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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
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.
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.
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.
Hereford
Hereford Cathedral is home to a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years and welcomes thousands of tourists and pilgrims annually.
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.
Cinderford
We are a Art and craft Gallery in the heart of Cinderford, the high point of the forest of Dean. We have regular exhibitions from local artists and makers along with classes and displays as part of events in the town.
Coleford
We are a brand new cycle hire company located in the hidden gem that is the Forest of Dean. We will provide a range of leading bike brands, including 2021 E-bikes from Cube and the latest children's bikes from Frog. As well as a wide range of bikes for all ages and abilities, we will offer tag-alongs, trailers for younger children and even specific trailers for the family dog!
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.
Clearwell
Let us take you on an adventure to remember. Deep or semi-level caving in the stunning Clearwell Caves is an experience which will make your stay in the Forest of Dean something special. Go deep under the Forest, visiting this labyrinth of over 250 acres of passageways and caverns. Walk, crawl, slither and clamber your way down to 200ft (62m) underground; you will be caving through natural and mined features. Involves some climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and good fun!
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'.
Lydney
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard Station. A heritage railway offering a Forest experience from the comfort of your carriage. Cream teas, meals and experiences available.
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
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.
Soudley
Guided Forest Bathing with Carina, a licensed, certified guide (ANFT), in a peaceful forest, with slow walking and sensory invitations. Shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing) means ‘bathing’ all the senses, whilst walking slowly in the forest. Invest in your own health and wellbeing, connect with nature by learning to practise Shinrin-yoku and experience the restorative power of the forest.
Price: £25 per person
Length of experience: 4 hours
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.
Cinderford
Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River Severn and on a fine day, you will be able to see Gloucester Cathedral, Newnham and the Cotswold Hills.
Coleford
The Speech House Hotel & Silver Circle Distillery have teamed up to bring you the ultimate Gin Tasting Experience & Stay in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. If you love gin, great food and fantastic surroundings, then this is the experience for you! Join us for an overnight stay, with dinner in our 2 AA rosette restaurant, a distillery tour of Silver Circle with tasting, and a gin tasting board in the hotel bar! This fantastic package is one not to be missed!
Prices: £135 per person, based on two people sharing
Approx length of…
Coleford
Activities include Climbing, Canoe & Kayak adventures. Cave experiences. Archery, Bivouac weekends and more. Experienced and Qualified instructors.
Lydney Park Estate, Lydney
Always wanted to try mosaic but not sure where to start? Or maybe you're looking for a fun group experience? Then Rachel's Mosaic for Beginners workshop is perfect for you!
Price: £50 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.