Dean Heritage Centre – Summer Holidays 2025
Summer Holidays 2025 at Dean Heritage Centre – Family Days Out in the Forest of Dean
Looking for exciting things to do in the Forest of Dean this summer? The Dean Heritage Centre offers a fantastic summer programme perfect for family days out in Gloucestershire. Nestled in the heart of the Forest, this five-acre site is home to a woodland playground, trails, heritage exhibitions, and the much-loved Gruffalo Trail.
Throughout the Summer Holidays in the Forest of Dean, visitors can enjoy a brilliant schedule of activities and events included in admission:
WEEK 1
21 July – 25 July
• Woodland Puppets – Make your own animal puppet show characters
• Pyrography – Craft nature-themed ornaments on wood slices
• Guided Woodland Walk – Discover hidden paths and local wildlife
• Green Pledge Day – Create eco art and learn about local nature
• Make Your Own Bug Box – Build and take home a bug-friendly box
WEEK 2
28 July – 1 August
• Nature Tiles (Mon & Thurs) – Clay tile decorating with leaves and seeds
• Discover Archaeology – Handle artefacts with Katie the archaeologist
• Woodland Explorers – Explore secret paths and spot forest wildlife
• Create Your Own Bird Box – Build your own bird box to take home
WEEK 3
4 August – 8 August
• Pyrography – Design wood slice hanging ornaments
• Spinning Tops – Create and decorate your own woodland toy
• Guided Woodland Walk – Discover ancient oaks and local fauna
• Heritage Crafts (Thurs & Fri) – Try vintage sewing and eco crafts
WEEK 4
11 August – 15 August
• Nature Tiles – Make a clay tile masterpiece inspired by nature
• Discover Archaeology – Interactive fun learning about the Forest’s past
• Guided Woodland Walk – Look for animal signs and forest secrets
• Nature Crafts – Craft with natural and foraged materials
• Create Your Own Glider – Make a wooden glider to fly and take home
More summer fun to be announced
Dean Heritage Centre has already lined up four packed weeks of family-friendly fun this summer – and there is more to come. Keep an eye on their website as further events and activities are expected to be announced for the final weeks of the Summer Holidays in the Forest of Dean.
See the full list of events at the Dean Heritage Centre
Explore the Gruffalo Trail at Dean Heritage Centre in the Forest of Dean
Plus, throughout the holidays:
• Explore the indoor museum, full of Forest history and hands-on exhibits
• Visit the Forester’s cottage, charcoal camp, and replica mine
• Browse locally made gifts in the shop – including charcoal made on-site
• Refuel at the Heritage Coffee Shop with homemade lunches and cakes
Perfect for those looking for family fun in Gloucestershire, days out in the Forest of Dean, and memorable summer adventures.
Whether following the Gruffalo Trail, getting crafty in the hut, or discovering the woodland’s hidden wonders, the Dean Heritage Centre promises a summer packed with family activities and places to visit in the Forest of Dean.
Explore Gloucestershire
8 July 2025
For further information.
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