To the north of the Royal Forest of Dean lies the market town of Newent and the typically English landscaped countryside of the Vale of Leadon. Newent is a thriving, unspoilt market town and one of the most attractive in the area, offering a wide range of attractions for both shopper and visitor. Black and white timbered buildings, market gardens and vineyards are some of the key characteristics of this historic town many of whose buildings date from the 13th century, with the centrepiece of the town being the Old Market Hall, built in 1668.
The area around Newent has long been known for its wild daffodils, which grow naturally in the woods and meadows around the town. Many years ago, they grew in such profusion that school children would pick the flowers to be sent to hospitals as far away as London. The Great Western railway even used to put on special trains to Newent for people to come and pick the daffodils! Nowadays, conservation is vitally important to the future of the area and visitors now just come to admire their beauty!