Family Fun Near Forest Barns
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.
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
