Full of great views and walks, the Forest of Dean also offers much more from mountain bike hire and paintball, to steam railways and cave exploration.
It’s pretty unusual on a group holiday that everyone wants to do the same things, especially if you have a multi-generational group. Some of you will revel in the beauty of the surroundings and the opportunity to spend time together; some of you may simply want to stroll down to the pub or wander alongside the river. For those of you who like to get out and do something energetic, the choices are endless and so convenient. Check out the links below.
Forest of Dean
Pedalabikeaway
Pedalabikeaway is in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean. Bike hire, cafe and workshop we have everything for the forest day out with friends and family.
Adventure Tower & Ropes
The climbing tower is an exciting way to let off steam! Based at Beechenhurst, a great location for a day out with the family. Come and Pay & Play. The ropes course is an adrenalin rush suitable for everyone aged 8 upwards.
All Saints Church – Newland – The Cathedral Of The Forest
All Saints Church, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200’s. King John appointed Robert of Wakering as first Rector in 1216. This historic church is home to the Miners Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Aunt Marthas Victorian Tea-Rooms
Step back in time and enjoy the atmosphere at Aunt Martha’s Victorian Tea-rooms and gardens. Discover how your ancestors lived over 100 years ago without the benefits of electricity.
Bigsweir Fishery
Salmon Fishing in the Wye. Situated right opposite The Florence – 9 beats – Booking essential – call for details.
Dean Forest Cycles
Situated in Parkend only a few hundred meters from the traffic free family cycle trail. We offer high quality mountain and trail bikes along with children’s bikes, trailers, tow-alongs and baby seats. All available to hire at competitive prices. We have a welcoming café serving drinks and light snacks.
Dean Heritage Centre
Five modern museum galleries; Busy programme of events; Authentically recreated Victorian Forester’s cottage; Characters from the Forest’s history; Five acres of woodland; Millpond and working millwheel; Garden with Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, ferrets and chickens.
Elton Farm Giant Maize Mazes
3 maize mazes hiding the Nation’s favourite Cartoon & Animated Heroes. Trivia quiz, look out towers & hidden objects. Suitable for pushchairs & all ages. Picnic site, snacks and games area. Great for Birthday and Works parties with BBQ.
Forest Adventure
Our activities provide a base for promoting Self-esteem, Co-operation & Teamwork with experienced instructors. Rock activities, Canoe & Kayak river adventures. Cave & overnight cave experience. Archery, Mountain biking, Bivouac weekends and more.
Forest Hills Golf Club
Super Greens & challenging holes for players of every level. 6300 yard par 72 Golf Course. Memberships available, visitors welcome on the Course and in the Bar. Conference & Wi-Fi facilities.
Forest Leisure Coleford
Conveniently situated just outside Coleford. Facilities include swimming pool, tennis, squash, gymnasium and sports hall. Plenty of Free Car Parking.
Forest of Dean Mountain Bike Guides
We offer professional guided mountain bike rides on the fantastic trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. We cater for all levels from gentle fun family rides to the more extreme routes that the area is famous for.
Forest Of Dean School Of Photography
Fun, photographic training and safari’s in the heart of the forest with a pro photographer David Broadbent for any skill level. Improve your general skill level on hone one area – it’s up to you.
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure
Every year, nearly half a million people Go Ape in the most awe-inspiring locations. So whatever your ability, join us if you fancy taking on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders & more.
Harts Barn Cookery School
The School runs hands-on cooking courses, demos, seasonal events and themed cook and dine evenings. It also offers; regular cooking clubs, after-school clubs and holiday activities and themed parties for children and adults. Membership packages are available for year-round discounts.
Mary Rose Young Pottery
Mary Rose Young makes her distinctive pottery at her studio in the Forest of Dean. Visit her gallery above the studio, you may even be joined by celebrity collectors like Mika, Lily Allen, Steven Tyler, Demi Moore and Ozzy Osborne.
Great Escape Flying Club
Flying lessons over the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Fly with our qualified instructors in our flexiwing Microlight with open-air cockpits! Trial lessons start from just £60!
Puzzlewood
A magical day out in the Forest of Dean. Set in 14 acres of ancient woodland. There are seven elusive features to find as you wander around. JRR Tolkien was a frequent visitor to the Forest of Dean and many believe Puzzlewood was the inspiration for the fabled forests of Middle Earth contained within The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
RFOD Angling Club
Excellent sport on 7 waters, Steam Mills, Lightmoor, Meadowcliff, Waterloo Screens, Marians Pool, Plump Hill (Good for children, small and not so small) and a stretch of the Avon. We also now have a stretch of the Wye at Lower Lydbrook. Check out the website for more information.
