You are here: Things To Do > Rainy Days
Worried about getting stuck inside on a rainy day? Don't be, because we have lots of great attractions and things to do to get you out of the house and experiencing a day out in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
There is the brilliantly atmospheric Clearwell Caves and the fascinating Hopewell Colliery which being inside and underground pretty much mean they are open in any weather. There's the Museum of the Forest the Dean Heritage Centre and several other museums and art galleries such as Nature in Art and Creates Gallery. There's the lovely Savoy Theatre, Monmouth to entertain all ages and The Palace Cinema in Cinderford. There are wellbeing options with Float in the Forest and a swimming pool and spa at Whitemead Forest Park. There's the Dean Forest Railway and Perrygrove Railway to enjoy taking in the Forest sights from the dry inside of a train, the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and the Forest Driving Range. There are plenty of shopping options such as Taurus Crafts with a wide range of independent traders, a garden centre and cafe, town centres to mooch around and explore as well as churches such as the Cathedral of the Forest. There are lots of indoor activities too although many will need booking in advance - from cookery classes to pottery, basket weaving to gin making, mosaics and painting. Don't forget to check out our What's On as well to see what events might be taking place too. Then take a seat at one of our many cafes, pubs and restaurants and enjoy some tasty grub and talk about how horrible the weather is!
Of course if you're hardy types you can still get the waterproofs on and get out into the woods and explore. The trees provide some shelter after all and the rain creates a magical atmosphere. The seasoned Dean Wye mountain bikers will be out getting muddy no matter what, with a bit of added slipping and sliding to spice up a ride in the Forest. And that hot chocolate in the cafe at the end will be even more well deserved. Or maybe have a look at our adventure and extreme activities many of which will still take place in the rain and in some cases the mud adds to the adventure - quad bikes or off-road driving perhaps?
We hope you have a lovely visit to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley whatever the weather!
Number of results: 63
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Clearwell
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Lydney
A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food & drink. Taurus Crafts is part of Camphill Village Trust Ltd
Coleford
A working colliery and museum set in the midst of the glorious Forest of Dean. Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer. Sink below the Forest floor for a unique adventure and take the 45-minute tour through the dark tunnels before emerging back into serene woodland. Follow it with a hot drink and bite to eat at the friendly Hopewell Cafe.
Westbury-on-Severn
Visit our stylish food hall, fish market and gift shop showcasing the best local produce, superb hampers, wonderful fish and game. Above all the finest fish and seafood counter you'll find anywhere.
Coleford
The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and plenty of personality. Pop in to find out about all the delicious local food and drink we have in the area, order online or pre-book a picnic or hamper to sample a range of local delicacies. There is a huge selection of cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, local beers, ciders, gins and wines and a host of great cooking ingredients. Fill up on supplies while you're here and don't leave the Forest without taking a little bit of it away with you!
Symonds Yat West
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has some wonderful photographic opportunities, come and see!
The Old Park, Lydney
The Studio Jewellery School is run by award winning ethical goldsmith, Anna Mcloughlin (AKA Anna Fine Jewellery) and is based at Taurus Crafts near Lydney on the edge of The Forest of Dean. The Studio is open to holidaymakers and local residents alike, and is fully kitted out with proper jewellers' benches and all the jewellery making tools you’ll need to get those creative juices flowing.
Monmouth
Creates Gallery is an independent art gallery based in the centre of Monmouth town in the Wye Valley. Specialising in original works, we source a wide variety of affordable art and investment pieces from select British and International artists. Why not come and have a browse?
Hereford
Welcome to our Reclaimed World. 15 diverse showrooms set in a former wartime munitions factory. We have created a destination like no other; a renovation resource and a celebration of days gone-by.
Lydney
Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality 'down time'.
Coleford
Unique railway with walks through beautiful woodland.
Tickets last all day - enjoy as many train rides as you like!
Indoor Village and exciting Treasure Hunt!
Cafe available. Picnics welcome.
Cinderford
Atmospheric historic cinema in the heart of the Forest in the town of Cinderford. Showing the latest releases alongside timeless classics with comfortable seating. All tickets just £4.50.
Lydney
We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients wherever possible, and we use only organic chocolate.
Clearwell
Let us take you on an adventure to remember. Deep or semi-level caving in the stunning Clearwell Caves is an experience which will make your stay in the Forest of Dean something special. Go deep under the Forest, visiting this labyrinth of over 250 acres of passageways and caverns. Walk, crawl, slither and clamber your way down to 200ft (62m) underground; you will be caving through natural and mined features. Involves some climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and good fun!
Lydney
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard Station. A heritage railway offering a Forest experience from the comfort of your carriage. Cream teas, meals and experiences available.
Coleford
Forest Driving Range is the perfect undercover and rainy day activity, with our Toptracer Screens creating fun, interactive games. Open 7 days. Equipment loan available.
Redbrook
Jewellery Designer, Chris Lewis BA Hons runs workshops in the locality enabling everyone who is interested to make their own jewellery. She also carries out repairs and general maintenance, cleaning and polishing of silver and gold pieces.
Longhope
Cookery experiences for all ages and budgets. We offer holiday activities, parties, cooking and baking classes. Bespoke experiences for family groups and friends are available. Venue hire and meeting room. Catering and private chef hire across a wide area.
It’s time to do something very different! This exclusive celebration bundle for two people comprises of three elements that amount to something very special. If you are seeking a unique experience for a celebration, be it a birthday, an anniversary event, a Christmas present, or you just simply want to spoil yourself … it’s time to do it! Three local businesses, Harts Barn Cookery School, Plump Hill Farm and The Speech House Hotel, have come together to offer you something truly unique; an exclusive event for two people.
Click here to find out more.
More offers like this - Things To Do Offers
Penallt
Humble by Nature is a working farm and rural skills centre owned by broadcaster Kate Humble, based in Penallt close to Monmouth.
Brockweir
The Brockweir and Hewelsfield village shop, cafe and conference room is community owned and staffed by volunteers. It is a traditional oak construction combined with sustainable technology and specialises in local food.
©Visit Dean Wye 2022. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.