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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 101 to 120.
Monmouth
"Arguably the prettiest golf course in Wales", Monmouth Golf Club provides a fantastic golf challenge.
Soudley
We are the Museum of the Forest: a stunning building and location with inside and outside attractions. Learn about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day, visit our museum and gallery, explore the Gruffalo woodland trail, see inside a reconstructed Forester's cottage, visit a charcoal burner's camp, see chainsaw carving, our working water wheel and pretty stream, kids will enjoy our woodland playground plus there is an excellent cafe and gift shop.
Littledean
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams instead of live ammunition meaning no bruises from recoil, no ear-splitting noise, and more environmentally friendly and cheaper than traditional Clay Pigeon Shooting! Perfect for family fun, birthdays, corporate reward days, and wedding groups.
Ross-on-Wye
Made in Ross is a co-operative of local arts and crafts makers producing a diverse range of affordable -hand-made arts and crafts with regular guest exhibitions and events.
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
Kilcot, Newent
Your experience will begin with a short introduction to llamas, including grooming and general interaction with the llamas. This is followed by a llama walk, finishing with freshly made afternoon tea.
Price: £54.99 per person.
Length of experience: 1½ hours plus time for tea
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.
Usk
Usk Castle is one of the prettiest ruined castles in Wales. It is a Grade I listed building situated on a hill overlooking the historic town of Usk. Privately owned it is only rarely open to the public.
Soudley
Nature's way to restore health and wellbeing. Experience guided Forest Bathing amongst the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean.
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: £40 per person.
Length of experience: 1.5 hours.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Lydney Park Estate, Lydney
Bring a group together for a fun creative mosaic experience and create a striking woodland animal mosaic for your garden. Choose either a square design or get really creative and cut out your chosen animal shape.
Price: £45 per person
Length of experience: 4 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.
Forest of Dean
A small fishing lake in the Speech House woods, used as a filming location in the BBC series Merlin.
Newland Valley Estate
Expect a wonderland of fun as you and your friends, or family, feast like the Parisians used to do in the 1700s, with all the glamour, frivolity and extravagance that characterised the Pique Nique beau monde, of the time. Set in the stunning grounds of a 17th-century Italianate villa in Newland, near Coleford.
Price: £150pp
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
Twigworth
Nature in Art, the world's first museum & art gallery dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature. With temporary exhibitions, art courses and an unrivalled artists in residence programme.
Chepstow
Historic path along cliffs overlooking the River Wye popular during the Wye Tour. Part of the Wye Valley Walk north of Chepstow and leading to the Eagle's Nest Viewpoint.
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
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.