Tucked away on the edge of Gloucestershire, the Forest of Dean is one of those rare gems that manages to feel both wild and welcoming. With its ancient woodland, quirky attractions, and peaceful views, it’s the perfect destination for a family getaway, especially if you’re travelling with kids who love the outdoors. We recently spent a few days exploring the area and packed in a mix of nature, adventure, and local charm. Here’s our round-up of 10 fun things to do in the Forest of Dean, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer.
1. Marvel at the Butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is a tropical escape in the heart of the countryside. It’s a small but enchanting space filled with free-flying butterflies, fluttering between lush greenery and exotic flowers. Our little one was fascinated by the colours and shapes, and the chance to spot a butterfly land on your shoulder is always magical. It’s a calm and gentle start to the day and easy to pair with other nearby attractions.
2. Get Lost in the Hedge Maze
Next door to the butterfly zoo is a classic hedge maze, the kind that gets kids running and parents spinning in circles trying to find the middle and then the way out again. It’s deceptively tricky and great fun for all ages. There’s something satisfyingly old-school about a real hedge maze, and this one is well-maintained and full of twists and turns. If you’ve got a competitive streak, time yourselves and see who can make it to the centre the fastest.
3. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Also part of the same attraction hub as the butterfly zoo and maze is a mini golf course that turned out to be a big hit. There’s something timeless about a round of mini golf, and this one was especially fun with its creative obstacles and scenic setting. Whether you’re a competitive bunch or just there for the laughs, it’s a great way to spend an hour outdoors.
4. Take in the View at Symonds Yat Rock
No trip to the Forest of Dean is complete without a walk up to Symonds Yat Rock. It’s one of the most iconic viewpoints in the area, with sweeping views over the River Wye that make you stop in your tracks. The walk itself isn’t too strenuous, and once at the top, there’s a chance you might spot peregrine falcons circling the cliffs. It’s a good picnic spot too if you time it right, and there’s a lovely cafe here which we paused at for hot drinks.
5. Get Lost in Puzzlewood
If you’ve ever watched Merlin, Doctor Who, or even Star Wars, you might recognise Puzzlewood’s otherworldly paths. This ancient woodland has twisted trees, mossy rocks, and hidden trails that feel like something from a fairytale. Our visit felt like stepping into another realm, even the adults were wide-eyed. It’s easy to see why filmmakers love it. Just be prepared to walk and wander, the magic is in the meandering. It feels like a lot of people are drawn to the area for this attraction so if to it I looking for things to do near Puzzlewood then this is the right place to be.
6. Ride the Steam Train at Perrygrove Railway
Perrygrove Railway was an unexpected delight, especially for younger children. This charming little steam train chugs through the woodland and makes a few stops along the way where you can get off and explore play areas, woodland dens, and picnic spots. The ride is short enough to hold attention spans but full of atmosphere. It’s one of those attractions that feels lovingly run and thoughtfully designed for families.
7. Explore the Depths of Clearwell Caves
For something a bit different, Clearwell Caves offers a glimpse into the underground world of iron mining. These natural caverns have been mined for thousands of years and are now open for visitors to explore. The lighting, storytelling, and sheer scale of the caves made it one of the more memorable parts of our trip. It’s cool in every sense and offers a fascinating look at local history, even if you’re not usually into mines and museums.
8. Cycle the Colliers Trail
If your family loves cycling, the Colliers Trail is a fantastic way to explore the Forest of Dean. It’s a well-marked, family-friendly route that takes you through woodland, past old railway lines, and into little pockets of nature you might otherwise miss. You don’t need to be a pro cyclist. We saw plenty of families with bike trailers, balance bikes, and everything in between. You can also hire bikes locally if you don’t bring your own.
9. Discover the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
The Sculpture Trail winds its way through the forest, combining natural beauty with thought-provoking art. The most famous installation is the stained-glass window suspended in the trees, it catches the light in the most beautiful way. The trail itself is flexible, with shorter loops for younger kids and longer walks if you’re up for more of a hike. It’s a lovely way to see the forest from a different perspective.
10. Follow the Stick Man Trail
If you’ve got young kids and they’re fans of Julia Donaldson, the Stick Man Trail near Beechenhurst is a must. There’s several Julia Donaldson themed trails around the UK with Forestry England so if you’re familiar with the concept then this is a great one to add to the bucket list. If not, then it’s themed around the classic children’s book with a small activity pack you can purchase from the visitor centre with a map and stickers, and it makes for an easy, engaging woodland walk with sculptures and activity boards along the way. There’s also a great play area at the start and a café for much-needed coffee afterwards.
Where We Stayed: Family-Friendly
Base at the YHA St Briavels Castle
We stayed at the local YHA in the Forest of Dean which turned out to be the perfect base. It was simple, clean, and welcoming, and you really can’t beat the location. A haunted castle full of mystery and intrigue. It made it easy to reach everywhere on this list without spending hours in the car. There were other families staying too, which gave it a nice communal feel, and our room had everything we needed for a few nights of adventuring. As well as some hidden secrets. I’ll share more about our stay in a separate post if you’re curious about the setup.
The Forest of Dean is one of those places that manages to pack a lot into a relatively small area. It’s got history, nature, quirky attractions, and just the right balance between organised activities and wild, free play. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another round of family fun, there’s always something new to explore. For us, it was the mix of peaceful walks, steam trains, magical woods, and simple joys like watching a butterfly land on your child’s hand that made this trip so special.
We’ll definitely be back, and if you’re thinking about going, I’ll be sharing detailed posts on each of these places over the next few weeks to help you plan your own adventure.