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Things To Do
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People tell us time and time again that the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. It’s a place with loads to do for all ages, plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly, for many families, it’s somewhere to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple nature walk is the perfect start to any trip to the area, there are also many attractions and activities that take getting back to nature to another level. From castles to train rides, canoeing to cave exploring we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages – particularly those harder to satisfy tweens and teens.
Step back in time: Learn more about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre with interactive galleries including a Victorian cottage, it also has a Gruffalo trail to follow throughout its own woodland as well as a lovely café onsite.
Lose yourself in a different world: Switch off your satnav and get lost, it will lead to all kinds of fun. Enjoy wandering through the ancient paths and mossy rocks in Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze (open May-Sep), or try the aMazing Hedge Puzzle.
Get on the right track: Experience the Forest at a slower pace all aboard a Perrygrove Railway steam train. For a fun family day out visit the Dean Forest Railway, which stops at five points so passengers can enjoy a woodland walk or a hearty pub meal.
Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise with Kingfisher Cruises along the Wye. Look out for jumping trout, kingfishers, otters and swans as you sit back, relax and let the towering, limestone gorge scenery drift by.
Number of results: 92
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Cinderford
Atmospheric historic Cinema in the Heart of the Forest. Showing the latest releases alongside timeless classics. All tickets £4.
Longhope
Cookery experiences for all ages and budgets. We offer holiday activities, parties, cooking and baking classes. Bespoke activities for family groups and friends are available.
Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Monmouth
Stand-up Paddle boarding, Gorge scrambling, Guided kayaking, Rock climbing on rivers, gorges and rock faces! Fun, adventurous, in the great outdoors that make an exciting day trip out for all!
Littledean
We are OPEN for you to visit us in Littledean to experience Owls, Peregrine Falcons and Harris Hawks and lots more. Book to Handle and Feed them, or Handle, Feed and Fly a single bird or enjoy a full morning in our rural location feeding and flying many birds of prey. Gift Vouchers available. Pre-booking essential at https://www.forestbarnfalconry.co.uk/falconryexperience or perhaps stay with us in our hamlet of self catering cottages https://www.forestbarnholidays.co.uk/
Coleford
The adventure starts here and why should kids have all the fun? All four activities are great for grown-ups too. Ask us about birthday parties, corporate and group sessions, hen and stag dos!
Newent
Llama Experience days within Gloucestershire in a privately owned farm with Lake and woodland.
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 available. Picnics welcome.
Lydney
A 8.5 mile trip through the medieval forest to Parkend with steam and some heritage diesel train services. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard station. Pay once - ride all day!
Monmouth
Creates Gallery is an independent art gallery based in the Wye Valley. Specialising in original paintings, and showcasing a wide variety of art from select British artists.
Ross-on-Wye
Looking for fun! Your Special Operations team must seek, disrupt, and destroy the enemy in an outdoor purpose-built close quarter battleground.
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!
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.
Ross-on-Wye
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.
Near Coleford
Let us take you on an adventure to remember. This is an experience which will make your stay in the Forest of Dean something special. Involves some climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and good fun!
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
Chepstow
700m Wire Zip Slide, Giant 3G Swing, Scuba Diving, Wooden Wigwam Glamping Accommodation, View Cafe Bar serving delicious food, Spectacular views of our lake, FearFest-Evil Halloween horror event
Newnham-on-Severn
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.
Coleford
We are a brand new cycle hire company located in the hidden gem that is the Forest of Dean. We will provide a range of leading bike brands, including 2021 E-bikes from Cube and the latest children's bikes from Frog. As well as a wide range of bikes for all ages and abilities, we will offer tag-alongs, trailers for younger children and even specific trailers for the family dog!
Near Coleford
Off-road cycling centre, bike hire, cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bikewash, parking. Traffic free cycle trails for all abilities in the beautiful Forest of Dean.
©Visit Dean Wye 2021. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.