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There is an abundance of things to do to keep our youngest visitors happy in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. You can’t come to the area without a woodland walk and whether it’s raining or the sun is shining the trees are often a great place to shelter. If you enjoy walking and need a trail to follow then the sculpture trail from Beechenhurst is a good start. Forestry England also often have seasonal trails to follow which in previous years have included the Gruffalo or Shaun the Sheep.
A hidden gem for our younger visitors is Perrygrove, with its with steam train rides that circle a children’s play fort complete with slides and lookouts as well as woodland pathways and an undercover play area that makes you feel like you have stepped into toy town. Perrygrove is opposite one of the must-go attractions in the area, Puzzlewood, with its magical mystical natural woodland pathways it is a breathtaking sight which is why it is used regularly in TV and films such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Merlin and even Tree Fu Tom.
Other attractions loved by our younger visitors include the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and aMazing Hedge Puzzle where you can play hide and seek whilst you find your way into the middle of the maze. There are many majestic castles to visit in the area too including Goodrich Castle, Raglan Castle, Chepstow Castle and Caldicot Castle and they often run events, trails and activities to follow that let your little ones' imaginations run wild.
If cycling is your thing, you can take your own or hire a bike (and child’s seat) and head out for an hour or two onto the Family Cycling Trail. You can also hire a canoe (minimum age 4) and spend a few hours gently floating down the river – keep an eye out for otters swimming along the water's edge and kingfishers flitting past.
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Westbury-on-Severn
Visit our stylish food hall, fish market and gift shop showcasing the best local produce, superb hampers, wonderful fish and game. Above all the finest fish and seafood counter you'll find anywhere.
Lydney
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora and locally themed elements. It’s a great activity that all the family can enjoy together.
Lydney
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple site. Museums and teas. Accommodation to stay on site.
Ross-on-Wye
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
Newent
Llama Experience days within Gloucestershire in a privately owned farm with Lake and woodland.
Coleford
The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and plenty of personality. Pop in to find out about all the delicious local food and drink we have in the area, order online or pre-book a picnic or hamper to sample a range of local delicacies. There is a huge selection of cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, local beers, ciders, gins and wines and a host of great cooking ingredients. Fill up on supplies while you're here and don't leave the Forest without taking a little bit of it away with you!
Symonds Yat West
This traditional hedge maze is great fun for everyone. Find your way to the Temple at the centre, play hide 'n seek and tag! There is a puzzle shop and a fascinating museum of mazes. Alongside the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and Wye Valley Miniature Golf at Symonds Yat West.
Symonds Yat West
A twelve hole miniature golf course amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will you beat par? Half price admission with ticket holders for aMazing Hedge Puzzle or Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo which are alongside at the Wye Valley Visitor Centre.
Gloucester
The prestigious Hartpury Equine Centre plays host to a number of affiliated and unaffiliated shows and events throughout the year as well as various public lectures and demonstrations. All event schedules, results, and further information can be found on the Hartpury Equine Events website.
Ross-On-Wye
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...
Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We cater for couples, families and groups and have a range of self-guided trips for you to choose from.
Ross-on-Wye
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in between.
Coleford
Bells Hotel is one of the most popular resorts for golf breaks in Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean. Founded in 1973 the course is known for its unique rolling parkland, beautiful lakes, streams and spectacular woodland. The 18 hole, par 69 golf course poses challenges for golfers of all skill levels and is a joy to play.
Symonds Yat West
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has some wonderful photographic opportunities, come and see!
Coleford
Our Tasting Corner is open on selected Saturdays from 2pm – 5pm when for £10 per person you can come and enjoy a Forest Deli cheese board featuring three specially selected cheeses served with crackers and chutney, matched with a local beer flight (3 x 1/3’ds), or your choice of a local beer, cider, mead, a glass of local wine or a soft drink.
Clearwell
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Coleford
Let us put a fabulous picnic together for you, full of homemade bakes and local treats. As we make each picnic to order we can also cater for most dietary requirements. We can even separately box cheeses so they’ll stay cold and not get squashed.
Coleford
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Cinderford
Hello from the local experts in eco-tourism and wellbeing through nature connection! At Wilde Earth Journeys we believe that humans need more than ever to be better connected to the places we spend time in and to the planet. We are the go-to local experts for your perfect Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) experience here in the ancient Forest of Dean. As fully permissioned, insured and trained walk guides we offer you opportunities to slow down, find some peace, enjoy nature and be in the company of friendly, like-minded people.
Coleford
Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular TV & film location inc Star Wars.
Lydney
A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food & drink. Taurus Crafts is part of Camphill Village Trust Ltd
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.