Outdoor activities
Archery
If you are a group looking to try archery you may like to contact ‘Bowmen of the Deans’ who meet at Newnham cricket club and cater for both adults and juniors. Mr Phelps can provide more information on 01594 544725.
Canoeing
Canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling or caving, with qualified instructors for all activities. The Centre is approximately 6 miles from the Coach House.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
D.B.C. Leisure offers clay pigeon shooting, air rifle or archery. From absolute beginners and those who just want to have a go through to practised shots who wish to hone their skills, our friendly, qualified and experienced coaches will guide you every step of the way, making your time with us enjoyable,fun and valuable. Corporate events, stag and hen parties are also catered for.
Fishing
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean offer excellent fishing both on the River Wye itself and on some of the wonderful still water ponds and lakes in the Forest of Dean.
www.monmouthfishing.co.uk/maps-2/river-wye-2/
Bigwell Fly Fishing in Redbrook is about 3 miles from the Coachman’s Cottage
Tel 01600 772904 or 07748227347
Forest of Dean Paintball
Paintball is currently one of the fastest growing sports in Europe. Forest of Dean Paintball is situated in over 50 acres of open grassland, valleys and dense woodland cover. Everybody is catered for, from children’s parties (ages 11+), individuals, corporate events, stag and hen parties. The games played have different objectives and scenarios; it is then down to you to achieve your particular task without getting ‘marked’ (paintballed) by your opposing team.
Go Ape
Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 40 feet above the forest floor. Ideal for friends, families and corporate groups, you’ll share approximately 3 hours of fun and adventure going ape up in the trees. Make a day of it and enjoy a full day exploring the forest. Min age 10yrs. Min height 1.4m. Pre-booking essential.
Golf
Golf courses nearby include Forest Hills, The Rolls at Monmouth, The Welsh National course at Celtic Manor and. St. Pierre near Chepstow.
Hiking
There are so many walks around The Coach House that you could organize a different one for every day of the week. Walks include forest treks, Offa’s Dyke path which runs close by, The Poets Path Walk and The Wye Valley Walk.
Horse Riding
Our local BHS approved riding school offers top class training and tuition for all levels. Severnvale provides riding lessons for someone who has never ridden before, to those that want to just ‘brush-up’, or to improve their riding skills, and for all ages; in addition to full competition livery, breaking / schooling livery, as well as part and ‘do-it-yourself’ livery.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking in the heart of the Forest of Dean on way marked traffic free trails. Experience the joys of riding easy routes or challenging rides on a network of stone tracks.
Off Road Driving
Approximately 4 miles away at Coleford is the Whitecliff Off Road Driving Centre. Vehicles include Land Rover 90, Discoverys and Range Rovers. Group events include Hovercraft and Military vehicles.
Qualified staff teach a great deal while you have an excellent time. The self-contained site is a disused quarry, lessening the environmental impact associated with motorized activities.
Excursions
Caldicot Castle
Caldicot Castle is set in fifty five acres of beautiful Country Park. The river Neddern winds its way through areas of woodland and pasture and the wildlife pond is complete with a pond-dipping station. The park offers an ideal setting for picnics and walks against the magnificent backdrop of the medieval castle walls with picnic tables and barbecue hearths on site.
Chepstow Castle and Museum
Chepstow Castle stands on the cliffs overlooking the River Wye in Monmouthshire. It is one of the earliest Norman stone fortifications in Britain.
The castle played a key role in the defence of the Welsh Marches. Its strategic riverside position made it important for controlling trade and military movement. Today, the castle is managed by Cadw and remains a popular site for history enthusiasts and visitors.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/chepstow-castle
Clearwell Caves
As well as entering an extensive natural cave system, when you visit Clearwell Caves you are experiencing some of Britain’s oldest underground mine workings, dating back well over 4500 years. You walk through impressive caverns created by many generations of Forest people who made their living by mining iron ore and ochre.
