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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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Near Coleford
The only bike hire location with direct access to the Forest of Deans's traffic-free family & mountain bike trails! The bike hire fleet includes e-bikes, a choice of premium Whyte bike models for mountain bikes or leisure trails, kids' bikes, child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Trailers for dogs are also available. We also have a cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bike wash & parking.
Symonds Yat West
A twelve hole miniature golf course amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Will you beat par? Half price admission with ticket holders for aMazing Hedge Puzzle or Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo which are alongside at the Wye Valley Visitor Centre.
Ross-on-Wye
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in between.
Symonds Yat West
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has some wonderful photographic opportunities, come and see!
Gloucester
Hartpury University RFC is currently one of the top 24 clubs in England and has been instrumental in furthering the development of talented rugby players studying at Hartpury.
Longhope
The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and beyond.
Symonds Yat West
This traditional hedge maze is great fun for everyone. Find your way to the Temple at the centre, play hide 'n seek and tag! There is a puzzle shop and a fascinating museum of mazes. Alongside the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and Wye Valley Miniature Golf at Symonds Yat West.
Coleford
The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and plenty of personality. Pop in to find out about all the delicious local food and drink we have in the area, order online or pre-book a picnic or hamper to sample a range of local delicacies. There is a huge selection of cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, local beers, ciders, gins and wines and a host of great cooking ingredients. Fill up on supplies while you're here and don't leave the Forest without taking a little bit of it away with you!
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.
Parkend
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes at competitive prices.
Symonds Yat
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to Symonds Yat East village.
Lydney
A vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts, enjoy local food & drink. Taurus Crafts is part of Camphill Village Trust Ltd
Coleford
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. All our activities are run by qualified and experienced instructors, who will make your experience fun, while sharing their knowledge of the activities and areas with you.
Clearwell
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Lydney
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora and locally themed elements. It’s a great activity that all the family can enjoy together.
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.
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.
Lydney
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple site. Museums and teas. Accommodation to stay on site.
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
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.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.