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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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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.
Parkend
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes at competitive prices.
Parkend
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Lydney
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora and locally themed elements. It’s a great activity that all the family can enjoy together.
Coleford
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Gloucester
The prestigious Hartpury Equine Centre plays host to a number of affiliated and unaffiliated shows and events throughout the year as well as various public lectures and demonstrations. All event schedules, results, and further information can be found on the Hartpury Equine Events website.
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.
Symonds Yat West
A twelve hole miniature golf 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 which are alongside at the Wye Valley Visitor Centre.
Coleford
Our Tasting Corner is open on selected Saturdays from 2pm – 5pm when for £10 per person you can come and enjoy a Forest Deli cheese board featuring three specially selected cheeses served with crackers and chutney, matched with a local beer flight (3 x 1/3’ds), or your choice of a local beer, cider, mead, a glass of local wine or a soft drink.
Gloucester
Hartpury University RFC is currently one of the top 24 clubs in England and has been instrumental in furthering the development of talented rugby players studying at Hartpury.
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!
Symonds Yat West
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. Alongside the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and Wye Valley Miniature Golf at Symonds Yat West.
Cinderford
Hello from the local experts in eco-tourism and wellbeing through nature connection! At Wilde Earth Journeys we believe that humans need more than ever to be better connected to the places we spend time in and to the planet. We are the go-to local experts for your perfect Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) experience here in the ancient Forest of Dean. As fully permissioned, insured and trained walk guides we offer you opportunities to slow down, find some peace, enjoy nature and be in the company of friendly, like-minded people.
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.
Ross-on-Wye
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in between.
Near Coleford
The only bike hire location with direct access to the Forest of Deans's traffic free family & mountain bike trails! Bike hire fleet includes e-bikes, a choice of premium Whyte bike models for mountain bike or leisure trails, kids' bikes, child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Trailers for dogs also available. We also have a cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bike wash & parking.
Free tea or Americano coffee with every Breakfast at PBA Cafe Tues to Thursday AND save 20p on all hot drinks EVERYDAY when you have a mug instead of a takeaway cup (or bring your own travel mug) - to reduce waste.
*Term time only*
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Hire bike Monday, Tues and Friday and get voucher for free coffee/cake at PBA Cafe (will include Wed/Thurs after Easter)
*Term time only*
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Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
St Briavels
Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners, stag/hen parties, corporate events, & private shooting parties. On-site catering.
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.
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'.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.