History Destinations

Forest of Dean Adventure!

from £360pp

Based on 3 days, for 40 people

Suitable for Secondary Schools

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Overview

Strike out from the beaten path and take a step into a world like no other. As one of England's largest ancient woodlands, this trip will surely stand the test of time in pupils' memories!

Explore the past with a visit to Dean Heritage Centre, telling the tale of the Forest of Dean from prehistoric times through to World War II, and to Tintern Abbey, a Welsh wonder and one of the greatest monastic ruins.

Take a step on the wild side with a excursion to Clearwell Caves, a natural cave system that has been mined for thousands of years. Take to the water on the Wye Valley Cruise before taking to the skies at Go Ape.

Our Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Private coach hire included from school.

Spend the morning exploring Dean Heritage Centre, 5 interactive galleries which tell the tale of the area from prehistoric times through to the how the community coped during World War II. With both indoor and outdoor trails, you can explore remains of mammoths and hyenas from thousands of years ago before stepping into a Victorian schoolroom, using slate and chalk!

Spend the afternoon wandering the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Balanced on the Welsh border, this abbey was founded in 1131, and was surrendered during the first round of dissolutions in the English Reformation. Today, it is one of finest surviving examples of Gothic architecture (albeit without a roof).

Check in to your accommodation and enjoy a group dinner there tonight.
Day 2

After breakfast at your accommodation, it is time to enjoy the fresh air and truly step into nature.

Enjoy a guided tour of Clearwell Caves this morning: an underground world which is simultaneously spectacular yet widely unknown. This natural cave system, which has been mined for thousands of years, is now open to visitors who dare to discover the world of under.

After you've reached the surface, you can enjoy your lunches with a view at Symonds Yat Rock. As it is an internationally famous viewpoint, be sure to bring your cameras and smiles with you!

After lunch, it is time to relax on a Wye Valley Cruise. Enjoy a unique viewpoint from either side of the boat as you cruise through the Symonds Yat gorge and past the village.

Finish your day by exploring Puzzlewood, an otherworldly woodland featuring twisted trees and moss-covered rocks. You may recognise this area from TV and film, this area has been the backdrop for Merlin, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Secret Garden. Plus, JRR Tolkien was supposedly inspired by Puzzlewood for Middle-earth... Who knows what you'll spot!

Dinner at your accommodation is included.
Day 3

Your final day begins with breakfast at your accommodation.

This morning, you'll be putting your nerves to the test at Go Ape Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst.

Then, to round up your trip, you can wander the forest one final time, spotting the sculptures on the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail as you go.

Private coach hire back to school is included.