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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.
Number of results: 197
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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
Eastnor
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits of working with clay.
Penallt
Silver Circle Distillery are the producers of Wye Valley Gin and a range of small batch craft spirits which you may have come across in the Wye Valley.
Price: £20 per person
Length of experience: 45 minutes
Chepstow
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
Lords Hill, Coleford
We challenge you to not smile on an a E-Bike ride! Not only do you get to explore more of the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, you don’t have to worry about climbing off your bike and pushing it uphill when the going gets tough.
Price: £80 per person
Length of experience: 6 hours.
Symonds Yat East
Rock climbing adventure in the stunning Wye Valley. Perfect bonding activity for businesses, families and friends. Friendly, qualified instructors to help get you past the butterflies. Combine with any of our other activities for a full day of adventure.
Price: TBA
Length of experience: 3 hours
Forest of Dean
Exploring the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can come no better than a trip out with local naturalist Ed Drewitt.
Price: £125 total for a group of up to 4 people; £25 per person thereafter (up to 8 people)
Length of experience: 2 hours
Lydney Park Estate, Lydney
Always wanted to try mosaic but not sure where to start? Or maybe you're looking for a fun group experience? Then Rachel's Mosaic for Beginners workshop is perfect for you!
Price: £50 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
Cinderford
Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River Severn and on a fine day, you will be able to see Gloucester Cathedral, Newnham and the Cotswold Hills.
Longhope
Making your own Ploughman's has never been so easy! The class will be a combination of demo and hands on in groups. Recipes and tastings available.
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 3 hours
Coleford
The origins of the name "Scarr" are unknown however this hilltop just outside the village of Sling has long been the focus for local music. During the early 20thC brass band concerts were regularly held here. Recently restored, bands can once more be heard playing here during the summer months.
Newland
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Chepstow
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden is the creation of artist Gemma Kate Wood, that she has built over the last 20 years.
The garden has grown into a beautiful venue that hosts her sculpture collection and excitingly, the work of 23 other artists to create the Summer Sculpture Exhibition.
Monmouth
The nation's favourite river, flowing through some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in Britain. Find out about the Wye Valley AONB.
Lords Hill, Coleford
We challenge you to not smile on an a E-Bike ride! Not only do you get to explore more of the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, you don’t have to worry about climbing off your bike and pushing it uphill when the going gets tough.
Price: £93 Per Adult (minimum of 2) Including 2 Junior Frog Bikes
Length of experience: 6 hours.
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
Northington Lane, Awre
Experience first hand the delicious award winning ciders from Severn Cider. Understand the cider making process from the Cider Maker himself and taste a minimum of six ciders. This is a truly authentic experience and you will learn about family’s 65 year history and how the process of cider making has changed over the years.
Price: £12.50 per person (minimum of 4 in group)
Length of experience: 1 hour
Ross-on-Wye
Enjoy drinking award-winning English wine in our beautiful lakeside garden at Wythall Estate.
Coleford
Afternoon Tea at the historic Speech House is a suitably traditional affair with fine bone china, a tiered cake stand of indulgent treats, and a selection of fine teas to choose from.
If you wanted to indulge after a long walk in the forest, or pamper yourself just because, an Afternoon Tea at The Speech House in Coleford, in the glorious Forest of Dean will suit you perfectly.
Price: £17.50 per adults/£8.75 per child
Approx length of visit: 1 - 2 hours
Pillowell
Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during the annual Open Studios Event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, along the Severn and Gloucester.
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