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Worried about getting stuck inside on a rainy day? Don't be! 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.
If you're looking to keep dry and stay away from the rain, there's plenty that can be done indoors! Firstly, how about the brilliantly atmospheric Clearwell Caves, or the fascinating Hopewell Colliery? Being underground is a great way to escape the rain! Or, if you'd prefer to stay above ground, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to several museums and art galleries, including Dean Heritage Centre and Nature in Art, as well as The Palace Cinema in Cinderford for a more relaxed indoor activity. Or, to take the relaxation up a notch, why not try out Float in the Forest, or head to the swimming pool and spa at Whitemead Forest Park? If you still want to explore the Forest, Dean Forest Railway and Perrygrove Railway enable you to take in the sights while remaining nice and dry inside a cosy train!
There are also plenty of shopping options, including Taurus Crafts, which has a wide range of independent traders, a garden centre, and a cafe, as well as town centres to mooch around, dipping in and out of the rain. If you're up for more of an organised activity, there are lots of indoor activities to choose from, although many will need booking in advance; from cookery classes to pottery and basket weaving, and from gin making to mosaics and painting, there's sure to be something that takes your fancy! It's also worth checking out What's On page as well, so you can make sure you're not missing anything! Finally, once you've worked up an appetite sheltering from the rain, you can take a seat at one of our many cafes, pubs and restaurants, enjoy some tasty grub, and talk about how horrible the weather is!
Of course, if you don't mind getting a bit wet, you can get the waterproofs on and get out into the woods to explore! After all, the trees provide some shelter, and the rain creates a magical atmosphere. It is likely that 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, if you're after a bit of adrenaline, why not have a look at our adventure and extreme activities, many of which will still take place in the rain? In some cases, the mud even adds to the adventure - quad bikes or off-road driving perhaps?
However you choose to spend your rainy day, we hope you have a lovely visit to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, regardless of the weather!
Number of results: 58
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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!
Longhope
The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and beyond.
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
Ross-on-Wye
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
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.
Coleford
This working colliery is an unmissable experience 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.
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.
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!
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.
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'.
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!
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.
Whitecroft
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
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.
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
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 is available. Picnics welcome.
Newent
A traditional, friendly family business in the centre of Newent selling sporting goods, a good selection of swimwear and equipment, club kits, ballet and dance wear.
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.
Twigworth
Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Displays embrace two and three-dimensional work in all mediums and styles, spanning 1500 years, 60 countries and over 600 artists.
Ross-on-Wye
Truffles Deli is a foodie haven for young and old alike in the centre of beautiful Ross-on-Wye. Stocking everything a deli should and more, you'll find a vast cheese counter, salamies, quiches and pies, olives, cakes, snacks and drinks in abundance. Explore the best local produce and foods from around the world. You can buy also buy food and drinks to take away including soups, salads, sandwiches, teas and coffees.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.