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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a fantastic place for families! There's lots to do for all ages, and there's 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 to 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, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is also home to many attractions and activities that can take getting back to nature to another level. From ancient castles to steam train rides, and canoeing to cave exploring, we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages, even those tweens and teens who are a little bit harder to please!
Lose yourself in a different world at magical Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze. Get on the right track aboard a Perrygrove Railway train, or visit the Dean Forest Railway for a steam train ride through the Forest of Dean. Step back in time and learn about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre. Get out on the water with canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, or fly through the trees on a high ropes experience! Get up close with birds of prey, hire bikes and head out along 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; keep an eye out for jumping trout, kingfishers, otters, and swans as you sit back, relax, and let the towering, limestone gorge scenery drift by.
Here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, there is so much for families to see and do that you just might want to stay a little longer to fit more in!
Number of results: 128
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Chepstow
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Abergavenny
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. Castell Gwyn in Welsh it is also known historically as Llantilio Castle. It is near the village of Llantilio Crossenny.
Lydney
Enjoy a relaxing journey along the Dean Forest Railway on board the steam train, with a fish and chip supper (or other choice of food) delivered to your table.
Price: Adults £24.50, Child £14.50
Length of experience: 1½ hours
Symonds Yat East
Rock climbing adventure in the stunning Wye Valley. Perfect bonding activity for businesses, families and friends. Friendly, qualified instructors to help get you past the butterflies. Combine with any of our other activities for a full day of adventure.
Price: TBA
Length of experience: 3 hours
Twigworth
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, spanning 1500 years, 60 countries and over 600 artists.
Goodrich
One of the most prominent features in the Lower Wye Valley offering some of the best views and walks in the area. 98 hectares of the hill is a local nature reserve, bluebells cover the hill in spring and it is well known as being an ideal spot to leaf peep the autumn colours. South of Goodrich and west of Kerne Bridge it is surrounded by two large loops in the River Wye with Symonds Yat close by.
Hereford
Viking Games in the Herefordshire hills
Kilcot, Newent
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable experience. Our llamas are endearing, sociable, and are well cared for. They walk at a comfortable pace with you, while you enjoy the breathtaking views. Our team will be with you throughout the experience to ensure you have a good time. Your experience will begin with a short introduction to llamas, including grooming and general interaction with the llamas
Price: from £49.99 per person.
Length of experience: 1½ hours
Coleford
Explore the magical Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean and finish off your adventure with a cream tea.
Littledean
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams instead of live ammunition meaning no bruises from recoil, no ear-splitting noise, and more environmentally friendly and cheaper than traditional Clay Pigeon Shooting! Perfect for family fun, birthdays, corporate reward days, and wedding groups.
Newent
Are you looking for some sporting activities in the Forest of Dean? Somewhere to work up a sweat or splash around with your friends in a swimming pool? Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, myride cycling studio and a large sports hall.
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.
Longhope
Once you have made the elements of the Afternoon Tea and presented them on our vintage china, you will then sit down in our Apple Barn dining room and enjoy them with a tea of your choice. This is a cookery experience to enjoy, relax and eat cakes! Suitable for beginners, those wanting to increase their pastry skills or just wanting to have fun!
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 3 hours
Longhope
During this class you will be taken on a forage, by Rob Gould, a Cotswold Forager. You will explore the hedgerows, woods and fields around Harts Barn Cookery School. What you will find depends on the seasons. Wild Garlic in spring, nuts, berries and mushrooms in autumn, but there is always something to make a feast from. You will then return to the cookery school to sort through your foragings and create a feast to dine on – a challenge based on what we find.
Price: £95 per person
Length of experience: 5 hours
Littledean Road, Newnham
The perfect alternative to paintball, with adrenaline-pumping games and missions in a beautiful rural location in the Forest of Dean, without the need for sweaty face masks and of course no bruises!
Price: £20 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
Kilcot, Newent
Our experience day provides a unique, hands-on opportunity to interact with our rescued and resident animals. This is a one-to-one bespoke experience and you will not be sharing it with anyone else.
Price: £199.99 per person.
Length of experience: 7 - 8 hours
Coleford
You will marvel at the underground rock formations and become charged with pride as you beat the underground challenges, you will also discover the fascinating history of the area you are caving in. Your instructors are keen cavers, with a wealth of experience. A very rewarding experience with a fantastic sense of achievement, building up your skills during the day and beginners are very welcome on this underground trip of discovery.
Price: Contact us for details
Length of experience: 3 to 5 hours
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Eastnor
Super fun and themed hand modelling ‘makes’ for kids and grown-ups. Projects change every three months providing a unique and creative activity for families in the school holidays – including half-term. Price includes tuition, materials and firing.
Price: £20 per person
Length of experience: 1½ hours
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.