Programmes 2, 3 and 4 offer activities and there is a wide choice in the Wye Valley Area. In programmes 2 and 3 you can choose from the three lists below. Programme 4 allows you to create your own agenda and this can include the activities in the lists below if you would like.
List A: Activity list: Things to do
A1 Monmouth Canoe and Activity Centre
We can arrange a half day canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling or caving, with qualified instructors for all activities. The Centre is approximately 6 miles from the Coach House.
A2 Cycling
We can arrange a half day cycling 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.
A3 Off Road Driving
Approximately 4 miles away at Coleford we can arrange a half day with Whitecliff Off Road Driving.
Vehicles include Land Rover 90, Discovery's 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 which lessens the environmental impact associated with motorized activities.
A4 High Level Ropes
Try a corporate activity with real swing; motivate the team and reward your staff.
i) Go Ape
Go Ape is a high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides and as a team building event combines a deep sense of achievement with a shot of adrenalin-fuelled fun. We can organize a half day which will include:
- Exclusive instruction and reserved time on the Go Ape! Course
- Exclusive use of the all weather 'corporate base camp'
- Refreshments before and after the course.
- Meet, greet and pampering from your own Go Ape! Host.
- Fabulous 'forest feast' picnic box
ii) Motiva
This is a high level Ropes Course for corporate groups. Great range of team challenges from ground level up to 40 feet in the trees. We can arrange 3 hour sessions tailored to your needs.
Have a real team adventure in a safe environment. All activities led be qualified, highly experienced staff (safety ratio 1:8)
A5 Archery
Tuition at our local shooting school in Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Air Rifle Target Shooting. This could be organized as a competitive team event.
A6 Forest Combat Paintballing
Paintball is an extremely effective teambuilding event that can benefit corporate groups and improve office productivity.
A7 Quad Biking
Experience the thrill of riding a Yahama Breeze quad bike, on specially prepared trails that take you on a journey through the beautiful Severn Vale Countryside.
A8 Sphering
Spheremania is an extreme sport where people roll down steep hills inside 12' inflatable balls. It is very exhilarating; two people are strapped facing each other in the padded harness inside the ball so you can share the experience. The general reaction people make is to laugh hysterically as they descend the hill (rolling and bouncing) at up to 35mph.
A9 Maize Maze, Elton Farm
Three Pirate themed maize mazes can provide an opportunity for two teams competing. Cross the bridge and find the hidden treasure. Enter the Pirates of the High Seas maze and track down the Pirates and their ill-gotten games.
A10 Llama and Camel Trekking
A llama trek with one of the Green badge guides is a memorable event and highly recommended. We can arrange a walk from 2 hours to all day. A llama trek can also be a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely picnic in the forest, without the hard work - the llama will carry it all in a cool box.
A11 Horse Riding
Our local BHS approved riding school offers top class training and tuition for all levels. We can arrange a 'Have a go' afternoon for you.
A12 Wilderness Discovery
We can arrange a half or whole day to provide you with an experience of Bushcraft for teambuilding.
Discover how to make and manage a fire, site and build a shelter, track and navigate, find water and wild foods and much more. Develop your self awareness, explore your senses and discover how resourceful you are.
A13 Walking
There are so many walks around The Coach House that we could organize a different one for every day of the week and we can arrange to provide you with a guide if you wish. Some of the walks include forest treks, Offa's Dyke path which runs close by, 'The Poets Path Walk and The Wye Valley Walk.
A14 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. We can organize a coarse angling event for up to eight people suited to your needs with a qualified angling coach who will be on hand throughout the session to give you expert guidance.
A15 Golf
Golf courses nearby include Forest Hills, The Rolls at Monmouth, The Welsh National course at Celtic Manor and. St. Pierre near Chepstow.
A16 Spa Visits
We have 2 wonderful spas close by at St. Pierre and Celtic Manor. Half day visits could form part of your programme.
