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Forest Barns is surrounded by family-friendly days out in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Gloucestershire countryside.
From magical woodlands, caves, steam railways and sculpture trails to cycling, canoeing, high ropes, pottery painting, local heritage and wildlife, there is plenty for families to enjoy within easy reach of the cottages.
This page highlights some of the local activities and attractions families may enjoy during a Forest Barns stay.
Please check before travelling. Opening times, prices, dog policies, age limits and booking requirements can change, especially during school holidays and winter months. Please check directly with each attraction before travelling.
Family Days Out at a Glance
| Woodland Walks | Sculpture Trail, Soudley Lakes, Puzzlewood, Mallards Pike and forest walks |
| Cycling | Colliers Trail, Forest of Dean Cycle Centre and Pedalabikeaway bike hire |
| Adventure | Go Ape, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and outdoor activities |
| Rainy Days | Clearwell Caves, Bird's Pottery, Dean Heritage Centre and indoor-friendly ideas |
| Steam Trains | Perrygrove Railway and Dean Forest Railway |
| Creative Days | Pottery painting, crafts, Taurus Crafts and local makers |
| Younger Children | Perrygrove, Puzzlewood, Dean Heritage Centre and gentle walks |
| Older Children and Teens | Go Ape, cycling, canoeing, kayaking and adventure activities |
| Book Direct | Check Availability & Prices |
Woodland, Walking and Nature
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are wonderful for family walks, wildlife spotting, picnics and outdoor time together.
Good options include the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Soudley Lakes, Puzzlewood, Mallards Pike and local woodland walks. Families can choose anything from a gentle stroll to a more adventurous day out in the trees.
Cycling and Forest Trails
The Forest of Dean is one of the best places in the area for family cycling.
The Colliers Trail is a family-friendly, traffic-free circular route through the Forest of Dean, suitable for relaxed cycling and exploring the forest. Pedalabikeaway at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre offers bike hire and direct access to trails for a range of ages and abilities.
Adventure Activities
For active families, local adventure options may include Go Ape, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing, archery and guided outdoor activities.
Go Ape at Beechenhurst is a strong option for older children, teenagers and adventurous adults. Canoeing and paddling on the River Wye can also make a memorable family day out, depending on age, weather, river conditions and availability.
Rainy Day and Indoor-Friendly Ideas
Rainy days do not have to spoil a family holiday.
Clearwell Caves can be a memorable underground day out, while Bird's Pottery offers creative activities and paint-your-own pottery. Dean Heritage Centre is also useful for families interested in local history, crafts and the Forest of Dean story.
Steam Trains, Heritage and Local History
Families who enjoy trains and heritage days out may like Perrygrove Railway or Dean Forest Railway.
Perrygrove is especially useful for younger children, with railway rides and family activities near Coleford. Dean Forest Railway offers a traditional woodland railway experience through the Forest of Dean countryside.
Creative Activities and Crafts
For a slower family day, consider pottery painting, craft workshops, Taurus Crafts, local makers and creative activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
These can be especially helpful for mixed-age groups, grandparents with children, or families looking for something gentler than a full outdoor adventure day.
Planning a Family Stay?
Use our live booking calendar to check availability and prices across all Forest Barns cottages and group stays.
Explore More Local Family Days Out
Each relevant local activity is shown below once, with a photograph, short excerpt and Read More link. Please check directly with the attraction before travelling.
Soudley Lakes Walk
A close-to-Forest-Barns option for a gentle local walk, wildlife spotting and woodland scenery.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
A woodland trail with contemporary sculptures set among the trees, useful for families who like art and fresh air.
Puzzlewood
A magical ancient woodland with paths, bridges, animals and family-friendly exploring near Coleford.
Clearwell Caves
An underground Forest of Dean day out and a useful option when the weather is less inviting.
Perrygrove Railway
A steam railway and family attraction near Coleford, especially popular with younger children.
