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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. There's loads to do for all ages and plenty which can be done together: plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly for many families, plenty of opportunity to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple forest or riverside 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 ancient castles to steam 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.
Lose yourself in a different world at magical Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze (open May-Sep). Get on the right track aboard a Perrygrove Railway train or visit the Dean Forest Railway for a steam train ride through the Forest. Get out on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding or fly through the trees on a high ropes experience or zipwire. Step back in time and learn about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre. Get up close to our birds of prey, hire bikes and head out on our miles of off-road tracks, book an archery class or try rock climbing. Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise 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.
There is so much to see and do for families, you might just want to stay a little longer to fit more in!
Number of results: 128
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Westbury-on-Severn
Visit our stylish food hall, fish market and gift shop showcasing the best local produce, superb hampers, wonderful fish and game. Above all the finest fish and seafood counter you'll find anywhere.
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
Coleford
Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular TV & film location inc Star Wars.
Usk
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Near Coleford
Bike hire, cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bikewash, parking. Traffic free cycle trails for all abilities in the beautiful Forest of Dean.
Monmouth
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of activities on rivers, gorges and rock faces in this stunning area. Fun, adventurous, suitable for all ages and skill levels, we provide everything you need and teach you techniques, taking any fears away and making sure you have a great day out.
Longhope
Cookery experiences for all ages and budgets. We offer holiday activities, parties, cooking and baking classes. Bespoke experiences for family groups and friends are available. Venue hire and meeting room. Catering and private chef hire across a wide area.
It’s time to do something very different! This exclusive celebration bundle for two people comprises of three elements that amount to something very special. If you are seeking a unique experience for a celebration, be it a birthday, an anniversary event, a Christmas present, or you just simply want to spoil yourself … it’s time to do it! Three local businesses, Harts Barn Cookery School, Plump Hill Farm and The Speech House Hotel, have come together to offer you something truly unique; an exclusive event for two people.
Click here to find out more.
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Symonds Yat West
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
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.
Coleford
Forest Driving Range is the perfect undercover and rainy day activity, with our Toptracer Screens creating fun, interactive games. Open 7 days. Equipment loan available.
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.
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.
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!
Lydney
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 'down time'.
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!
Ganarew, Monmouth
Wye valley Experience is a small family run business with a passion for the great outdoors. Offering a range of activities for you to enjoy, all based in the beautiful Wye Valley.
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.
Drybook
Byefield Emporium studio is located within the Yard, along with a selection of of other small Forest of Dean craft businesses. We create and sell beautiful furniture and decorative accessories that have been lovingly, upcycled and restored, using high-quality paints and craft materials.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.