As the summer shines glorious weather upon the UK, there’s no better place to be than outside in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
To guide family and friends the Tourism Association has unveiled “Try in July” guide of the Top 10 things to do in the Dean Wye.
For sun worshippers there are outdoor activities including walking, cycling, or river gorge scrambling. For seekers of calm and inner piece we recommend several shady forest walks, historical ancient buildings to explore, or tantalise taste buds with a brewery tour.
Puzzlewood is a magical and enchanting world that captures everyone’s imagination. An ancient woodland, filled with mystical tree and rock formations that is a popular location for film and TV – including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Dr Who and King Arthur.
A fun filled family day out for smaller kids who can safely explore tree tops through a warren of rope bridges, zip wires and obstacles. Older kids and grown ups with a sense of adventure can try the regular Go Ape, which is more challenging and heart pounding.
Footgolf – Forest Hills Golf Club
Family-friendly football activity, which takes place on a dedicated Footgolf course and takes about an hour. No particular skills are needed but the footballers in your family will score best.
The history of the Dean Wye from the Ice Age to present day; the Gruffalo woodland trail, a reconstructed Forester’s cottage; animals; a charcoal burner’s camp; a woodland playground.
Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest and is a great place to Try in July. Discover the Sculpture Trail, outdoor adventure play area, climbing tower, Archery before relaxing in Gaveller’s Cafe.
The first stone built castle in Wales, now the ruins of Chepstow Castle, has a spectacular setting on cliffs that offer an unbeatable panorama over the River Wye.
Start the journey at one of several points, including Beechenhurst Lodge, the trail features sculptures created by artists commissioned to interpret the forest and the history of this very unusual landscape. It offer a unique opportunity to walk through the woodlands and discover art along the way.
An exciting, fun, and family-friendly water-based activity perfect for an adventure that all will enjoy. The Gorge Scrambling Experience involves scrambling across rocks, climbing waterfalls and venturing through a dark tunnel with water rushing by.
Traditionally crafted real ales, only using the finest ingredients and using the brewery’s own mineral rich bore hole, to create full flavour real ales naturally conditioned in the cask or bottle. It hosts brewery tours, visits, special events, brew days and regular evening entertainment.
This centre, on the site of an old colliery, is the ideal place to start your cycling tour of the Dean Wye. Enjoy a gentle ride through the forest on the Family Cycle Trail or test skills and nerve on one of the famous MTB or downhill trails.
Maureen McAllister, executive director of Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism, commented: “The Dean Wye is bursting with things to Try in July. As the school holidays draw nearer, plan a visit to Britain’s Favourite Forest for a variety of activities, attractions and places to visit for inspiration, a picnic, or something more fun or formal.”
For more information on visiting the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean and to find the perfect thing to try in July see www.wyedeantourism.co.uk
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