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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. There's loads to do for all ages and plenty which can be done together: plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly for many families, plenty of opportunity to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple forest or riverside walk is the perfect start to any trip to the area, there are also many attractions and activities that take getting back to nature to another level. From ancient castles to steam train rides, canoeing to cave exploring we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages – particularly those harder to satisfy tweens and teens.
Lose yourself in a different world at magical Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze (open May-Sep). Get on the right track aboard a Perrygrove Railway train or visit the Dean Forest Railway for a steam train ride through the Forest. Get out on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding or fly through the trees on a high ropes experience or zipwire. Step back in time and learn about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre. Get up close to our birds of prey, hire bikes and head out on our miles of off-road tracks, book an archery class or try rock climbing. Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise along the Wye. Look out for jumping trout, kingfishers, otters and swans as you sit back, relax and let the towering, limestone gorge scenery drift by.
There is so much to see and do for families, you might just want to stay a little longer to fit more in!
Number of results: 131
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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.
Kilcot, Newent
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable experience. Our llamas are endearing, sociable, and are well cared for. They walk at a comfortable pace with you, while you enjoy the breathtaking views. Our team will be with you throughout the experience to ensure you have a good time. Your experience will begin with a short introduction to llamas, including grooming and general interaction with the llamas
Price: £37.99 per person.
Length of experience: 1½ hours
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.
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.
Catbrook
Home to Wye Valley Gin and series of small batch limited edition seasonal spirits, Silver Circle Distillery is a great place to spend an hour or two tasting unique spirits and enjoying lovely views.
Lydney
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access to Mallards Pike and Speech House Woods.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Chepstow
Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From Wintour's Leap take in a horseshoe bend of the Wye, walk down the cliffs to the historic village of Lancaut, through the Nature Reserve and back up the other side.
Longhope
During this class you will be taken on a forage, by Rob Gould, a Cotswold Forager. You will explore the hedgerows, woods and fields around Harts Barn Cookery School. What you will find depends on the seasons. Wild Garlic in spring, nuts, berries and mushrooms in autumn, but there is always something to make a feast from. You will then return to the cookery school to sort through your foragings and create a feast to dine on – a challenge based on what we find.
Price: £95 per person
Length of experience: 5 hours
Lydney
Enjoy a relaxing journey along the Dean Forest Railway behind one of our steam locomotives. Looking for something a little extra? Add a takeaway cream tea or afternoon tea to your trip when placing your booking (and make them extra fancy with a 20cl bottle of prosecco!), available for pickup from Whistles Cafe before your train ride.
Price: Adults £14, Child £7
Length of experience: 1½ hours
Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
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.
Newland
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Monmouth
Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers stand-up paddleboard experiences! Suitable for all ages and all abilities, you can explore the River Wye on a single paddleboard or/and try our mega-SUP, which can accommodate up to eight people - cue endless fun and games for families, groups, hens and stags trying to paddle together!
Price: £36 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
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.
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
Lydney
Riverside walks, sculptures, great for birdwatching, sunsets and steeped in history, Lydney Harbour is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Severn and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world. Now with a new modern takeaway cafe.
Chepstow
Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
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.
Cliffords Mesne
May Hill is one of the most familiar landmarks for many miles around, with its near circular mound and crowning clump of trees. It offers wonderful views and is an ideal spot to view the sunrise and sunset over the forest, hills and valleys all around.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.