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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a fantastic place for families! There's lots to do for all ages, and there's plenty which can be done together; plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy, and most importantly for many families, plenty of opportunity to reconnect with each other, and to enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple forest or riverside walk is the perfect start to any trip to the area, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is also home to many attractions and activities that can take getting back to nature to another level. From ancient castles to steam train rides, and canoeing to cave exploring, we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages, even those tweens and teens who are a little bit...Read More
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a fantastic place for families! There's lots to do for all ages, and there's plenty which can be done together; plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy, and most importantly for many families, plenty of opportunity to reconnect with each other, and to enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple forest or riverside walk is the perfect start to any trip to the area, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is also home to many attractions and activities that can take getting back to nature to another level. From ancient castles to steam train rides, and canoeing to cave exploring, we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages, even those tweens and teens who are a little bit harder to please!
Lose yourself in a different world at magical Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze. Get on the right track aboard a Perrygrove Railway train, or visit the Dean Forest Railway for a steam train ride through the Forest of Dean. Step back in time and learn about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre. Get out on the water with canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, or fly through the trees on a high ropes experience! Get up close with birds of prey, hire bikes and head out along our miles of off-road tracks, book an archery class, or try rock climbing. Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise along the Wye; keep an eye out for jumping trout, kingfishers, otters, and swans as you sit back, relax, and let the towering, limestone gorge scenery drift by.
Here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, there is so much for families to see and do that you just might want to stay a little longer to fit more in!
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Eastnor
Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘I’ve always wanted to do’ activities. This fun session offers the opportunity to do just that! Perfect for individuals, couples and small groups wanting to get creative with clay.
Price: £60 per person.
Length of experience: 1.5 hours.
Forest of Dean
Exploring the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can come no better than a trip out with local naturalist Ed Drewitt.
Price: £125 total for a group of up to 4 people; £25 per person thereafter (up to 8 people)
Length of experience: 2 hours
Chepstow
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden is the creation of artist Gemma Kate Wood, that she has built over the last 20 years.
The garden has grown into a beautiful venue that hosts her sculpture collection and excitingly, the work of 23 other artists to create the Summer Sculpture Exhibition.
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
Parkend
Enjoy a taste of mountain biking with our friendly experienced guides. These sessions are individually tailored to each family, to ensure all have a wonderful cycling experience to remember. No need to be an experienced rider or even own your own bike to take advantage and enjoy this taste of mountain biking!
Price: £160 per family of 4
Length of experience: 3 hours
Longhope
During this class you will be taken on a forage, by Rob Gould, a Cotswold Forager. You will explore the hedgerows, woods and fields around Harts Barn Cookery School. What you will find depends on the seasons. Wild Garlic in spring, nuts, berries and mushrooms in autumn, but there is always something to make a feast from. You will then return to the cookery school to sort through your foragings and create a feast to dine on – a challenge based on what we find.
Price: £95 per person
Length of experience: 5 hours
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.
Coleford
Activities include Climbing, Canoe & Kayak adventures. Cave experiences. Archery, Bivouac weekends and more. Experienced and Qualified instructors.
Ross-on-Wye
Truffles Deli is a foodie haven for young and old alike in the centre of beautiful Ross-on-Wye. Stocking everything a deli should and more, you'll find a vast cheese counter, salamies, quiches and pies, olives, cakes, snacks and drinks in abundance. Explore the best local produce and foods from around the world. You can buy also buy food and drinks to take away including soups, salads, sandwiches, teas and coffees.
Pillowell
Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during the annual Open Studios Event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, along the Severn and Gloucester.
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.
Lydney
Riverside walks, sculptures, great for birdwatching, sunsets and steeped in history, Lydney Harbour is well worth visiting as a place of beauty but also to see the power and force of the River Severn and its estuary which has the second highest tidal range in the world. Now with a new modern takeaway cafe.
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
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!
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.
Longhope
Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Newnham
We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Direst of Dean in the attractive Severnside village of Newnham on Severn. After a fundraising campaign which started in 2018, our historic building was secured by the community in 2021 and has undergone an extensive and sympathetic renovation to provide a mixed-use hub for local people (and visitors) to enjoy.
Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
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.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.
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