If you’re looking for a fun day out with kids in the Forest of Dean, Beechenhurt has a lot to offer all ages. My kids love to bike and run around, so big open spaces with places to explore are just what we look for in a family day out.
One of Britain’s oldest and largest forests, Beechenhurst in Gloucestershire not only has plenty of woodland to explore but also a sculpture trail, play park, picnic and BBQ areas, cycling trails, Go Ape and a climbing wall.
The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
The Forest of Dean sculpture trail at Beechenwood is a collection of artworks which has been inspired by the unique heritage of the forest. The full trail covers 7km but if you’re short on time or have little legs to encourage along then there are a couple of short cuts too. The trail is marked by arrows but it would be worth downloading the scultpture trail leaflet in advance which marks out the routes and where the artworks are displayed.
The sculpture trail is a great way to get out and just start exploring Beechenhurst Forest. There’s variety in the trees, flora and fauna and we spotted lots of places to stop and play in some great woodland dens.
Family Cycle Trail
Another great way to get around Beechenhurst and enjoy the fresh air in by bike. The full length of the family cycle trail is 9 miles with the start point at the car park and close to the cafe. It’s a marked circular route mostly on former railway lines and also has connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. This route has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities. We spent so long on the sculpture trail that we didn’t make it to a bike ride but will definitely be back. The photo below is the starting point so if the surface is the same throughout I’d say you’d be fine on a bike but it might be a bit rough if you were thinking about scooters.
Beechenhurst Play Park
I love natural wooden play parks and the big play area at Beechenhurst is excellent. There’s a separate toddler area at the front which makes it easier to keep an eye on little ones and then a great big play area behind. There’s everything from swings to slides, a sandpit and a zip wire. You could easily come here and meet friends and just hang out at the play park.
Go Ape, Climbing Wall & Archery at Beechenhurst
While bigger kids are less interested in play parks, there are extra activities here that will appeal to tweens and teens with a sense of adventure. There’s no minimum age for the 40ft climbing tower but a minimum weight of 20kg. There are easy beginner climbs on the sloping face, to the altogether more challenging vertical wall. Archery is run by Forest of Dean Adventure with 30 minute taster sessions.
If you have head for heights, Go Ape’s Forest of Dean Treetop Adventure is a high ropes course nestled through the trees.
Beechenhurst Facilities
There’s plenty of parking at Beechenhurst and while there is no entry fee per person, you do need to pay for parking. You can choose to park for 2 hours, 4 hours or all day and can pay by phone, online or at the parking machines on site.
There are plenty of picnic areas with great open grassy space by the cafe and tables right next to the play park area too. There are also toilets next to the cafe.
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