Goodrich Castle
Goodrich Castle is a medieval castle ruin located in Herefordshire, England, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. It was built in the 11th century and is now managed by English Heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and beautiful surroundings.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/goodrich-castle
Harts Barn Cookery School
Harts Barn Cookery School is all about cooking for all – all ages and skill levels are catered for, and we teach everything from banquets to basics!
We provide a huge range of regular cookery and baking classes, workshops, supper clubs and events plus we welcome group bookings, parties, corporate and private hire. All our cookery classes offer a hands-on element and focus on gaining practical skills and knowledge as well as being enjoyable!
Old Station Tintern
The Old Station has developed an excellent reputation as one of the area’s top visitor centres, with its restored railway carriages offering a wealth of local information and history. Inside, you’ll also find an N‑gauge model railway, an indoor children’s play area, and a video presentation exploring the history of the Wye Valley Railway and the Circle of Legends.
Parva Farm Vineyard
Parva Farm is a privately owned and run vineyard in the village of Tintern, South Wales. Open to the public every day except Tuesday & Wednesday for vineyard tours and wine tastings.
More than just a vineyard, it’s a living bridge between Wales’s rich history and its modern wine story—a story of revival, dedication, and the profound resilience required to farm in Wales today.
Perrygrove Railway
The Family’s Favourite Heritage Railway!
Children like Perrygrove because it’s the friendly heritage railway where there’s more things to do- including the indoor village and secret passages – treasure is hidden here! Adults like the covered Picnic & Play at Foxy Hollow, the woodland walks, the relaxed atmosphere, and no pressure to spend money (no charge for extra rides). Railway enthusiasts of all ages like the Heywood Collection, lots of photo opportunities, and engine shed visits (subject to staff).
Puzzle Wood
Roman Iron Mines in beautiful surroundings which remain unaltered since the 1800s. A maze of paths with unique wooden seats and bridges enables the weathered and moss covered rocks to be seen at their best.
Explore a mile of meandering pathways through beautiful ancient woodland. The mile of paths wind through gulleys and moss covered rocks, over bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations.
Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle is one of the last true medieval castles built in Britain. Construction started in the 15th century, making it later than many other Welsh castles.
It features both military defences and Renaissance-influenced comfort. It is known for its large hexagonal keep, moat, and grand gatehouse. Today, it remains a popular site for visitors interested in medieval history and architecture.
The Beechenhurst Sculpture Trail
The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail offers over four miles of sculptures at Beechenhurst, in the heart of England’s ancient woodland.
On the trail, which is free to access and open daily (you will need to pay for parking), visitors will encounter iconic highlights from early phases of the trail, including Cathedral by Kevin Atherton and sculptures by Peter Randall-Page and Cornelia Parker, alongside more recent artworks by Natasha Rosling, Kristina Veasey and Julian Wild.
The Dean Forest Railway
The Dean Forest Railway – based near Lydney in Gloucestershire – provides the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch line from a bygone era. A standard gauge heritage railway operated by steam trains and the occasional heritage diesel or diesel railcar. The round trip is over 8 miles. Norchard Station has a free museum, gift shop and café.
As well as heritage train services for visitors to the Forest of Dean, the Railway runs special events suitable for all the family and some which will be of interest to Railway Enthusiasts.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is a ruined medieval abbey located in Monmouthshire, Wales, founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare. It is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and has been a popular subject in poetry and art, particularly in William Wordsworth’s famous poem “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.
Wye Valley Arts Centre
The Wye Valley Arts Centre is located at the Hephzibah Gallery, a building of great character beautifully modernised and restored in the centre of the picturesque village of Llandogo in the Wye Valley on the border between Wales and Gloucestershire.
The inspiring environment and excellent studio facilities combine to make the Centre an ideal place for students to enjoy a wide range of courses in Painting, Drawing, Clay Days, Botanical Painting and Drawing.