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Things To Do
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There is an abundance of things to do to keep our youngest visitors happy in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. You can’t come to the area without a woodland walk and whether it’s raining or the sun is shining the trees are often a great place to shelter. If you enjoy walking and need a trail to follow then the sculpture trail from Beechenhurst is a good start. Forestry England also often have seasonal trails to follow which in previous years have included the Gruffalo or Shaun the Sheep.
A hidden gem for our younger visitors is Perrygrove, with its with steam train rides that circle a children’s play fort complete with slides and lookouts as well as woodland pathways and an undercover play area that makes you feel like you have stepped into toy town. Perrygrove is opposite one of the must-go attractions in the area, Puzzlewood, with its magical mystical natural woodland pathways it is a breathtaking sight which is why it is used regularly in TV and films such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Merlin and even Tree Fu Tom.
Other attractions loved by our younger visitors include the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and aMazing Hedge Puzzle where you can play hide and seek whilst you find your way into the middle of the maze. There are many majestic castles to visit in the area too including Goodrich Castle, Raglan Castle, Chepstow Castle and Caldicot Castle and they often run events, trails and activities to follow that let your little ones' imaginations run wild.
If cycling is your thing, you can take your own or hire a bike (and child’s seat) and head out for an hour or two onto the Family Cycling Trail. You can also hire a canoe (minimum age 4) and spend a few hours gently floating down the river – keep an eye out for otters swimming along the water's edge and kingfishers flitting past.
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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.
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.
nr Lydney
Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners, stag/hen parties, corporate events, & private shooting parties. On-site catering.
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
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!
St Briavels
Nationally recognised producer of outstanding quality, handmade ready-to-eat foods. We seek to reflect and protect the richness of the place we live and work through the food that we produce.
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.
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!
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.
Monmouth
Humble by Nature is a working farm and rural skills centre owned by broadcaster Kate Humble, based in Penallt just outside Monmouth.
Ross-on-Wye
Play this new twelve hole miniature course, amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will you beat par? Half price admission with ticket holders for Amazing Hedge Puzzle or Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Newent
Llama Experience days within Gloucestershire in a privately owned farm with Lake and woodland.
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!
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.
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!
Lydney
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens. Important Roman Temples Site. Museums and teas.
Cinderford
Atmospheric historic Cinema in the Heart of the Forest. Showing the latest releases alongside timeless classics. All tickets £4.
Nr Lydney
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.
Hereford
Welcome to our Reclaimed World. 15 diverse showrooms set in a former wartime munitions factory. We have created a destination like no other; a renovation resource and a celebration of days gone-by.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.