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There is an abundance of things to do to keep our youngest visitors happy in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. You can’t come to the area without a woodland walk and whether it’s raining or the sun is shining the trees are often a great place to shelter. If you enjoy walking and need a trail to follow then the sculpture trail from Beechenhurst is a good start. Forestry England also often have seasonal trails to follow which in previous years have included the Gruffalo or Shaun the Sheep.
A hidden gem for our younger visitors is Perrygrove, with its with steam train rides that circle a children’s play fort complete with slides and lookouts as well as woodland pathways and an undercover play area that makes you feel like you have stepped into toy town. Perrygrove is opposite one of the must-go attractions in the area, Puzzlewood, with its magical mystical natural woodland pathways it is a breathtaking sight which is why it is used regularly in TV and films such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Merlin and even Tree Fu Tom.
Other attractions loved by our younger visitors include the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and aMazing Hedge Puzzle where you can play hide and seek whilst you find your way into the middle of the maze. There are many majestic castles to visit in the area too including Goodrich Castle, Raglan Castle, Chepstow Castle and Caldicot Castle and they often run events, trails and activities to follow that let your little ones' imaginations run wild.
If cycling is your thing, you can take your own or hire a bike (and child’s seat) and head out for an hour or two onto the Family Cycling Trail. You can also hire a canoe (minimum age 4) and spend a few hours gently floating down the river – keep an eye out for otters swimming along the water's edge and kingfishers flitting past.
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Coleford
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
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.
Coleford
Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular TV & film location inc Star Wars.
Ross-On-Wye
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...
Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We cater for couples, families and groups and have a range of self-guided trips for you to choose from.
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Gloucester
Hartpury University RFC is currently one of the top 24 clubs in England and has been instrumental in furthering the development of talented rugby players studying at Hartpury.
Coleford
Let us put a fabulous picnic together for you, full of homemade bakes and local treats. As we make each picnic to order we can also cater for most dietary requirements. We can even separately box cheeses so they’ll stay cold and not get squashed.
Newent
Llama Experience days within Gloucestershire in a privately owned farm with Lake and woodland.
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.
Lydney
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple site. Museums and teas. Accommodation to stay on site.
Symonds Yat
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to Symonds Yat East village.
Cinderford
Hello from the local experts in eco-tourism and wellbeing through nature connection! At Wilde Earth Journeys we believe that humans need more than ever to be better connected to the places we spend time in and to the planet. We are the go-to local experts for your perfect Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) experience here in the ancient Forest of Dean. As fully permissioned, insured and trained walk guides we offer you opportunities to slow down, find some peace, enjoy nature and be in the company of friendly, like-minded people.
Parkend
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes at competitive prices.
Coleford
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. All our activities are run by qualified and experienced instructors, who will make your experience fun, while sharing their knowledge of the activities and areas with you.
Near Coleford
The only bike hire location with direct access to the Forest of Deans's traffic-free family & mountain bike trails! The bike hire fleet includes e-bikes, a choice of premium Whyte bike models for mountain bikes or leisure trails, kids' bikes, child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Trailers for dogs are also available. We also have a cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bike wash & parking.
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!
Ross-on-Wye
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in between.
Parkend
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Usk
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.