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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is ideally suited for school and youth groups with ancient history and modern activities, fun experiences and unique locations.
You'll find that many of our businesses have special resources for school trips to help make your planning even easier: Puzzlewood has learning resources for six educational topics that cover different aspects of the National Curriculum; The Dean Heritage Centre – the ‘museum of the Forest’ – has a learning catalogue for schools with a range of options; The Dean Forest Railway can run workshops, museum and signal box tours and has three educational fact sheets to cover KS1-3. Clearwell Caves, Hopewell Colliery and many other businesses offer guided tours for school groups too.
Outdoor activities include bushcraft, wildlife safaris and birdwatching tours, watersports, rock climbing and abseiling. You'll also find that a number of activities can be provided at other locations, for example bushcraft or archery can often come to you, and if staying overnight many accommodation providers can organise activities on site. You’ll also find several businesses who provide a range of activities and could put on a half-day, full day or multi-day package for you meaning less time on the coach and more time making memories and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Looking for an overnight stay? We have youth hostels in medieval castles and in idyllic locations alongside the River Wye and we have a youth campsite especially suited for school trips with direct access to the river ideal for watersports.
All of our hostels and bunkhouses can be found here.
All of our campsites can be found here.
You can also see a full list of everything there is to see and do suitable for large coaches here. This includes picturesque and free locations such as Symonds Yat Rock and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail which are also ideal for bird spotting and learning about the natural world. We have local tour guides who can provide talks too.
Number of results: 46
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Symonds Yat East
Enjoy a cruise on the River Wye through the beautiful Wye Valley from Symonds Yat East. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and relax. Dogs welcome. Group bookings with onboard catering are available.
Symonds Yat East
If this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at this exhilarating sport. And for more experienced climbers, there is plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself and develop your skills. We'll teach you how to descend a cliff using ropes, safely and in a controlled way. There are a range of abseils available, from approximately 30ft - 85ft - remember to try and enjoy the beautiful views on the way down!
Price: £46 per adult, £37 per child
Length of experience: Half day
Coleford
You will marvel at the underground rock formations and become charged with pride as you beat the underground challenges, you will also discover the fascinating history of the area you are caving in. Your instructors are keen cavers, with a wealth of experience. A very rewarding experience with a fantastic sense of achievement, building up your skills during the day and beginners are very welcome on this underground trip of discovery.
Price: Contact us for details
Length of experience: 3 to 5 hours
Parkend
Nagshead is an RSPB Nature Reserve, the largest in the Forest of Dean. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with woodland walks, ponds and hides. In spring watch for pied flycatchers and buzzards. In winter look for crossbills and hawfinches.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.