THE FOREST of Dean takes centre stage in the latest episode of Great Escapes, the new travel and comedy podcast fronted by actors and comedians Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner.

Suttie, best known for playing Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show and for her award-winning radio work, teams up with Skinner, the English actor and comedy writer widely recognised for his Angelos Epithemiou character.

Together, they bring a mix of sharp humour, curiosity and warmth to each destination they explore.

Sponsored by Great Western Railway, the series follows the pair as they journey across the UK to uncover little-known corners of the country, meet fascinating characters and share the stories they gather along the way.

In the newest episode, they turn their attention to the Forest of Dean, capturing two very different sides of the area and highlighting why it continues to inspire visitors from across the region and beyond.

Skinner’s adventure takes him beneath the forest floor at Clearwell Caves, where he is guided by freeminer Jonathan Wright.

Here he learns about one of the Forest’s oldest traditions. Since the thirteenth century, people born within the boundary known as the Hundred of St Briavels have had the right to become freeminers, giving them exclusive permission to dig for iron ore and coal.

These mines have been owned and run by families for generations, and Clearwell is no exception. Jonathan Wright now leads the operation and produces what is widely described as the best variety of ochres in the country.

Skinner experiences first-hand the darkness, tight spaces and deep heritage that define this centuries-old way of life, gaining a genuine appreciation for a trade that is still practised with remarkable dedication.

Suttie, meanwhile, explores a much brighter corner of the Forest as she visits renowned pottery artist Mary Rose Young at her home and studio in Parkend.

Young is known worldwide for her distinctive Alice in Wonderland style designs, which are created in the Forest before being sent to collectors and shops across the globe.

Her home is a vibrant feast of colour, and upstairs she has created a beautiful gallery showcasing a definitive collection of her work. Surrounded by bold teapots, chandeliers and playful ceramics, Suttie discovers how creativity and imagination shape this unique corner of the local community.

She also learns how Young’s work has helped put the Forest on the artistic map, drawing visitors who travel specifically to see her colourful world.

During their visit, the duo also stopped at Hips Social Café in Lydney, where they met owner Lucy, who runs the popular spot alongside her husband, Tom. Lucy said: “Hips is about good coffee, good food and a good community,”

Reflecting on the series, Suttie said: “It has been a dream project, meeting brilliant people in these amazing places and finding the humour in the unexpected.” Skinner added: “What has stayed with me most is the people. Every stop has surprised us in a different way.”

Episodes of Great Escapes are released weekly on major podcast platforms, with behind-the-scenes clips available on Instagram.