The Dean Heritage Centre

Packed with things to do and see, the Dean Heritage Centre is one of the fun places to go with kids in Gloucestershire. There is something for all the family to enjoy on this five-acre site in the beautiful surroundings of the Forest of Dean. The history and heritage of the Forest will come to life as you explore.

Indoor and outdoor activity trails are designed to encourage kids to have fun while discovering the centre. Make your way through five galleries to learn the history of the area, from the Ice Age to the 21st century.

Next to the centre, in woodland, is a charcoal burner’s camp where demonstrations of the traditional practice take place on certain dates. Take the kids to visit the Victorian schoolroom where they can dress up and have a go at traditional games. The Free Mine is a chance to see a replica traditional Forest coalmine. Step back to the past at the reconstructed Victorian forester’s cottage with vegetable patch, chickens, ferrets and cider making equipment.

Tucked away along a woodland path is a playground with rustic equipment. Have you ever wanted to take a ferret for a walk? Visitors can take one of the resident ferrets for their daily walk as long as it’s fine – ferrets prefer not to walk when it’s raining! Before you leave, take a moment to admire the work of chainsaw carvers, watch water birds on the mill pond and stretch your legs on a woodland trail.

The Dean Heritage Centre in Gloucestershire has plenty of picnic sites and barbecue sites, or alternatively treat the family in the cafe overlooking the mill pond. For extra kids entertainment, check out the year-round programme of special events and activities for families. What a great family day out!

Please see the Dean Heritage Centre’s website to find out more before visiting.