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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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Coleford
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. All our activities are run by qualified and experienced instructors, who will make your experience fun, while sharing their knowledge of the activities and areas with you.
Xmas gift vouchers now available.
Valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Book your 2025 exciting adventure, expedition and staycation with Way2Go Adventures!
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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.
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.
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.
Ross-on-Wye
With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, we are in the perfect location for you to begin your water-sports adventure!
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.
Coleford
Let us put a fabulous picnic together for you, full of homemade bakes and local treats. As we make each picnic to order we can also cater for most dietary requirements. We can even separately box cheeses so they’ll stay cold and not get squashed.
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.
Longhope
The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and beyond.
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.
Symonds Yat
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to Symonds Yat East village.
Lydney
We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients wherever possible, and we use only organic chocolate.
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.
Whitecroft
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
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.
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.
Hereford
Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years.
St Briavels
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, mindfulness sessions and holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent. Suitable for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Improve your general skill level or hone one specialist area - it's up to you.
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 is available. Picnics welcome.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.