Dean Forest Railway
A traditional woodland railway experience through the Forest of Dean countryside.
Dean Heritage Centre
A local heritage attraction for families interested in the Forest of Dean story, crafts and history.
Bird's Pottery
A creative wet-weather idea for pottery painting and hands-on family time within easy reach of Forest Barns.
Taurus Crafts
A gentler local option for crafts, makers, independent shops and family-friendly browsing.
Go Ape Forest of Dean
A treetop adventure option for older children, teenagers and adventurous adults at Beechenhurst.
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre / Pedalabikeaway
Bike hire, trail advice and forest cycling access for families wanting a more active day out.
Colliers Trail / Family Cycling
A family-friendly cycling option through the Forest of Dean, with traffic-free sections and forest scenery.
Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the River Wye
A memorable family day out on the River Wye, subject to age, weather, river conditions and availability.
Mallards Pike
A Forestry England site with lake views, forest walks and outdoor space for a relaxed family visit.
Myths and Legends Trails
Downloadable local trails based around the myths, legends and stories of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Shire Horse & Cart Ride Experience
A characterful countryside experience to check directly for current availability before planning around it.
Forest of Dean Tourist Guide Download & Video
A general planning resource to keep lower down the page once the main family attractions have been covered.
Forest Barns is a family-friendly private hamlet where children can enjoy space, nature, games and simple countryside fun, while adults relax in comfort.
From outdoor play, woodland walks and chicken feeding to wet-weather games, an under-5s play space and room for free-range adventures, there is plenty for families to enjoy without needing to get in the car every day.
Our five luxury cottages give families the privacy of their own self-catering space, with private hot tubs, gardens, Wi-Fi, Sky TV and access to the wider Forest Barns grounds. For larger families and multi-generational stays, our group options also allow everyone to stay close together while still having their own cottage space.
Family Fun at a Glance
| Outdoor Play | Swings, slide, trampoline and space to let off steam |
| Games Room | Table tennis, pool, air hockey, table football and board games |
| Under-5s | A dedicated play space for younger guests |
| Young Farmers | Dennis the Dexta tractor and chickens |
| Nature | Woodland walks, bluebells, wildlife and countryside from the door |
| Picnic Platform | Elevated tree platform for family picnics and views |
| Wet Weather | Indoor games and cottage comforts for rainy days |
| Family Cottages | Baby and toddler equipment available by request |
| Book Direct | Check Availability & Prices |
Outdoor Play and Countryside Freedom
Forest Barns gives children space to enjoy being outside. There is an outdoor play area with swings, slide and trampoline, plus gardens, open countryside and woodland walks to explore.
We want children to enjoy proper countryside holidays: fresh air, space, simple adventures, chickens, tractors, trees and time away from screens.
Children should always be supervised by their adults while playing outside or exploring the grounds.
Wet Weather Games
Rainy days are easier when there is somewhere for children, teenagers and adults to play.
Our heated games room includes table tennis, pool, air hockey and table football, with board games available to take back to your cottage.
Young Farmers and Chickens
Younger guests often love the simple pleasures of country life. Depending on timing and availability, children may be able to help feed the chickens and collect eggs.
Dennis the Dexta tractor is also part of the Young Farmers area, giving children another fun countryside feature to discover during their stay.
Under-5s Play Space
Travelling with babies and toddlers can be hard work, so we provide a dedicated play space for younger guests, along with baby and toddler equipment by request in the cottages.
Please request any baby or toddler items before arrival so that we can prepare your cottage properly.
Woodland Walks, Wildlife and Picnics
Families can enjoy woodland walks, bluebells in season, wildlife spotting, family picnics and views from our elevated tree platform.
The Forest of Dean is close by, with family days out, cycling, walking, steam railways, caves, sculpture trails and other local attractions within easy reach.
Planning a Family Stay?
Use our live booking calendar to check availability and prices across all Forest Barns cottages and group stays.
