10 Outdoor Activities in the Forest of Dean for Families

You’ll find endless family adventures in the Forest of Dean, from the enchanting 4.8-mile Beechenhurst Sculpture Trail with its 16 natural artworks to Puzzlewood’s mystical 14-acre maze of ancient pathways. Take your kids underground at Clearwell Caves, cycle the traffic-free 9-mile Colliers Trail, or try stand-up paddleboarding on the River Wye. Don’t miss gorge scrambling at Symonds Yat, bushcraft sessions, and wildlife spotting among 1,000 fallow deer. These outdoor experiences offer something magical for every family member’s adventure level.

Beechenhurst Sculpture Trail Adventure

Deep in the Forest of Dean, you’ll discover one of England’s most mesmerizing outdoor art experiences at the Beechenhurst Sculpture Trail. This 4.8-mile adventure showcases 16 sculptures crafted from natural forest materials like wood, stone, and iron, reflecting the area’s trees, wildlife, and industrial heritage.

You can choose from three route options: the full trail takes 2-3 hours, while shorter 2-mile and 3-mile alternatives offer flexibility. Follow purple waymarkers for the complete experience or yellow arrows for quicker routes.

The trail’s free to explore, though parking fees apply at Beechenhurst. Families can enjoy picnic areas and play facilities at the visitor center to extend their day out.

For accessibility, wheelchair-friendly routes and power-assisted scooters are available. Keep dogs leashed near sculptures for safety. Download trail maps and audio descriptions beforehand to enhance your family’s artistic forest adventure.

Puzzlewood’s Magical Twisted Pathways

When you step into Puzzlewood’s enchanting 14-acre wonderland, you’ll find yourself journeying over a mile of twisted pathways that seem straight out of a fairy tale. These meandering routes, laid in the early 19th century, wind through moss-covered rocks and rocky ravines formed millions of years ago when Carboniferous Limestone cave systems eroded and surfaced.

You’ll navigate a confusing maze of 1.5 miles of intricate pathways that twist through gnarled yew tree roots, secret caves, and deep gullies. The route features bridges and lookouts for memorable photo opportunities. The area’s rich history includes iron ore extraction from Iron Age through Roman times, adding another layer of intrigue to your exploration.

Wear sturdy footwear—the paths can be slippery and uneven. Plan for a three-hour visit to fully explore this geological marvel that’s doubled as filming locations for Star Wars and Merlin.

Underground Exploration at Clearwell Caves

While Puzzlewood offers above-ground enchantment, Clearwell Caves invites you to venture 100 feet underground into Britain’s last working ochre mine. You’ll explore a 550-metre self-guided route through 10 well-lit caverns without needing helmets, making it perfect for families with children as young as four.

The caves showcase 4,500 years of mining history, from Stone Age ochre extraction to Roman iron ore operations.

Your kids can test their strength lifting a 70lb ore simulation and meet authentic Freeminers who share fascinating stories.

For adventurous families with children aged seven and older, book the guided Adventure Caving experience involving crawling and climbing through deeper workings.

The site includes a café, gift shop, and free parking. Dogs are welcome above ground only. The caves are particularly renowned for producing rare deep purple ochre, a distinctive pigment found in only a few locations worldwide.

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Experience

Just twenty minutes from the underground wonders of Clearwell Caves, you’ll discover the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo nestled in the stunning Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Symonds Yat West.

This indoor tropical paradise houses free-flying exotic butterflies from around the world, making it perfect for rainy day adventures with your family.

You’ll witness the complete butterfly lifecycle while colorful species flutter around you – they might even land on you for memorable photos!

The hour-long indoor experience extends outdoors with a 12-hole miniature golf course, maze, and picnic areas. The zoo also features a dedicated Nature Reserve designed by a conservation landscape architect, supporting habitat preservation efforts.

Plan your visit for weekdays when it’s quieter with young children.

Don’t forget the £3 parking fee for up to four hours – overstaying risks a hefty £100 fine.

Colliers Trail Family Cycling Route

After exploring indoor attractions, you can discover the Forest of Dean‘s stunning landscapes from your bike seat on the Colliers Trail Family Cycling Route.

This fully waymarked 9-mile circular trail follows old railway lines that once served coal mines, making it perfect for families with children of all ages.

You’ll find the route completely traffic-free except for one main road crossing, with wide, hard-packed surfaces suitable for electric bikes and tag-a-longs.

Start from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre where you can hire equipment and grab trail maps.

Access points include Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, and Mallards Pike.

Download the “Forest of Dean Hidden Heritage” app to learn about coal mining remnants along the way.

For those seeking a shorter option, the Hicksters Way Loop provides an 8 km alternative that can be accessed from the same locations.

Check Forestry England’s website for current trail conditions before setting out.

