Adventure
Watersports on the River Wye
Post date:
18th April 2025
Discover canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - from gentle paddles to full-day and multi-day trips.
Family Friendly
Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Looking for a destination where the whole family can relax, explore, and have fun together? The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is packed with family-friendly experiences, places to stay, and things to do - making it the perfect spot for a short break or full-on holiday with kids in tow.
From easy walking trails and the best picnic spots to adventure playgrounds, wildlife encounters, and activity centres, there’s something here for every age and energy level. Whether you’re cycling the family Colliers Trail, paddling on the River Wye, or simply spotting birds and boar in the woods, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a natural playground that invites curious minds and active feet.
In this section, you’ll find family-friendly accommodation, cafés and pubs with kids’ menus, and attractions and experiences designed to make everyone feel welcome. Rain or shine, there’s always something to do and always room for a snack stop.
Browse below to plan your next family adventure in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - where memories are made around every corner.
Families Businesses
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and… Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Dean Laser Clay
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams. Perfect for family fun,… Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams. Perfect for family fun, birthdays, corporate reward days, and wedding groups.
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
The Heritage Coffee Shop
Situated onsite, but separate to the Dean Heritage Centre, The Heritage Coffee Shop boasts a wide… Situated onsite, but separate to the Dean Heritage Centre, The Heritage Coffee Shop boasts a wide variety of delicious food and drink with stunning views of the duck pond and…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
The Coach House - Newland
Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn… Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn within 100 meters. 3 large bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, open fire, patio. Wi-fi…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Wye Adventures
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,… We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Oakwood Cottage
A 100 year old semi-detached cottage set in the heart of the beautiful woodlands of the Cannop… A 100 year old semi-detached cottage set in the heart of the beautiful woodlands of the Cannop Valley Nature Reserve. The family cycle trail starts 200 meters from the…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Raglan Castle
Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.… Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside. Discover its history, impressive towers, and dramatic ruins, just a short trip…
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Severn Valley Touring Caravan, Camping and…
A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and… A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and starry nights. The perfect place to put your feet up and relax, soaking up…
Families Events
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Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Gloucester Goes Retro
Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025
Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all… Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things vintage with the much-loved Gloucester Goes Retro Festival.
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Monmouth Medieval Festival
Dates:
6th Jul 2025 - 6th Jul 2025
Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much… Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much more here in Monmouth, birthplace of Henry V.
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Take That Tribute Night
Dates:
5th Jul 2025 - 5th Jul 2025
See Take That Tribute band at Whitemead Forest Park See Take That Tribute band at Whitemead Forest Park
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Rising Stars
Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 28th Jun 2025
Fantastic brass band music at Scarr Bandstand, a great free event. Fantastic brass band music at Scarr Bandstand, a great free event.
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Grease v Dirty Dancing Theme Night
Event Dates:
20th Jun 2025 - 20th Jun 2025
Enjoy Grease v Dirty Dancing at Whitemead Forest Park.
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
Event Dates:
7th Jun 2025 - 7th Jun 2025
Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home…
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Pottery & Pizza Experience
Event Dates:
29th May 2025 - 29th May 2025
A lovely Pizza themed experience where you will attempt throwing pizza…
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Spring Food Festival
Event Dates:
25th May 2025 - 25th May 2025
Set in the heart of the scenic Forest of Dean, this family-friendly event…
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Prices from:
£36.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Half Day with…
Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers stand-up paddleboard experiences! Suitable for… Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers stand-up paddleboard experiences! Suitable for all ages and all abilities, you can explore the River Wye on a single…
Prices from:
£39.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Rock Climbing with Inspire2Adventure - Half Day
Enjoy rock climbing, if this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at… Enjoy rock climbing, if this is your first climb, we'll give you the confidence to have a go at this exhilarating sport. And for more experienced climbers, there is plenty of…
Prices from:
£37.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Gorge Scrambling Experience with Inspire2Adventure
Lots of fun to be had, climbing waterfalls & scrambling over rocks, as well as a few challenges… Lots of fun to be had, climbing waterfalls & scrambling over rocks, as well as a few challenges along the way (depending on how brave you are!) - from balancing along ledges…
Families Trails
Adventure | Families
Downhill Cycling Trails
Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to… Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.
Looking for a safe, scenic and fun day out on two wheels? The Colliers Trail is a 9-mile circular… Looking for a safe, scenic and fun day out on two wheels? The Colliers Trail is a 9-mile circular off-road route through the Forest of Dean - perfect for families, beginners…
Adventure | Families
Cycling Trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye…
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest… Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers something for everyone on two wheels.
Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to… Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring.
Our latest Families articles
Dogs
The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
17th April 2025
Discover the best places in the UK to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with peaceful woodland walks and seasonal displays across the region.
Read more
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most admired cycling spots in the UK. There is so much to see & so many miles to ride that you won’t want to miss any of it, so it's worth considering going electric if you want to take full advantage.
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Families
Discover Danby Cottage: a tranquil and accessible retreat in the Forest of Dean
Post date:
19th March 2025
Danby Cottage is a peaceful and welcoming retreat designed with accessibility in mind. Built in 1904, this charming cottage has been thoughtfully modernised to offer a comfortable, eco-friendly, and fully accessible for those with reduced mobility.
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