You are here: Things To Do > Family Friendly > Young Families
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: 205
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Clearwell
Fine Victorian church in the gothic style.
Hoarwithy
Unusual church in an ornate Italianate style in the heart of rural Herefordshire.
Monmouth
Extensively rebuilt in 1737, with only the original tower and redesigned spire retained, it was considered to be too small by nineteenth century standards and underwent major renovations in 1881.
Ross-on-Wye
The church of St Mary the Virgin stands on one of the highest points in the town and the spire can be seen for many miles around; it is one of the largest churches in Herefordshire.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Lydney
15 hole Krazy Golf with a theme based on local attractions, games barn, Footpool, outdoor garden games. On site cafe or bring your own picnic.
Coleford
A site not to be missed by anyone interested in industrial archelogy - in the 19th century some of the most important developments of the iron and steel industry took place here. Woodland walks surround with two information boards and a cycle path runs nearby between Coleford and Parkend.
Kempley
One of two splendid churches in Kempley, St Edward's is architecturally interesting having been designed and constructed by local craftspeople.
Newent
St. Mary's Church has been a place of worship for almost 800 years. The 150ft spire on its 14th Century tower is a landmark for miles around.
Llantilio Crossenny
The Church of St Teilo is the parish church of Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, "An unusually grand cruciform church", with an Early English tower crossed by a Decorated chancel.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
Pontrilas
Ty Gwyn Cider - Real artisan/craft farm cider in a stunning location on the Welsh border. Visit our destination cider shop for a warm welcome and free tasting.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
Newnham
13th century. The churchyard contains a 1000 year old yew tree and under the tree, beside the church, there are graves of fishermen who drowned in the River Severn in the days of river trows.
Hartpury
Parish church with Norman origins.
Kempley
A Norman church with some very fine 12th century murals.
Penallt
13th century church standing 600 feet above the River Wye with superb views of the valley. Definitely a place to visit although it is now a long way from the centre of the modern village.
Coleford
We are a brand new cycle hire company located in the hidden gem that is the Forest of Dean. We will provide a range of leading bike brands, including 2021 E-bikes from Cube and the latest children's bikes from Frog. As well as a wide range of bikes for all ages and abilities, we will offer tag-alongs, trailers for younger children and even specific trailers for the family dog!
Eastbach (Near English Bicknor),
A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean. Here is a taster of what we offer.
©Visit Dean Wye 2024. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.