Outdoor Activities & Watersports in Gloucestershire & The Forest of Dean
Gloucestershire offers plenty of fun adventure activities for families of all ages. You’ll find something to suit every taste in Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean, and the Cotswolds. Because of the county’s rural nature, there are many opportunities to take part in outdoor activities.
Fun Outdoor Activities Gloucestershire
Adventure and outdoor fun, including water sports, fishing or survival schools.
Cycling
Options for organised group or solo places to ride in the county. Getting out on the bike, either on the roads, on dedicated cycleways or off-road, can be great fun and excellent exercise.
Walks
The county is a great place to get out for some fun or challenging walking, especially in the Forest of Dean and Cotswolds.
Water Sports
Fun for people of all abilities on Gloucestershire’s waterways. This includes stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, canoeing and even sailing in the Cotswold Water Park.
Winter Sports
There are options at Gloucester Ski Slope to participate in some winter sports and other fun activities.
Borderlands
Borderlands Outdoor is a specialist training, development, and activity company. They are on the England-Wales border on the edge of the Forest of Dean.
Archery
Learn or improve your bow skills at Cotswold Archery. This is suitable for people of all abilities.
Target Sports
There are a few options for those interested in shooting and other target sports in the Forest of Dean. These include clay pigeon shooting and archery.
Horse Riding
Learn or improve your equestrian skills at Prestige Equestrian, located just south of Gloucester.
Horse Riding at Prestige Equestrian Training Centre: whether you are a beginner or a more experienced rider, they have the horses to suit you. They offer the chance to loan or own a school horse. Great for getting experience with your own horse without the financial outlay.
Prestige Equestrian has professional, fully qualified instructors, including 1 BHSI, 3 BHSIIs and 10 BHSAIs. There are also various activities held at the centre that range from lessons, competitions, and clinics to fun days and pony club camps. They pride themselves on being a friendly, approachable yard whilst maintaining a very positive attitude towards attainment and achievement.
Off-road Driving
Visit Whitecliff Off-road near Coleford to learn and also improve your off-road driving skills.
The Wilderness Centre
Known to an entire generation of people throughout Gloucestershire and beyond. It’s where people had their first adventure away from home. The Wilderness Centre has been successfully providing outdoor education with accommodation for young people for 50 years.
Wildlife Spotting
Because of the county’s rural character, there are lots of opportunities for wildlife watching. This includes many options for birdwatching in the variety of habitats throughout the county.
Canoeing & Paddleboarding in Gloucestershire
Visitors to Gloucestershire can enjoy a range of water sports on the county’s waterways. These range from canoeing on the River Wye to sailing at the Cotswold Water Park. Options suit all abilities, from novices to experts. Why not learn a new skill while on the county’s waterways? The River Wye, in particular, has many companies catering for beginners.
You can take part in plenty of water-based activities in the county. Canoeing or kayaking is a popular option, whether solo or in a group. Some places even let you take a dog on the boat for a dog-friendly adventure. Paddleboarding is a fun activity offered in a few activity centres locally and looks like great fun.
Way2Go Adventures in the Forest of Dean
The team at Way2Go Adventures in the Forest of Dean offers a range of water sports options for people to enjoy. They cater to guests of all abilities and can also provide team-building days. Way2Go Adventures guides you and your group on many adventurous activities in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. They provide activities including canoeing, kayaking, bushcraft, Nordic walking, rafting and other team pursuits. One of the most popular activities is the canoe and kayak trips along the River Wye.
Way2Go caters to everyone, including first-timers, those looking to improve existing skills, and anyone wanting a fun day out. Qualified instructors run all of their activities. If you want to try canoeing or kayaking in the Wye Valley with friends, this is the place to contact.
Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire
Ross-On-Wye Canoe Hire rents out a fleet of open-top Canadian canoes for guided and self-guided journeys. They also provide team-building sessions and leisurely days. The River Wye supports a wide range of wildlife and has gentle sections for beginners. However, rougher waters suit more experienced canoeists looking for a challenge.
Visitors can enjoy a full-day canoe trip on the River Wye. Starting from Ross-on-Wye, head downstream to Symonds Yat or even further. You can book this adventure through Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire.
Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Forest of Dean
Enjoy a two-hour stand-up paddleboarding experience for one or two at Way2Go Adventures. Way2Go Adventures is a Wye Valley-based, family-run business operating intrepid excursions focused on the surrounding natural scenery. This includes canoeing, kayaking, raft building, and Nordic walking.
Sailing and More at Lake 32 at Cotswold Water Park
Lake 32 Outdoor Centre is at Cotswold Water Park. They provide activities for companies, schools & other organisations. They help visitors to take part in windsurfing, raft building, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing.