Perrygrove Railway Adventure

A narrow-gauge railway winding through the Forest of Dean - that's Perrygrove, and it's proper fun if you've got kids in tow. You ride in restored steam and diesel trains through woodland that's genuinely lovely, spotting the occasional deer if you're lucky. The whole thing takes about an hour from start to finish, which is ideal for younger ones before they start demanding ice cream.

It's very much a family operation rather than a serious heritage railway. The trains are small-scale, the rides are short, and the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. You'll see families doing exactly what you're doing - parents with toddlers, grandparents with grandkids. Nobody's treating it like a pilgrimage to railway history.

From Coleford, it's barely five minutes' drive away, which makes it a solid half-day activity alongside the bigger attractions of the Forest of Dean. If you're camping at Whitemead Forest Park or Bracelands - both within easy reach - this fills a slot nicely on a rainy afternoon or when everyone needs a gentle activity. The woodland setting means it's pleasant even in drizzle.

There's a small café and gift shop, as you'd expect. Bring cash if you can; these places sometimes struggle with card readers. It won't blow your mind, but it's exactly what it promises - a nostalgic train ride through the trees. Worth the detour if the kids are railway-mad or under eight. Beyond that, it's a nice bonus rather than essential.