River Wye Canoeing and Kayaking

Where better to experience the Forest of Dean‘s natural beauty than paddling down the legendary River Wye? You’ll discover kingfishers, herons, and even otters along this protected waterway.

Canadian canoes work brilliantly for families – they’re stable, dog-friendly, and perfect for beginners on the slow-running sections.

Start with the 9-mile Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat East route, ideal for first-timers. Ready for adventure? Try the 14.5-mile journey to Monmouth, featuring grade 2 rapids at Symonds Yat. For groups wanting a unique experience, Mega SUPs can accommodate up to eight people on a single large paddleboard.

Equipment hire includes everything you’ll need: buoyancy aids, paddles, helmets for under-18s, plus transport and briefings.

Always wear your buoyancy aid and check river conditions beforehand – water levels can rise 30cm per hour after rain.

Never paddle below Chepstow due to dangerous Severn Estuary currents.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Wye

Why not try stand-up paddleboarding for a fresh perspective on the River Wye’s stunning landscapes? You’ll find several excellent providers near Monmouth and Symonds Yat West offering beginner-friendly sessions perfect for families.

Inspire2Adventure and Wye Adventures provide introductory courses starting at £25 for 1.5-hour sessions, with all equipment included. Half-day experiences cost around £41 per person and last approximately two hours with qualified instructors. Booking’s essential, and providers welcome both groups and individuals. Activities are available May to September when weather conditions are most favorable for paddleboarding.

The gentle River Wye sections offer ideal conditions for learning this surprisingly easy activity. Your instructor will include games to keep everyone engaged while you paddle through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You’ll spot kingfishers, otters, and deer while exploring this internationally protected waterway from your unique vantage point.

Gorge Scrambling and Rock Climbing

For those seeking more adrenaline than paddleboarding offers, the Forest of Dean’s limestone cliffs and dramatic gorges provide excellent rock climbing and scrambling opportunities.

You’ll find Symonds Yat’s weathered limestone particularly popular for single-pitch climbs suitable for beginners and families.

Inspire2Adventure runs half-day rock climbing sessions at Symonds Yat for £46 adults and £39 children, providing helmets, harnesses, and basic skills training.

Forest Adventure offers family-friendly climbing and abseiling in the Royal Forest of Dean, adjusting activities to all ages and abilities.

For gorge scrambling, you can explore Wye Valley’s dramatic gorges or venture to nearby Whitebrook Valley for steep climbs in picturesque settings. Wye Valley Adventures also offers axe throwing alongside their other outdoor activities for families seeking additional thrills.

Sessions include instructor guidance and equipment, but you’ll need to book ahead.

These activities perfectly complement the forest’s natural playground atmosphere.

Bushcraft and Archery Activities

While rock climbing tests your physical limits, bushcraft and archery activities in the Forest of Dean connect you with ancient skills and primal instincts. You’ll learn fire-craft using primitive techniques, build shelters from natural materials, and forage for edible plants.

Companies like Wye Adventures and Trex Explore offer extensive courses covering these essential wilderness skills.

Your family can participate if children are at least 10 years old, with sessions adaptable for different abilities. Forest Adventure and Borderlands Outdoor provide family-friendly programs combining bushcraft with archery instruction.

Expect to pay around £65 per person for full-day sessions lasting six hours. Sessions begin with morning starts at 9:00 am and typically conclude by late afternoon.

These activities require minimal fitness levels but demand attention to safety protocols. Qualified instructors ensure proper knife and axe handling while teaching traditional woodcraft techniques.

Wildlife Spotting in Ancient Woodlands

Beyond honing survival skills, the Forest of Dean offers exceptional opportunities to observe Britain’s most fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll likely spot fallow deer – over 1,000 roam these ancient woodlands. Look for churned roadside verges indicating wild boar presence, though these powerful animals remain mostly nocturnal and secretive.

Visit RSPB Nagshead for prime birdwatching, where thousands of rare species thrive year-round. During April-August, you can observe peregrine falcons nesting at Yats Rock cliffs. Listen for barking sounds from roe deer or muntjac when they’re alarmed.

At dusk, watch for bats flitting overhead – the Wye Valley hosts 26% of Britain’s lesser horseshoe bats. You might also glimpse the elusive pine martens, which have made a remarkable comeback after 18 individuals were successfully released into the forest. Keep noise levels low and maintain safe distances from all wildlife to ensure successful spotting while protecting these recovering populations.

The Sum Up

You’ve got amazing adventures waiting in the Forest of Dean that’ll create lasting family memories. Always pack essentials like water, snacks, and first aid supplies before heading out. Check weather conditions and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Book popular attractions like Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves in advance, especially during peak seasons. Remember to supervise children closely during activities like gorge scrambling or paddleboarding. You’ll find this ancient woodland offers something special for every family member’s interests and abilities.