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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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Parkend
Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with woodland walks, ponds and hides. In spring watch for pied flycatchers and buzzards. In winter look for crossbills and hawfinches.
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
Coleford town became the first, of hopefully many more towns in the Forest of Dean District to have gained accreditation to the Walkers are Welcome UK network. Walkers are Welcome has a membership of over 100 towns and villages in the UK, whose main aim is to assist with our respective communities’ economic growth, physical health and mental well-being through walking.
Clydach
There's lots of fun to be had, climbing waterfalls and scrambling over rocks, as well as a few challenges along the way (depending on how brave you are!) - from balancing along ledges above the water to venturing through a tunnel with water rushing through. Conquer those fears and you'll feel a fantastic sense of achievement. Gorge Scrambling is suitable for all ages.
Price: £46 per adult & £37 per child
Length of experience: 2½ hours
Symonds Yat East
Abseil from up to 90 feet high cliffs. Thrilling activity for adventure seekers. Stunning locations in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean border area.
Qualified and experienced instructors.
Price: TBA
Length of experience: 3 hours
Lords Hill, Coleford
We challenge you to not smile on an a E-Bike ride! Not only do you get to explore more of the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, you don’t have to worry about climbing off your bike and pushing it uphill when the going gets tough.
Price: £80 per person
Length of experience: 6 hours.
Ross-on-Wye
Truffles Deli is a foodie haven for young and old alike in the centre of beautiful Ross-on-Wye. Stocking everything a deli should and more, you'll find a vast cheese counter, salamies, quiches and pies, olives, cakes, snacks and drinks in abundance. Explore the best local produce and foods from around the world. You can buy also buy food and drinks to take away including soups, salads, sandwiches, teas and coffees.
Whitecroft
Floatation is the ultimate relaxation. Your own private room with a beautiful, state-of-the-art float pod. A luxurious shower complete with natural toiletries and big fluffy towels. The warm salty water in the float pod supports your muscles and calms your mind. Emerge slowly, take your time, and relax in the relaxation lounge while you enjoy your choice of organic herbal tea.
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
Kilcot, Newent
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable experience. Your experience will begin with a short introduction to llamas, including grooming and general interaction with the llamas. As part of your experience you will get to meet the babies and learn about how llamas carry their young for 11½ months.
Price: £47.99 per person.
Length of experience: 2 hours
Eastnor
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits of working with clay.
Near Coleford
Whether you are a complete mountain biking novice or have been riding for years, one of the best way to improve your riding is to have some private coaching. Within a few hours you can ride better, faster and safer! Delivered by qualified British Cycling Mountain Bike Coaches, these private coaching sessions focus on exactly what you want to focus on.
Price: £135 for up to 2 people
Length of experience: 3 hours
Coleford
Activities include Climbing, Canoe & Kayak adventures. Cave experiences. Archery, Bivouac weekends and more. Experienced and Qualified instructors.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Highnam
Highnam Church was described by John Betjeman as "The most complete Victorian Church in this country". In Simon Jenkin's book England's Thousand Best Churches, Holy Innocents was rated as #4.
Brockhampton
A picture postcard rural Herefordshire village with impressive arts and crafts church
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
Llantilio Crossenny
The Church of St Teilo is the parish church of Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, "An unusually grand cruciform church", with an Early English tower crossed by a Decorated chancel.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.