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Unique experiences abound in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
From outdoor adventures to creative activities, guided tours to heart pumping thrills, we have it all. There's rock climbing and off-road driving, archery and paintballing, stand-up paddleboarding and gorge scrambling. Or why not enjoy a distillery tour or wine tasting, cookery class or photography workshop or sample some of our nature and wildlife based experiences such as a wildlife safari or llama trekking. There are arts and crafts experiences aplenty too including pottery, mosaic making, floristry, print making, willow weaving and clay modelling. We have underground mine tours and caving, canoeing, mountain biking lessons and cycling tours too. There's relaxing wellbeing too including floatation and forest bathing!
We bet you didn't know there was so much to do here. This is the place to try something new and have an experience you will never forget!
Number of results: 56
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Coleford
Let us put a fabulous picnic together for you, full of homemade bakes and local treats. As we make each picnic to order we can also cater for most dietary requirements. We can even separately box cheeses so they’ll stay cold and not get squashed.
Gloucester
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous and unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour and texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on stocking specialist plants that are rarely found in a conventional garden centre.
Coleford
Our Tasting Corner is open on selected Saturdays from 2pm – 5pm when for £10 per person you can come and enjoy a Forest Deli cheese board featuring three specially selected cheeses served with crackers and chutney, matched with a local beer flight (3 x 1/3’ds), or your choice of a local beer, cider, mead, a glass of local wine or a soft drink.
Gloucester
The prestigious Hartpury Equine Centre plays host to a number of affiliated and unaffiliated shows and events throughout the year as well as various public lectures and demonstrations. All event schedules, results, and further information can be found on the Hartpury Equine Events website.
Whitecroft
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Speech House Road, Coleford
Experience a world beneath the Forest - see and hear what it’s like to work in the mines beneath the Forest of Dean and toil to win the minerals from the earth! Don a hard hat and learn about the history of mining from a true Forest freeminer.
Price: Adults £10, Child £8, Family discounts
Length of experience: 45 to 60 minutes
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
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
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
Lords Hill, Coleford
We challenge you to not smile on an a E-Bike ride! Not only do you get to explore more of the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, you don’t have to worry about climbing off your bike and pushing it uphill when the going gets tough.
Price: £80 per person
Length of experience: 6 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
Eastnor
Super fun and themed hand modelling ‘makes’ for kids and grown-ups. Projects change every three months providing a unique and creative activity for families in the school holidays – including half-term. Price includes tuition, materials and firing.
Price: £20 per person
Length of experience: 1½ hours
Whitecroft
Floatation is the ultimate relaxation. Your own private room with a beautiful, state-of-the-art float pod. A luxurious shower complete with natural toiletries and big fluffy towels. The warm salty water in the float pod supports your muscles and calms your mind. Emerge slowly, take your time, and relax in the relaxation lounge while you enjoy your choice of organic herbal tea.
Price: £60 per person
Length of experience: 2 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
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
Northington Lane, Awre
Experience first hand the delicious award winning ciders from Severn Cider. Understand the cider making process from the Cider Maker himself and taste a minimum of six ciders. This is a truly authentic experience and you will learn about family’s 65 year history and how the process of cider making has changed over the years.
Price: £12.50 per person (minimum of 4 in group)
Length of experience: 1 hour
Littledean Road, Newnham
The perfect alternative to paintball, with adrenaline-pumping games and missions in a beautiful rural location in the Forest of Dean, without the need for sweaty face masks and of course no bruises!
Price: £20 per person
Length of experience: 2 hours
Longhope
Let us bring the restaurant to you! Dining in is the new going out. Our Hire a Chef service is perfect for dining if you are staying in self-catering, your own home or visiting elsewhere in the Forest of Dean. From a romantic meal for 2 to a full blown party celebration. We have catered for birthday celebrations, anniversary, friends get together, engagements, wedding and more.
Price: Available on request
Length of experience: Flexible to your requirements
Symonds Yat East
If this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at this exhilarating sport. And for more experienced climbers, there is plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself and develop your skills. We'll teach you how to descend a cliff using ropes, safely and in a controlled way. There are a range of abseils available, from approximately 30ft - 85ft - remember to try and enjoy the beautiful views on the way down!
Price: £46 per adult, £37 per child
Length of experience: Half day
Coleford
Explore the magical Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean and finish off your adventure with a cream tea.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.