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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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Ross-on-Wye
Standing in scenic countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it promises a great day out for all the family.
Symonds Yat East
Abseil from up to 90 feet high cliffs. Thrilling activity for adventure seekers. Stunning locations in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean border area.
Qualified and experienced instructors.
Price: TBA
Length of experience: 3 hours
Brockhampton
A picture postcard rural Herefordshire village with impressive arts and crafts church
Longhope
Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.
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.
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.
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
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.
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.
The St Briavels parish curch of St Mary is situated directly in front of the the Norman castle.
Newnham
Ultimate Outdoor Laser Tag - just like paintball but without the bruises!
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.
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.
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.
Hoarwithy
Unusual church in an ornate Italianate style in the heart of rural Herefordshire.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
Woolaston
Parish church built in the 12 century on an earlier holy site and restored in 1859.
Kempley
One of two splendid churches in Kempley, St Edward's is architecturally interesting having been designed and constructed by local craftspeople.
Cinderford
A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
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.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.