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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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Lydney
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard Station. A heritage railway offering a Forest experience from the comfort of your carriage. Cream teas, meals and experiences available.
Elton
3 Giant maize mazes with hidden objectives to find. Do the Quiz or climb look out towers. OK for pushchairs & all ages. Picnic site, snacks and games area. Great for Birthday treats and parties. BBQ.
Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
St Briavels
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, mindfulness sessions and holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent. Suitable for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Improve your general skill level or hone one specialist area - it's up to you.
Cinderford
Atmospheric historic cinema in the heart of the Forest in the town of Cinderford. Showing the latest releases alongside timeless classics with comfortable seating. All tickets just £4.50.
Clearwell
Let us take you on an adventure to remember. Deep or semi-level caving in the stunning Clearwell Caves is an experience which will make your stay in the Forest of Dean something special. Go deep under the Forest, visiting this labyrinth of over 250 acres of passageways and caverns. Walk, crawl, slither and clamber your way down to 200ft (62m) underground; you will be caving through natural and mined features. Involves some climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and good fun!
Coleford
Unique railway with walks through beautiful woodland.
Tickets last all day - enjoy as many train rides as you like!
Indoor Village and exciting Treasure Hunt!
Cafe is available. Picnics welcome.
Symonds Yat West
Canoe Hire in the Wye Valley based at Symonds Yat.
We cater for family days out, couples looking for an adventure, groups of friends having fun, corporate team building and even 4 day expedition holidays.
Starting from £60 for 2 people.
St Briavels
Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to reflect and protect the richness of the place we live and work through the food that we produce.
St Briavels
Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners, stag/hen parties, corporate events, & private shooting parties. On-site catering.
Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst
If you want to get your blood pumping a little more, then you're in luck! Nestled deep within the Forest are some of the best high outdoor activities.
Cinderford
We are a Art and craft Gallery in the heart of Cinderford, the high point of the forest of Dean. We have regular exhibitions from local artists and makers along with classes and displays as part of events in the town.
Lydney
We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients wherever possible, and we use only organic chocolate.
Whitecroft
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Ruardean Hill
The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed in the local collieries. The beacon was built in 2002 and is lit to commemorate important occasions. This was followed by the statue of a crouching miner installed in 2008 and the memorial in 2017. Together they represent a striking feature on the hill.
Newland
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Skenfrith
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and White Castle – built to control the border. The castle’s well-preserved walls surround a circular keep. Built on an earthen mound, this sturdy structure was a last line of defence should the castle fall under attack.
Tintern
25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for everyone.
Brockweir
The Brockweir and Hewelsfield village shop, cafe and conference room is community owned and staffed by volunteers. It is a traditional oak construction combined with sustainable technology and specialises in local food.
Awre
Small family business producing award-winning traditionally made cider and perry on the banks of the River Severn. Still and sparkling; bottled and draught. Open for cider tasting, group tours, ploughman's lunches and more in our glorious Gloucestershire orchard.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.