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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.
Number of results: 205
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Penallt
13th century church standing 600 feet above the River Wye with superb views of the valley. Definitely a place to visit although it is now a long way from the centre of the modern village.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Mitcheldean
The medieval church of St. Michael and All Angels lies at the heart of Mitcheldean on the northern fringes of the Forest of Dean.
Kempley
One of two splendid churches in Kempley, St Edward's is architecturally interesting having been designed and constructed by local craftspeople.
Eastbach (Near English Bicknor),
A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean. Here is a taster of what we offer.
Nr Coleford
Whitecliff Off-Road Centre has its own private picturesque site just a mile from Coleford town centre. Whether you are looking for great a day out, a learning experience or Professional 4x4 training, we have the course to suit your needs. Our qualified instructors will guide you through the day with a relaxed, but professional attitude giving you confidence to tackle terrain you never thought possible.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Kempley
A Norman church with some very fine 12th century murals.
Coleford
A site not to be missed by anyone interested in industrial archelogy - in the 19th century some of the most important developments of the iron and steel industry took place here. Woodland walks surround with two information boards and a cycle path runs nearby between Coleford and Parkend.
Lydney
15 hole Krazy Golf with a theme based on local attractions, games barn, Footpool, outdoor garden games. On site cafe or bring your own picnic.
Hoarwithy
Unusual church in an ornate Italianate style in the heart of rural Herefordshire.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
Hartpury
Parish church with Norman origins.
Kilpeck
Home to the finest collection of Romanesque sculpture in England. It was built in about 1140 and has survived remarkably intact and unaltered to the present day.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
Woolaston
Parish church built in the 12 century on an earlier holy site and restored in 1859.
Pontrilas
Ty Gwyn Cider - Real artisan/craft farm cider in a stunning location on the Welsh border. Visit our destination cider shop for a warm welcome and free tasting.
Ross-on-Wye
The church of St Mary the Virgin stands on one of the highest points in the town and the spire can be seen for many miles around; it is one of the largest churches in Herefordshire.
Lydney
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access to Mallards Pike and Speech House Woods.
A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close to the Offa's Dyke Path and the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.