List B: After lunch and after dinner talks
B1 Slide Talks about the Royal Forest of Dean
- Wildlife and Plants of the Royal Forest of Dean
- Charcoal Burning - The Hard Way
- The Industrial History of the Royal Forest of Dean: Iron, Timber, Stone and Coal
- The Royal Forest of Dean: Heritage and People
- The History of the Royal Forest of Dean - Canute to Elizabeth II
- Flowers, Fruits and Insects of the Royal Forest of Dean
- Get Away From It All in The Royal Forest of Dean
B2 Slides Talks about Gloucestershire
- The Story of Sudeley Castle - Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe has in its time been a hunting lodge, manor house and Royal Residence. Its story is told partly through flowers.
- The Order of the Garter - story of England's oldest Order of Chivalry from its inception in 1348 until the present day.
- Glorious Gloucestershire - A chance to sit back and enjoy some of the sights of the Cotswolds, Severn Vale and Forest of Dean.
- Pub Signs - A general introduction to pub signs from their Roman beginning to the present day. Find out the origins of such popular names as the Cross Keys, Bag O'Nails or Cat and Fiddle.
- Gloucestershire Pub Signs - Similar to above but featuring Gloucestershire signs only, showing their diversity together with stories of various local pubs.
- Just Hanging About - More about Pub signs; more stories, more strange, bizarre and fascinating facts.
B3 Confessions of a Morris Man
A light hearted talk with some live music, bits and pieces by duo dressed to the part.
B4 Local History
An informative, amusing and illustrated talk.
B5 Country Childhood Memories in World War ll
A very visual talk.
B6 The History of Tintern Abbey
Speaker dressed as a Cistercian Monk to add to the talk. This could be linked with a visit to the Abbey.
B7 Speaker from Local Brewery
This talk could be linked to supper at a local pub.
B8 Local Farmer
A local farmer talking about his local farm and meat produced for the table. This could be linked to a lunch or supper at a local hotel or pub.
B9 Guest Chef
A local chef is asked to talk about catering and this could be linked to an in house meal prepared at The Coach House.
B10 An illustrated talk on Art and Design
B11 A Local Poet/Author
The Inspiration of The Forest.
List C: Cultural and educational: Events and lectures
C1 Guided Tours and Talks
Guided Tours and Talks at the following attractions nearby to The Coach House can be organized for your group:
- Tintern Abbey
- Chepstow Castle and nearby museum
- Caldicot Castle and Country Park
- Clearwell Caves - Visit to an old iron mine
- Puzzle Wood - Roman Iron Mines in beautiful surroundings which remain unaltered since 1800's. A maze of paths with unique wooden seats and bridges enables the weathered and moss covered rocks to be seen at their best
- Goodrich Castle
- Hopewell Colliery Museum
- Dean Forest Railway
- The Beechenhurst Sculpture Trail
- Nelson Museum, Monmouth
C2 Lectures
- Art
- Food and Drink
- Social Behaviour
- The Art of Public Speaking
- Fashion and Design
- History
C3 Courses in Art
Half day or whole day courses can be organized at the nearby Wye Valley Arts Centre in the following subjects:
- Oil Painting
- Watercolour painting
- Working with pastels
- Sculpture workshop
- Photography
- Stained Glass
- China Restoration
- Stained Glass workshop
- Writing
- Poetry
- Beginners Drawing
C4 English Lessons
Private Tuition in the English Language
C5 Holistic Weekend
We can organize a holistic weekend tailored to your own requirements. For example, you may wish to involve your own speakers as part of the programme and we shall be pleased to discuss the possibilities with you.
C6 Dry Stone Walling Course
Learn the ancient craft of dry stone walling with an expert qualified instructor, a local wall builder.
This is a course over 2 days.
C7 Responsible Elegant Drinking and Dining
A light hearted talk about social behaviour with reference to etiquette, knowledge of menus, wine lists etc., how to enjoy a drink without becoming inebriated. Finishing School Revisited.