Beneath the Forest of Dean lies history, colour and creativity – from centuries-old mines to a home filled with art and light.

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head deep into the Forest of Dean – a landscape of legends, light and remarkable contrasts.

Dan ventures underground at Clearwell Caves, swapping daylight for headtorches and hard hats to experience the life of the freeminers who once worked beneath the forest floor. With Jonathan Wright as his guide – whose family has worked these seams for centuries – he learns it’s more than a trade; it’s a calling handed down through generations.

Meanwhile, Isy finds herself in a very different world – the vibrant home and studio of ceramic artist Mary Rose Young. Surrounded by rainbow-coloured teapots, chandeliers and wall-to-wall creativity, she discovers how art, colour and a little eccentricity can brighten even the darkest day.

Together, their adventures reveal two sides of the same forest – one grounded in grit and history, the other bursting with imagination and light. Proof that the Forest of Dean isn’t just a place to visit, but a place that stays with you.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Beneath the Forest of Dean lies history, colour and creativity – from centuries-old mines to a home filled with art and light.

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head deep into the Forest of Dean – a landscape of legends, light and remarkable contrasts.

Dan ventures underground at Clearwell Caves, swapping daylight for headtorches and hard hats to experience the life of the freeminers who once worked beneath the forest floor. With Jonathan Wright as his guide – whose family has worked these seams for centuries – he learns it’s more than a trade; it’s a calling handed down through generations.

Meanwhile, Isy finds herself in a very different world – the vibrant home and studio of ceramic artist Mary Rose Young. Surrounded by rainbow-coloured teapots, chandeliers and wall-to-wall creativity, she discovers how art, colour and a little eccentricity can brighten even the darkest day.

Together, their adventures reveal two sides of the same forest – one grounded in grit and history, the other bursting with imagination and light. Proof that the Forest of Dean isn’t just a place to visit, but a place that stays with you.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to Cornish wrestling.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to Cornish wrestling.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to delving deep into caves.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.
Join&nbsp;Isy Suttie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dan Skinner &ndash; two endlessly curious adventurers &ndash; as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to delving deep into caves.
It&rsquo;s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.