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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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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
Ruardean Hill
The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed in the local collieries. The beacon was built in 2002 and is lit to commemorate important occasions. This was followed by the statue of a crouching miner installed in 2008 and the memorial in 2017. Together they represent a striking feature on the hill.
Lydney
Enjoy a relaxing journey along the Dean Forest Railway on board the steam train, with a fish and chip supper (or other choice of food) delivered to your table.
Price: Adults £24.50, Child £14.50
Length of experience: 1½ hours
Longhope
Making your own Ploughman's has never been so easy! The class will be a combination of demo and hands on in groups. Recipes and tastings available.
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 3 hours
Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Bespoke outdoor 2 or 4 hour one to one photography experience led by an experienced professional. Bookable any day and at any time, David has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you master capturing the shot – whatever your favourite subject matter. Learn at your own pace with lots of time for assignment-based learning.
Price: £65 pp or £125 pp
Length of Experience: 2 hours or 4 hours
Soudley
Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean.
Abergavenny
Historic covered market in the centre of town. As well as the regular market stalls held on Friday and Saturday, specialist markets are held throughout the year.
A nature reserve and lake in the heart of the Forest of Dean which is home to a wide range of plants and animals, many miles of footpaths and open forest views. The heathlands nearby offer open grazing for cattle and ponies.
Forest of Dean
Exploring the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can come no better than a trip out with local naturalist Ed Drewitt.
Price: £125 total for a group of up to 4 people; £25 per person thereafter (up to 8 people)
Length of experience: 2 hours
Chepstow
Are you looking for some sporting activities in the Forest of Dean? Somewhere to work up a sweat or play racket sports with friends? Freedom Leisure Sedbury has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, tennis courts, 5 a side football and badminton!
Chepstow
Chepstow Park is a large block of woodland with both mature broadleaf and conifer species as well as an excellent viewpoint south towards the Severn Bridges.
Lydney
Are you looking for some sporting activities in the Forest of Dean? Somewhere to work up a sweat or splash around with your friends in a swimming pool? Freedom Leisure Lydney has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, squash, outdoor pitches, netball courts and tennis.
Highnam
Highnam Woods on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean is an RSPB nature reserve offering great birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
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
Activities include Climbing, Canoe & Kayak adventures. Cave experiences. Archery, Bivouac weekends and more. Experienced and Qualified instructors.
Forest of Dean
Ed is a local naturalist introducing people to wildlife and birdsong and experiencing nature in an enjoyable way and will leave you wanting to see and hear more. He provides wildlife safari experiences and dawn chorus bird walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, ideal for visitors to immerse themselves in natural surroundings and have a truly unique Dean Wye experience.
Eastnor
Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘I’ve always wanted to do’ activities. This fun session offers the opportunity to do just that! Perfect for individuals, couples and small groups wanting to get creative with clay.
Price: £60 per person.
Length of experience: 1.5 hours.
Llandogo
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest in the area and the Duchess Ride Viewpoint is one of the best.
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
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
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