Way2go Adventures
Get Up, Get Out, Get Active. Join one of our qualified Guides/coaches for Canoe or Kayak experience on the River Wye. Other activities include: Sea Kayaking, Raft Building, Nordic Walking, and BCU Courses. We welcome Families, Stag/Hen parties, Schools/Youth group and corporate events.
Whitecliff Off Road Centre Ltd
Off-road training, gift experience days, corporate, stag/hen events. Full or half day courses. Chauffeured rides for all the family. Owner driver courses. Gift Vouchers available. Must ring first to book.
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
Family run centre. All levels catered for. Qualified instructors. Expert tuition. Canoe & Kayak hire. Team Building. Corporate Days. We cater for adults and children.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
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!
Wye Valley Miniature Golf
Play this new twelve hole miniature 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.
Lydney
Dean Forest Railway
A magical 9 mile trip through the medieval forest to Parkend with steam trains and some heritage diesel services. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at the station. Pay once – ride all day!
Elton Carp Lake
Our lake has some carp over 20lb (ghost carp and some barbel) but is still suitable for the beginner. Open for day tickets to everyone. Easy access around the lake by car if required. The lakes are a lovely place to visit for a days fishing. £7 a day for two rods and £5 for concessions.
Freedom Leisure Lydney
Situated in Lydney, The Forest of Deans largest Fitness Centre. Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sports hall, fitness suite, tennis & squash. Ample Free Car Parking.
Lydney Park Spring Gardens-Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens. Important Roman Temples Site. Museums and teas.
Redhill Extreme
Mountain biking & boarding centre, tracks and jumps. Boarders – tuition, hire and ride. Minimum age 8 yrs.
Taurus Crafts
Vibrant art and craft centre with art studios. Craft units. Working pottery. Design led gift shop. Organic delicatessen. Licensed wholefood restaurant. Function room. Programme of activities & art exhibitions.
Cinderford
BattleSports Glos
Outdoor Laser Combat Missions on Multi-Acre Battlefield. Latest technology replica weapons. High adrenaline yet pain free (no projectiles). 1 hour to all day missions. Families (age7+), Adult Groups, Birthdays, Stag/Hen, Corporate, Mobile. Open all year. Separate Airsoft Campaigns.
Chessgrove Shooting School
Chessgrove Shooting School provides shooting tuition for novices or regular shooters. We cater for stag, hen and birthday parties. Come and visit us for a fun morning or afternoon’s clay shooting whatever your ability.
Cinderford Rugby Club
Cinderford RFC is in the top 40 Rugby clubs in the UK. Come watch and let us entertain you and cheer along with the 100s of home crowd supporters, whilst enjoying a view of the Forest of Dean from pitchside.
Country Garden Centre & Peppers Cafe
The area’s leading centre. Set in picturesque countryside with a beautiful planteria stocked with rare, unusual & specimen plants. To inspire, view our show beds, borders, waterfalls & ponds. Peppers cafe on site offering refreshments, snacks & hot meals.
Crooked End Farm
At our family run farm we’re passionate about raising good, honest, organic food. Our on site shop features our eggs, lamb, pork & bacon, great sausages, delicious fruit and vegetables in season and selected local produce.
Dick Whittington Farm Park
Award winning farm park. Indoor play barn and outdoor activity zone. Farm animals, pets, aquarium and ant rooms. Dick Whittington Exhibition, tractor and trailer rides. Excellent for families with toddlers to 10 year olds.
Forest Leisure Cinderford
The Leisure Centre is conveniently situated in Cinderford and benefits from free car parking. Facilities include swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium & squash courts. The site is also home to Splinters youth centre and the fantastic Forest Fitness Centre which specialises in rehabilitation programmes.
Littledean Jail
This former house of correction, police station and courthouse is proud to be a most unorthodox, historical visitor attraction. Home of the infamous CRIME THROUGH TIME MUSEUM and the largest collection of QUADROPHENIA memorabilia. Not suitable for the easily offended or under 18s.
Palace Cinema
Friendly, independent cinema, one of the oldest in the country, is open 7 days per week; We have two screens with Dolby Digital projectors showing the latest films, plus a few golden oldies.
Ripping Yarns
Knitting, beading and sewing supplies in a lovely old style store. Browsers always welcome. Car Park opposite shop. Town centre location tucked in behind the cinema.
Smarts Traditional Cheesemaking
Hand made cheese making can be seen Tuesdays and Thursdays. Home cured bacon and hand made sausages including gluten free also available.
Clearwell
Clearwell Caves – Adventure
We take small groups deeper underground to explore parts of the 600 acres of workings beyond the public area; involves simple climbing, crawling, getting dirty, and oh yes – great fun too! Youth groups, schools and educational visits a speciality.
Missfire
Artist-Designer-Blacksmith. Creates unique works in steel for the home and garden. Hand crafted to your specification. Commissions welcome, large & small. Open daily, 10 – 5.