Explore More Family Fun On Site
For more detail, each relevant family-fun article is shown below with its photograph, short excerpt and Read More link.
Outdoor Fun & Natural Playground - Rope swings & more
Open space, small trees, a rope tyre swing and room for children to enjoy proper countryside freedom under adult supervision.
Wet Weather Games
Table tennis, pool, air hockey, table football and board games help keep families entertained on rainy days.
Under 5's Play Room
A cosy play space with soft play items, toddler toys and colouring materials for younger guests.
Budding Young Farmers feeding the chickens
Younger guests can enjoy the simple country pleasure of meeting the chickens and, depending on timing, helping to feed them.
Meet Dennis the Dexta
Dennis the Dexta tractor is part of the Young Farmers area and a fun countryside feature for children to discover.
Picnic Platform in the Trees
Plan a family picnic on the elevated tree platform and enjoy views across the Forest Barns countryside.
Self-Guided Walking
Use our walking guides for family adventures from the door, with woodland paths, forest tracks and countryside views.
Bluebells in May
In season, bluebells create a memorable woodland display around the hamlet and nearby countryside.
Wild boar / wildlife spotting
Keep your eyes open on local walks for wildlife around the Forest of Dean, including the chance of spotting wild boar.
 now 2735 x 1822-360x240.jpg "Angela's Menu")
At Forest Barn Holidays you can order home cooked food to be delivered to your barn by 4pm.
The menu can be downloaded here.
Is there a little benefit to global warming and wine? Our vineyard is under way and the first harvest at the winery ....
Pretty wild boar piglets foraging on the forest floor. See if you can see them ...
Plan a family picnic on our elevated viewing platform in the trees .....
We have a heated games room on site that is great for damper days. The room has ....
Plenty of open-space for kids to be kids and let off a bit of steam. Check-out what's on the woodland walk .....
In our Young Farmers Area meet Dennis the Dexta Tractor. Dennis the Dexta is our now ...
There is a dedicated heated playroom for little guests (under 5 years) which .....
Lake setting with cute native Exmoor ponies and English Shorthorn cattle.
We have some wonderful walks straight from your cottage door. We've created two professional .....
Access the forest trails direct from your barn door. Bring your bikes: secure storage available
The Ultimate Activity arrives ... learn skills to help you survive in the wild
During your stay with us try simulated Game Shooting - A superb day out for a group of friends. Shooting like a formal driven day but without the expense.
Missions ! From short, sharp missions to advance military campaigns
https://www.battlesportsglos.com/
Activities Maze next open from 25th May - 2nd June 2019 inclusive. Maize Mazes 20th July - 1st Sept 2019. Featuring: The Giant Michael Mouse Maze, The Leg-Go Maze & The Miniens Labrynth. Dog friendly activity.
https://www.eltonmazes.co.uk/
Adventure Golf. 12 holes of pirate adventure themed golf.
http://www.forestofdeanadventuregolf.co.uk/
This delightful walking trail takes you to a unique collection of high-quality, contemporary sculptures, within the Forest of Dean. Highlights include include Kevin Atherton's 15 foot by 10 foot stained glassed window 'Cathedral' which hangs high in the canopy over the heads of walkers and Neville Gabie's 'Raw', a giant cube assembled from the entire mass of an oak tree.
Hear From Our Previous Guests...
Excellent quality accommodation, with everything you could possibly want to ensure a restful stay, located conveniently for travelling to other destinations, no shortage of pubs / restaurants. Recommend highly.
Peter & Melissa, York
Lovely property a real home from home, clean, comfortable, glamorous well thought out décor and touches to make the stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Sarah, Martin and family, Cambridge
Barn was v.comfortable and well equipped and warm. Beds v.good, powerful shower and toiletry items plentiful. Very peaceful and ideal for relaxing. Strongly recommend.
Steve and Davina, Peterborough
