Forest of Dean

• Type: Muggle Forest, Temporary Campsite
• Location: Gloucestershire, England
• Owner/Residents: None (Public Land); Formerly Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dean Thomas, Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Gornuk, Griphook (as fugitives)
• Key Features: Ancient woodland, Frozen pool, Site of a Patronus manifestation

The Forest of Dean is a real, ancient woodland located in Gloucestershire, England. Within the wizarding world, it is known primarily as a significant hiding place for Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger during their hunt for Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. Hermione Granger had a personal connection to the forest, having gone camping there with her Muggle parents in her youth. This familiarity made it a logical choice for a concealed campsite after the trio's narrow escape from Godric's Hollow. During their stay in the winter of 1997, the forest was described as being covered in a deep layer of snow, with ancient trees and a profound sense of isolation that was both a benefit and a strain on the trio's morale.

The Forest of Dean is the setting for a pivotal turning point in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After weeks of hiding, a sequence of critical events unfolds:

1. While keeping watch one night, Harry Potter sees a silver doe Patronus in the woods. Believing it to be a sign, he follows it.
2. The Patronus leads him to a small, frozen pool. At the bottom of the pool, he sees the real Sword of Gryffindor.
3. Harry attempts to retrieve the Sword, but the Locket Horcrux around his neck attempts to strangle him in the icy water.
4. He is rescued by Ron Weasley, who, guided by the Deluminator, has finally found his way back to Harry and Hermione.
5. Ron pulls both Harry and the Sword from the pool. At Harry's urging, Ron then uses the Sword of Gryffindor to destroy the Horcrux, successfully vanquishing a piece of Voldemort's soul.

This event not only results in the destruction of a Horcrux but also heals the rift between Harry and Ron. Additionally, while camping in the forest, the trio uses Extendable Ears to overhear a conversation between other fugitives (Dean Thomas, Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, and the Goblins Gornuk and Griphook), gathering valuable intelligence about the state of the Ministry of Magic and the resistance movement.

• The Trio's Campsite: A secluded clearing where Hermione Granger erected their magical Tent and protected it with various defensive enchantments, including the Muffliato Charm, Protego Totalum, and the Cave Inimicum charm.
• The Frozen Pool: A small, ice-covered body of water where a doe Patronus, cast by Severus Snape on Albus Dumbledore's orders, led Harry Potter. The Sword of Gryffindor was hidden by Snape at the bottom of this pool for Harry to find.

• J.K. Rowling grew up on the edge of the Forest of Dean, and its landscape and folklore served as an inspiration for this location in the book. (J.K. Rowling)
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, scenes set in the Forest of Dean were filmed in the Wye Valley, which encompasses the real forest. (film)
• The film version includes a scene not present in the book where Harry and Hermione, in a moment of low morale after Ron's departure, share a dance inside the Tent to a song on the radio. (film)