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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: 205
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Clearwell
Fine Victorian church in the gothic style.
Mitcheldean
The medieval church of St. Michael and All Angels lies at the heart of Mitcheldean on the northern fringes of the Forest of Dean.
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.
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.
Hartpury
Parish church with Norman origins.
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.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Lydney
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access to Mallards Pike and Speech House Woods.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Nr Coleford
Whitecliff Off-Road Centre has its own private picturesque site just a mile from Coleford town centre. Whether you are looking for great a day out, a learning experience or Professional 4x4 training, we have the course to suit your needs. Our qualified instructors will guide you through the day with a relaxed, but professional attitude giving you confidence to tackle terrain you never thought possible.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
Woolaston
Parish church built in the 12 century on an earlier holy site and restored in 1859.
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.
Highnam
Highnam Church was described by John Betjeman as "The most complete Victorian Church in this country". In Simon Jenkin's book England's Thousand Best Churches, Holy Innocents was rated as #4.
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.
Ruardean
12th century parish church with commanding views over the Wye Valley.
Hoarwithy
Unusual church in an ornate Italianate style in the heart of rural Herefordshire.
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.
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