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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
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Longhope
Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.
Newent
Large picturesque lake surrounded by park not far from the centre of Newent town.
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: £28 per person
Length of experience: 2¼ hours
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.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Coleford
Super Greens & challenging holes for players of every level. 6300 yard par 72 Golf Course. Memberships available, visitors welcome on the Course and in the Bar. Conference & Wi-Fi facilities.
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
Coleford
4.5 mile long woodland Sculpture Trail beginning at Beechenhurst. Walk underneath a stained glass window hung high in the tree canopy and discover hidden places in the Forest. Free of charge and perfect for all ages. New pieces installed in 2021.
Hereford
HS Activities offers paintballing, laser tag, clay shooting, archery, splatmaster & air gun shooting.
Catering for individuals, birthday parties, stag/hen parties & team building/corporate events.
Lydney
15 hole Krazy Golf with a theme based on local attractions, games barn, Footpool, outdoor garden games. On site cafe or bring your own picnic.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available. AALA licensed centre for U18s including rock climbing, abseiling, raft building and caving.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.