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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 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!
Number of results: 127
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Parkend
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Ross-on-Wye
With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, we are in the perfect location for you to begin your water-sports adventure!
Cinderford
We are a Art and craft Gallery in the heart of Cinderford, the high point of the forest of Dean. We have regular exhibitions from local artists and makers along with classes and displays as part of events in the town.
Cinderford
Atmospheric historic cinema in the heart of the Forest in the town of Cinderford. Showing the latest releases alongside timeless classics with comfortable seating. All tickets just £4.50.
Clearwell
Let us take you on an adventure to remember. Deep or semi-level caving in the stunning Clearwell Caves is an experience which will make your stay in the Forest of Dean something special. Go deep under the Forest, visiting this labyrinth of over 250 acres of passageways and caverns. Walk, crawl, slither and clamber your way down to 200ft (62m) underground; you will be caving through natural and mined features. Involves some climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and good fun!
Ross-on-Wye
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading canoe hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the Canoe Hire business on the River Wye.
Ross-On-Wye
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...
Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We cater for couples, families and groups and have a range of self-guided trips for you to choose from.
Symonds Yat West
Canoe Hire in the Wye Valley based at Symonds Yat.
We cater for family days out, couples looking for an adventure, groups of friends having fun, corporate team building and even 4 day expedition holidays.
Starting from £60 for 2 people.
Hereford
Hereford Cathedral is home to a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years and welcomes thousands of tourists and pilgrims annually.
Elton
3 Giant maize mazes with hidden objectives to find. Do the Quiz or climb look out towers. OK for pushchairs & all ages. Picnic site, snacks and games area. Great for Birthday treats and parties. BBQ.
Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst
If you want to get your blood pumping a little more, then you're in luck! Nestled deep within the Forest are some of the best high outdoor activities.
Monmouth
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands.
Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Lydney
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard Station. A heritage railway offering a Forest experience from the comfort of your carriage. Cream teas, meals and experiences available.
Lydney
Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality 'down time'.
Coleford
Unique railway with walks through beautiful woodland.
Tickets last all day - enjoy as many train rides as you like!
Indoor Village and exciting Treasure Hunt!
Cafe is available. Picnics welcome.
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Near Lydbrook
A Forest car park with vast walks, a picnic site, pond with waterlilies and an area steeped in the heritage of mining with old railway lines and bridges and a new mining memorial installed in 2022. Off-road cycling trails and access to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Chepstow
Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From Wintour's Leap take in a horseshoe bend of the Wye, walk down the cliffs to the historic village of Lancaut, through the Nature Reserve and back up the other side.
Cinderford
Are you looking for some sporting activities in the Forest of Dean? Somewhere to work up a sweat or splash around with your friends in a swimming pool? Freedom Leisure Cinderford has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness classes, swimming, squash and tennis.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.