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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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Kempley
A Norman church with some very fine 12th century murals.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
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.
Blakeney
A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area
Clearwell
Fine Victorian church in the gothic style.
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.
Kempley
One of two splendid churches in Kempley, St Edward's is architecturally interesting having been designed and constructed by local craftspeople.
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.
Kilpeck
Home to the finest collection of Romanesque sculpture in England. It was built in about 1140 and has survived remarkably intact and unaltered to the present day.
Hartpury
Parish church with Norman origins.
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.
Brockhampton
A picture postcard rural Herefordshire village with impressive arts and crafts church
Woolaston
Parish church built in the 12 century on an earlier holy site and restored in 1859.
A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close to the Offa's Dyke Path and the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint.
Longhope
The award-winning Forest Bakehouse is a cooperative bakery based in the village of Longhope, in the beautiful Forest of Dean. Our main focus is creating highly nutritious bread and pastries using locally milled organic flour, free from any unnecessary ingredients or additives.
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.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
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