Adventure
Family Adventures with Cadw in Dean Wye this August
Post date:
28th July 2025
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
- Locations
- Forest Of Dean
Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest and most fascinating landscapes — a place where nature, history, and creativity come together.
Tucked between the River Severn and the River Wye, the Forest of Dean is a unique corner of Gloucestershire with a character all of its own. Once a royal hunting ground, this ancient forest is now a haven for outdoor adventures, local produce, family days out, and peaceful escapes.
Steeped in myth, legend and industrial heritage, the Forest is shaped by its trees, its people, and its long history. From Iron Age forts and Roman roads to Freeminers' traditions and centuries-old villages, this is a place where the past sits alongside the present - and where every visit offers something new to discover.
Things to Do in the Forest of Dean
Whether you’re here for a short break or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Explore ancient woodland trails on foot or by bike, visit local attractions like Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves, or relax at a café tucked into the trees.
The forest is home to wildlife, dark skies, and dramatic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock. Families love Perrygrove Railway, the Sculpture Trail, and Cannop Ponds, while adventurers can try canoeing on the River Wye or zip-lining through the trees.
There’s also a strong creative and cultural side to the Forest of Dean, from local galleries and makers to community events and performance spaces. Traditional pubs, forest food, and independent shops all add to the area’s welcoming feel.
A Place to Explore, Return To, and Share
The Forest of Dean has inspired generations of artists, filmmakers, walkers, and daydreamers — and it’s easy to see why. Whether you come for the views, the peace and quiet, or the sense of something a little bit magical, the forest leaves a lasting impression.
From quiet village lanes to bustling market towns like Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney, the Forest of Dean invites you to slow down, look around, and make your own memories.
Businesses related to Forest of Dean
Arts | Nature | Groups
David Broadbent Photography
David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…
13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats. 13th Century Farmhouse + AA 2 Red Rosette Restaurant for intimate meals and retreats.
Prices from:
£19.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Greenacres Campsite
Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and… Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and caravans, plus glamping tents and a luxury cabin. Ideal for exploring the…
Families | Accessible
Cowshed Cottage
Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.
Prices from:
£650.00
Dogs | Families
The Coach House - Newland
Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn… Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn within 100 meters. 3 large bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, open fire, patio with…
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
Foodies | Families
The Lamproom Cafe at Clearwell Caves
The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below.… The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below. With homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
Families | Accessible
The Dairy at Gage Farm
4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.… 4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door. Castles, caves, and cathedral nearby. Amazing sunsets and night skies.
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Go Ape Forest of Dean
Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.… Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do. High ropes and all-terrain Forest Segways at the ready.
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Adventure
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Families | Foodies | Dogs
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
16th Century Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant. 16th Century Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant.
Prices from:
£543.00
Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs
Forest Barns
5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside… 5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside or Out | Child and Pet friendly | Event Spaces
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation
Wenchford
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 14th Sept 2025
A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in… A sculpture garden celebrating Art, Plants and Wildlife. Over 100 contemporary Sculptures set in the beautiful Wye Valley Sculpture Garden just one mile from Tintern Abbey.
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The…
Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the… A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the Forest of Dean
Arts | Families
Summer Exhibition by farOpen Members
Dates:
21st Jun 2025 - 13th Jul 2025
A three week exhibition, open daily A three week exhibition, open daily
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Pizza & Pottery Experience - 14th Aug 2025
Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Families | Groups
Stick Man Fun Day at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025
Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from…
View Event
Dogs | Families | Foodies
Late Night Thursday - Flavour Club
Event Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025
Enjoy an evening ride from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre every Thursday…
View Event
Dogs | Families | Foodies
Pizza Night Friday
Event Dates:
15th Aug 2025 - 15th Aug 2025
Join us for fresh stone baked pizzas every Friday night 5-7pm
View Event
Nature | Relaxation
Growing the Medicine with Wild Remedy
Event Dates:
17th Aug 2025 - 17th Aug 2025
Growing the Medicine with Wild Remedy Join us here at Leaf with Sophie…
View Event
Families
Heritage Crafts
Event Dates:
18th Aug 2025 - 18th Aug 2025
Get crafting with recycled materials
View Event
History | Families
Backstage in the Gage
Event Dates:
20th Aug 2025 - 20th Aug 2025
Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the…
View Event
Foodies | Relaxation
Sip Sip Hooray!
Event Dates:
21st Aug 2025 - 21st Aug 2025
Enjoy afternoon Tea on Thursday 21st August The Fernery at Leaf Creative.
View Event
Adventure | Nature | Families
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Pizza & Pottery Experience - 22nd Aug 2025
Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Pizza Night Friday
Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Join us for fresh stone baked pizzas every Friday night 5-7pm
View Event
Families | Foodies | Groups
Mazes by Torchlight
Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025
Tickets sell out every year! – Don’t Miss Out!
View Event
History
The Greatest Knight at Tintern Abbey
Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 25th Aug 2025
Thrilling displays, knightly tales, and family-friendly activities at…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
Prices from:
£179.99
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Half day farm experience
Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an… Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an afternoon tea.
Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Offers From Forest of Dean
Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays! Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!
Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut Free llama walk when you book a 4 night stay in the shepherds hut
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Canoe Hire Summer Discount of £20.00 off rafted…
Expires: 31st Aug 2025
Family Rafted Canoe's This Summer Family Rafted Canoe's This Summer
Adventure
SAVE 15% off Go Ape Treetop Challenge
Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri. Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 15% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY15. Sun-Fri.
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Nature
Why the Forest of Dean is the perfect prescription to de-stress and unwind
Post date:
25th June 2025
The hidden gem that it is, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are great for those seeking serenity and calm, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.
Read more
Adventure
Why the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a must-visit for Parkrun enthusiasts
Post date:
27th May 2025
Discover six scenic parkruns, PB-friendly routes, and family-friendly trails in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - your next running weekend awaits.
Read more
Uncover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean, from magical creatures and ancient spirits to local folklore passed down through generations.
Read moreStay up to date
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