Discover Our Wild Experiences in The Forest of Dean

With its thick woodland, wide open spaces and majestic rivers, the Forest of Dean attracts thrill-seekers every day of the year. We’ve daring pursuits for all adventurers - big and small. Simply pack your sense of fun and buckle up for a truly wild experience:

Download our new Get Out Get Active in the Forest of Dean itinerary as an A4 PDF

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Our Get Out, Get Active in the Forest of Dean Itinerary includes:

Saddle up for adventure with Dean Forest Cycles

Use pedal power to explore the Forest of Dean’s network of amazing bike trails without breaking a sweat, thanks to Dean Forest Cycles. They stock an impressive range of adult and children’s ebikes, mountain, gravel and road bikes from brands including Marin, Ghost and Scott. All of which you can pick up from the Dean Forest Cycles HQ in Parkend or have delivered. You get full tuition and safety equipment, a Guided E-Bike Tour of the Forest of Dean and can hire for a full day or longer and even hire with a pre-packed picnic.

Afterwards, refuel at: Dean Forest Cycles’ cafe and ice-cream shack, which serves delicious hot and cold food freshly-made onsite every day. A great pitstop after biking the family cycle tracks.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Suitable: All ages and abilities 

Hold on tight for high rope thrills with Go Ape

See the forest from a different angle with the ultimate high ropes adventure experience. With the help of a qualified instructor, you’ll swing, climb, leap and zip around a treetop course with Go Ape. Choose from two locations in the Forest of Dean.
The two-hour fun fest at Mallards Pike offers those aged 10+ a series of crossings, obstacles and zipwires. Safely clipped in, you'll traverse a course that reaches up to 15 metres above the forest floor.
Mini Tarzans don't have to miss out on the fun as there is a junior course nearby at Beechenhurst where there's no lower age limit but participants have to be at least one metre tall. 
Bring a head for heights and a reasonable level of fitness. For low-level forest thrills try their Segway experience for a fun expert-led journey through the forest.

Afterwards, refuel at: Sixteen Community Cafe, a social enterprise, not-for-profit cafe with a friendly welcome and team vibe. There’s a great menu of fresh meals made from local ingredients including tasty veggie, vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Suitable: All ages, minimum height 1 metre

Rev your engine for a 4X4 splashdown with Whitecliff 4x4

With its own adventure site just a mile from Coleford town centre, Whitecliff 4x4 offers drivers heart-thumping off-road experiences - with half day or full day options including the 4x4 Introduction Experience. Sat behind the wheel of a Land Rover 4x4 you’ll cross flat slippery surfaces, plough through mud and water, and traverse moderate and steep inclines and declines. Choose from adrenaline sessions for a thrilling day out or a professional learning experience that’ll equip you with skills to tackle obstacles you never thought possible. Owner-drivers can book into the 4X4 Owner Driver one-to-one course to discover how their 4X4 performs off-road, whilst junior enthusiasts can get stuck in on the brilliant 4X4 Junior Experience. Even those too little to get behind the wheel can enjoy a 4X4 Passenger Ride.

Afterwards, refuel at: The Ostrich Inn, a 13th century country pub in the nearby village of Newland that’s well known for its wide range of real ales and home-cooked food. Plus, there’s a large beer garden ideal for chilling out in after your adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Suitable: Adults and children aged 14 and up

Set your sights on sharp shooting laser fun with Dean Laser Clay

Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting is a high-tech day out that’ll go with an environmentally-friendly bang. It’s just like a real-life shooting party, but without the live ammunition, the dramatic recoil or the ear-splitting noise. You hold a real, but deactivated, shotgun that’s been fitted with invisible infrared beams and fire at special reusable clays. There’s a realistic ‘bang’ and hits are scored on the digital board. Run by Dean Laser Clay, this is a 100% safe shooting showdown where you can fire alongside your friends or family (unlike traditional clay pigeon shooting) and have a blast of a day out. Held at Elton Farm in the Forest of Dean; sessions last 1.5 hours.

Refuel at: One of the nearby cafe or pubs, or pack a picnic from a local deli to enjoy on the banks of the River Severn at Newnham on Severn.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Suitable: Adults and children aged 10 and up

Battle it out in laser tag with BattleSports Glos

Outdoor Laser Tag by BattleSports Glos is an immersive real-life combat activity that’ll have you diving for cover, hiding out in woodland and capturing enemy bases. Perfect for gamers it mimics the playing highs of shoot-em-ups on a purpose-built outdoor battlefield. You’re equipped with the latest laser tag weapons (with instant audio, visual and Rumbleforce feedback, a red-dot scope and a full colour screen) and split into two teams. All you have to do next is win - whatever the cost. It’s totally safe, suitable for all ages and comes with a range of missions to choose from, including Battle Royale, Supply Drop, VIP and King of the Hill.

Refuel at: Why not pre-order a picnic from one of the local farm shops or delis and eat on site while enjoying panoramic views of the River Severn.

Difficulty: Easy
Suitable: All ages and abilities

Go deep with a Forest Adventure caving Experience

Ever wondered if you could master your fears and conquer the blackness and depths of hidden caverns and curious caves? Forest Adventure makes it possible with a day’s caving underneath the Forest of Dean. Hard hat and head torch on, then off you go with professional caving instructors to explore fascinating rock formations that many people never see. You’ll go at your own pace and level, climbing and scrambling through entrances and exits deep underground. Then, when you emerge back into the light, you’ll be glowing with pride armed with a new set of caving skills. Should you want to keep your feet firmly above ground, why not try archery or bushcraft.

Afterwards, refuel at: Foresters Bar & Restaurant, a light and bright onsite dining complex with large play area found on the popular holiday site, Whitemead Forest Park. Serving light bites and main meals, as well as handmade cakes and barista coffee, eating here will be a big change from being underground. 

Difficulty: Challenging

High-tech golfing at the Forest Driving Range

It's endlessly satisfying to thwack golf balls into the distance, but even better at the Forest Driving Range on the outskirts of Coleford where the technology to improve your aim makes it easier than ever. Toptracer delivers the same ball-tracking visuals that you see on TV, with games and challenges plus the chance to play a virtual nine or 18 holes on some of the world's best courses. Perfect for wet weather, it's great fun for all ages and you can just keep swinging to your heart's content with prices starting from just £3.

Afterwards, refuel at: The Butchers Arms in nearby Clearwell, one of the oldest pubs in the Forest of Dean.

Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: All Ages