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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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Chepstow
Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.
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
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
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
Lydney Park Estate, Lydney
Design and make a colourful and charming mini mosaic to hang in your home, whilst enjoying some tea and sweet treats. The perfect combination – plenty of craft and of course lashings of cake!
Price: £48 per person
Length of experience: 3 hours
Parkend
Enjoy a relaxing day of cycling in the Forest of Dean on our superb electric bikes. Our e-bikes offer you the chance to cycle effortlessly (regardless of hills) to find the best viewpoints and beauty spots. Simply roll out your blanket, relax, and enjoy your freshly prepared sandwiches and scones, and maybe even treat yourselves to Prosecco.
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 6 hours
Llandogo
A stunning section of the Wye Valley Walk high above the River Wye with some of the most impressive views along the Wye Valley. The thundering Cleddon Falls are the biggest in the area and the Duchess Ride Viewpoint is one of the best.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Longhope
Join Harts Barn Cookery School for some quality family time! Bring the family together and spend the morning cooking delicious dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Learn new skills, teach your children some essential life skills and enjoy the great company and venue. You will prepare and cook a 3-course meal and then enjoy eating your creations together in the Apple Barn dining venue adjacent to the cookery school.
Price: £40 per person
Length of experience: 3 hours
Ross-On-Wye
Learn SUP skills with our coaches. Dive into the tranquillity of SUP Yoga. Glide down the Wye kingfisher spotting. Get a buzz on a white-water adventure. Immerse yourself in a wilderness escape.
A nature reserve and lake in the heart of the Forest of Dean which is home to a wide range of plants and animals, many miles of footpaths and open forest views. The heathlands nearby offer open grazing for cattle and ponies.
Symonds Yat East
Enjoy a cruise on the River Wye through the beautiful Wye Valley from Symonds Yat East. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and relax. Dogs welcome. Group bookings with onboard catering are available.
Ruardean Hill
The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed in the local collieries. The beacon was built in 2002 and is lit to commemorate important occasions. This was followed by the statue of a crouching miner installed in 2008 and the memorial in 2017. Together they represent a striking feature on the hill.
Kentchurch
Whether you just want a go on the Quad Bikes, Go Karts, 4x4, Paintball or Clay Pigeons, you have a Stag weekend or Hen Weekend to organise, a Children's Party or an important Corporate Event we can tailor an events to suit you.
Hereford
Viking Games in the Herefordshire hills
Upper Meend Farm, Penallt
Create your own unique gin recipe, distil it and take it home with one of our ‘Make your own gin’ experiences! Sessions are held in the tasting room at our distillery in Catbrook, Monmouthshire.
Price: £110 for one person or £140 for two people
Length of experience: 2½ hours
Ross-on-Wye
Enjoy drinking award-winning English wine in our beautiful lakeside garden at Wythall Estate.
Near Coleford
This experience is a great way to explore the Forest of Dean for the adventurous family! A family mountain bike activity dedicated to your family needs. Choose what date you want, what you want to see and learn and we will do the rest! Come and explore the beautiful Forest of Dean by mountain bikes, learning some new skills on the way.
Price: £135 per family
Length of experience: 3 hours minimum
Monmouth
Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers stand-up paddleboard experiences! Suitable for all ages and all abilities, you can explore the River Wye on a single paddleboard or/and try our mega-SUP, which can accommodate up to eight people - cue endless fun and games for families, groups, hens and stags trying to paddle together!
Price: £36 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
Tintern
Yoga and wellbeing retreats in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. We offer day and weekend retreats at our base above Tintern scheduled throughout the year and we can also arrange bespoke retreats for your group based on your needs including coming to you. Yoga classes and wellbeing experiences and Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) available also.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.