher river cruise. It lasts 40 minutes, expensive refreshments are served and a commentary is given, although if you sit outside on the back of the boat you can't hear it!

We stayed at the Forest House Hotel in Coleford, a short distance from Monmouth, which provided a handy base.

Coleford itself is not that appealing, but the family-run hotel is charming and is historically significant in that it was the home of Robert Mushet, who invented the process of making steel and developed the first self-hardening tool steel. Our weekend visit only scratched the surface of what this wonderful area has to offer.

I'll definitely be making a return trip.