- Business Directory
- Rainy Days
Don’t let the rain put a damper on your plans - there’s plenty to see and do in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, no matter the weather. Whether you’d prefer to stay warm and dry indoors or embrace the elements with an outdoor adventure, there are lots of ways to make the most of a rainy day.
Indoor Activities and Things To Do
If you're looking to keep dry and stay away from the rain, there's plenty that can be done indoors! Firstly, how about the brilliantly atmospheric Clearwell Caves, or the fascinating Hopewell Colliery? Being underground is a great way to escape the rain! Or, if you'd prefer to stay above ground, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to several museums and art galleries, including Dean Heritage Centre and Nature in Art, as well as The Palace Cinema in Cinderford for a more relaxed indoor activity. Or, to take the relaxation up a notch, why not try out Float in the Forest, or head to the swimming pool and spa at Whitemead Forest Park? If you still want to explore the Forest, Dean Forest Railway and Perrygrove Railway enable you to take in the sights while remaining nice and dry inside a cosy train!
There are also plenty of shopping options, including Taurus Crafts, which has a wide range of independent traders, a garden centre, and a cafe, as well as towns and villages to mooch around, dipping in and out of the rain. If you're up for more of an organised activity, there are lots of indoor activities to choose from, although many will need booking in advance; from cookery classes to pottery and basket weaving, and from gin making to mosaics and painting, there's sure to be something that takes your fancy! It's also worth checking out our What's On page as well, so you can make sure you're not missing anything! Finally, once you've worked up an appetite sheltering from the rain, you can take a seat at one of our many cafes, pubs and restaurants, enjoy some tasty grub, and talk about how horrible the weather is!
Outdoors Activities and Things To Do
Of course, if you don't mind getting a bit wet, you can get the waterproofs on and get out into the woods to explore! After all, the trees provide some shelter, and the rain creates a magical atmosphere. It is likely that the seasoned Dean Wye mountain bikers will be out getting muddy no matter what, with a bit of added slipping and sliding to spice up a ride in the Forest, and that hot chocolate in the cafe at the end will be even more well deserved! Or, if you're after a bit of adrenaline, why not have a look at our adventure and extreme activities, many of which will still take place in the rain? In some cases, the mud even adds to the adventure - quad bikes or off-road driving perhaps?
However you choose to spend your rainy day, we hope you have a lovely visit to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, regardless of the weather!
All Rainy Days Businesses

Freedom Leisure Lydney
Freedom Leisure Lydney has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness… Freedom Leisure Lydney has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, squash, outdoor pitches, netball courts and tennis.

Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked… Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years.

Rachel Shilston - Inspiring Creativity
Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure… Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality…

Stella & Rose's Books
25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for… 25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for everyone.

Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of… Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits…

Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… 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…

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful… 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…

Nature in Art - Museum and Gallery
Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature.… Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Displays embrace two and three-dimensional work in all mediums and styles,…
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