Parkend is a thriving small village in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean. It has a rich industrial history of coalmining, ironworks and forestry but is now a peaceful settlement surrounded by woodlands, one of which is the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve, and where sheep wander freely, deer and wild boar can often be seen and buzzards fly overhead.

Parkend is also a popular tourist centre with two village pubs, the Dean Forest Railway with steam trains, a Post Office/village shop and café, Dean Cycles hire/cafe and Whitemead Park holiday park.

There is an abundance of tracks and trails for walking and cycling and dogs are welcome everywhere.

The annual carnival on August Bank Holiday Monday is the longest running and most supported one in the forest.