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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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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.
Clearwell
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Coleford
A working colliery and museum set in the midst of the glorious Forest of Dean. Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer. Sink below the Forest floor for a unique adventure and take the 45-minute tour through the dark tunnels before emerging back into serene woodland. Follow it with a hot drink and bite to eat at the friendly Hopewell Cafe.
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.
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.
Mitcheldean
Mill End is a large medieval country house, in a village location, fab for hen parties – we LOVE them. Combining Mill End and the cottage next door, we can sleep 40 and seat up to 40 comfortably for dinner.
Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
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.
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
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.
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
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.
Lydney
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple site. Museums and teas. Accommodation to stay on site.
Elton
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
The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and plenty of personality. Pop in to find out about all the delicious local food and drink we have in the area, order online or pre-book a picnic or hamper to sample a range of local delicacies. There is a huge selection of cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, local beers, ciders, gins and wines and a host of great cooking ingredients. Fill up on supplies while you're here and don't leave the Forest without taking a little bit of it away with you!
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.
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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Monmouth
Creates Gallery is an independent art gallery based in the centre of Monmouth town in the Wye Valley. Specialising in original works, we source a wide variety of affordable art and investment pieces from select British and International artists. Why not come and have a browse?
The Old Park, Lydney
The Studio Jewellery School is run by award winning ethical goldsmith, Anna Mcloughlin (AKA Anna Fine Jewellery) and is based at Taurus Crafts near Lydney on the edge of The Forest of Dean. The Studio is open to holidaymakers and local residents alike, and is fully kitted out with proper jewellers' benches and all the jewellery making tools you’ll need to get those creative juices flowing.
Redbrook
Jewellery Designer, Chris Lewis BA Hons runs workshops in the locality enabling everyone who is interested to make their own jewellery. She also carries out repairs and general maintenance, cleaning and polishing of silver and gold pieces.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.