Stay
Things To Do
You are here: Things To Do > Family Friendly
People tell us time and time again that the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. It’s a place with loads to do for all ages, plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly, for many families, it’s somewhere to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple nature 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 castles to 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.
Step back in time: Learn more about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre with interactive galleries including a Victorian cottage, it also has a Gruffalo trail to follow throughout its own woodland as well as a lovely café onsite.
Lose yourself in a different world: Switch off your satnav and get lost, it will lead to all kinds of fun. Enjoy wandering through the ancient paths and mossy rocks in Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze (open May-Sep), or try the aMazing Hedge Puzzle.
Get on the right track: Experience the Forest at a slower pace all aboard a Perrygrove Railway steam train. For a fun family day out visit the Dean Forest Railway, which stops at five points so passengers can enjoy a woodland walk or a hearty pub meal.
Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise with Kingfisher Cruises 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.
Number of results: 92
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, in Gloucester, stands in the north of the city near the river.
Lydney
Lydney Harbour is a place steeped in history and heritage - in the 19th and early 20th century it was used to export coal from the Forest. It is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Seven and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world.
Raglan
A late medieval castle dating from between the 15th and early 17th-centuries.
Ross-on-Wye
So many of the sweets that you loved as a kid just don't seem to be around any more so people are delighted to find that their old favourites are still available from this speciality sweet shop in Ross-on-Wye.
Ross-on-Wye
Truffles Deli is a foodie haven for young and old alike. Stocking everything a deli should and more
Huntley
Join our slower and more peaceful way of life. Enjoy time in the countryside on our farm where you can learn traditional skills and work our heavy horses. Farming as it used to be!
Hereford
Paintballing and Laser Clay Shooting activity in the Herefordshire hills
Soudley
Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing.
Nr Chepstow
Award winning Abbey Mill, set amidst breath-taking scenery on the banks of the River Wye. Riverside shopping and dining in a relaxed setting. Arts, crafts, gifts. Coffee Shop. 5 Shops open 7 Days.
Chepstow
A wide range of local produce from Berries to Beers. We source most of our produce within a 30 mile radius from our shop meaning that the food is as fresh as possible, and also supports local traders.
Coleford
Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest, and is a great place to start your adventure. Discover the Gruffalo Spotters Trail, the Sculpture Trail, play area, Go Ape, cafe and climbing tower.
Symonds Yat West
Learn SUP skills with our coaches. Dive into the tranquillity of SUP Yoga. Glide down the Wye kingfisher spotting. Get a buzz on a white-water adventure. Immerse yourself in a wilderness escape.
Coleford
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Coleford
Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during the annual Open Studios Event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, along the Severn and Gloucester.
Lydney
Mary Rose Young makes her distinctive Alice in Wonderland pottery at her studio in the Forest of Dean. Visit her vividly painted gallery.
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.
Monmouth
The Shire Hall in Monmouth is a beautiful, historic attraction, licensed for Weddings and public entertainment. Open daily for tours of the historic courtrooms and Tourist Information Service.
Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Ruardean
Classes in throwing on the potters wheel, under the expert guidance of John Huggins. Available for all levels from complete beginners to experienced throwers. Visitors welcome at the pottery.
Nr Chepstow
Vineyard tours. Award winning wines. Wine and mead tasting. Sales/gift shop /plant sales. Picnic area. Open all year round.
©Visit Dean Wye 2021. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.