Forest of dreams
views of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley – just try not to look down!
You’re rewarded with a fly down the zip wire and then, finally, if you still have your nerves intact, you can take on the ‘leap of faith’ jump, choosing how far away you want the rail to be before you take the plunge.
You can also try archery, a climbing wall and an assault course – it’s not dubbed the ‘Forest of Teen’ for nothing!
CYCLE THE FOREST FAMILY TRAIL
YOU can hire bikes (including kids seats, tagalongs, trailers and electric bikes) from Pedalabikeaway in Cannop Valley near Coleford and enjoy a safe 11-mile, traffic-free trail through the forest along old mining railway tracks and forest roads suitable for all ages.
The trail takes in Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, New Fancy View and Mallards Pike Lake – with a café stop for some home-made food on the way. And, if you’re quiet, you may spot roe deer and wild boar en route.
LEAF PEEPING AND SPRING WATCHING
YOU can pick up a map to go ‘leaf peeping’ in the autumn (think New England in the Fall) but the 10 hotspots featured, such as Symonds Yat Rock, Goodrich Castle, Tintern and the Devil’s Pulpit, look gorgeous in every season. There’s a four-mile sculpture trail in Beechenhurst, which is ideal for kids as it’s like a treasure hunt in the forest.
KRAZY GOLF LYDNEY
THIS 15 hole crazy golf course is themed around all the different tourist attractions in the area. You buy a Day Pass (£5.75 adults, £4.75 children) to enjoy unlimited golf, air hockey, pool and table tennis in the games barn plus outdoor garden games too. It’s also home to Sparky’s Diner – worth a visit for its American memorabilia on the walls and build-your-own burgers.
and family stayed at Puzzlewood Cottages and visited local attractions courtesy of Wye Dean Tourism.
ZOE CHAMBERLAIN
Puzzlewood House is cosy, spacious and luxurious. Part of the original Puzzlewood farmhouse, it boasts a huge, open plan kitchendiner and living space right in the heart of the Puzzlewood forest. Prices for a three-night break for four (plus a cot) start from £316 at Patch Cottage and from £518 at Puzzlewood House.
See puzzlewood.net and wyedeantourism.co.uk