So, you've managed to get the whole family together for a big holiday—toddlers, grandparents, and, of course, the hardest-to-please group of them all: the teenagers. You’ve picked the perfect spot: a gorgeous holiday home nestled right in the middle of the Wye Valley. It’s surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and more scenic beauty than you can shake a selfie stick at. But here’s the million-dollar question: How do you keep the teens from spending every second glued to their phones? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this epic guide to fun activities that might even get a smile out of them (yes, it’s possible!). So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the coolest things to do in the Forest of Dean!
1. Wye Valley Canoeing Adventure
Let’s kick things off with a splash—literally! Canoeing down the River Wye is as adventurous as it sounds. Whether you're paddling like a pro or just trying not to tip over, this experience is perfect for the whole family. Keep an eye out for wildlife like kingfishers, otters, and maybe even a jumping salmon. Bonus: Canoeing is a great way to sneak in some cardio without your teens even realizing they’re exercising!
2. Treetop Adventure at Go Ape
If your teen is more into adrenaline than paddles, Go Ape is where it’s at! Think zip lines, Tarzan swings, and rope bridges—all while soaring above the trees in Beechenhurst. Nothing says “best holiday ever” like flying through the air with your heart in your throat. And honestly, it’s hard to stay grumpy when you’re swinging through the treetops.
3. Get Lost in Puzzlewood
We’re not saying this place inspired The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars...but we’re not not saying it either. Puzzlewood is like walking into a fairy tale—complete with ancient moss-covered trees, secret paths, and Instagram-ready views that’ll have your teens snapping pics instead of checking TikTok. Plus, if you’ve got younger kids, they’ll love the willow maze and farm animals too!
4. Wye Valley Falconry
This one’s for the animal lovers—or anyone who wants to feel like they’re straight out of Game of Thrones. At Wye Valley Falconry, your teens can actually handle and fly birds of prey! It’s a one-on-one experience, so they’ll be feeling like the king (or queen) of the skies in no time. The falconer can even bring the birds to your holiday home for a private display—how cool is that?
5. Mountain Biking Madness
Got a teen who’s always on the move? Let them blow off some steam by hitting the mountain biking trails in the Forest of Dean. With trails ranging from beginner to “Whoa, that’s intense,” it’s the perfect way to get some adrenaline pumping. Challenge them to a race, or let them zoom ahead while you casually pedal behind. Either way, they’ll be having a blast (and probably bragging about it later).
6. Hike to Symonds Yat Rock
Now, I know what you’re thinking—“A hike? My teenager? Yeah, right.” But trust me, Symonds Yat Rock is worth it! The views from the top are straight-up epic, and if your teen is into photography, this spot will blow their mind. Plus, there’s a chance you’ll spot some peregrine falcons or deer, which might just make the uphill trek seem more like an adventure and less like "forced family time."
7. Explore Clearwell Caves
Ever wanted to venture underground and explore an ancient network of caves? Well, now you can! Clearwell Caves aren’t just any old caves—they’re iron ore mines with thousands of years of history. Sign up for a guided tour, and you’ll get to hear all about the people who worked there while wandering through the atmospheric caverns. It’s equal parts spooky and cool—perfect for your hard-to-impress teens.
8. Cycle the Peregrine Path
If mountain biking feels a little too extreme, then a leisurely ride along the Peregrine Path might be more up your alley. This scenic 5-mile route follows the River Wye and is totally flat—perfect for a family ride with plenty of picnic spots and ice cream breaks. Afterward, you can explore Monmouth town and grab a bite at one of the cafes or pubs.
9. Segway Through the Forest
Why walk when you can Segway? Yep, you can actually tour the Forest of Dean on these cool little two-wheeled machines. It’s a fun and modern way to explore the area, and trust me—your teens will love showing off their Segway skills. Just make sure to keep up!
10. Chill at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Okay, so maybe you’ve got a quieter teen who’s not super into high-octane adventures. No problem! The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is a more relaxed way to spend the day, surrounded by vibrant butterflies in all their colourful glory. And if they get bored, don’t worry—there’s mini-golf, a hedge maze, and even laser tag to keep things interesting.
Wrapping it Up
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley might just be the perfect spot to make everyone in the family (yes, even the teenagers) happy. Whether they’re zipping through the treetops, exploring ancient caves, or snapping pictures in a magical forest, there’s something here for every type of teen. So, pack your bags, grab your adventurous spirit, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
So be confident! The holiday will be brikkiant for all the family so get in touch and book yours now: BHHL whole house holiday breaks - visit our website or give us a call 01600 732050
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