1. Families

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

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Chaxhill Holly Barn Exterior photo
Families | Groups

Chaxhill - Holly Barn

A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,…

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible

Symonds Yat Rock

Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and…

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Families | Groups | Nature

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo in Symonds Yat.

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

Leaf Creative Garden Centre Evening Event
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible

Leaf Creative

Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant…

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom

Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside…

The Speech House Hotel Front

Prices from:
£120.00

Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature

The Speech House Hotel

A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite…

Mallards cafe 666671369
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Mallards Pike Café

Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Danby Cottage

Prices from:
£100.00

Accessible | Families | Groups

Danby Cottage

Perfect hideaway set deep in the heart of the forest. Ideal for walks, cycling and relaxing…

7 1286337968
Families | Groups | History

Raglan Castle

Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.…

Clearwell Caves Lamproom Cafe

The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With…

Puzzlewood Forest
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,…

Wye Valley Miniature Golf
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Valley Roman Miniature Golf

Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball!

Battlesports Glos Outdoor Laser Tag group session
Adventure | Families | Groups

BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag

Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball…

Families Events

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Date From:

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Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
4th Apr 2026

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Great tit
Adventure | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife…

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
27th Mar 2026

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)

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Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Pizza at the Farm

Dates:
3rd Apr 2026 - 25th Sept 2026

Next Event Date:
10th Apr 2026

Wood fired pizzas and cocktails on the patio.

EM26 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Easter Market

Dates:
4th Apr 2026 - 4th Apr 2026

Browse a variety of independent and local traders while you enjoy live music from Silurian and…

2026 schedule poster
Families | Foodies | Groups

Bands in the Park - Sunday Afternoons

Event Dates:
17th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

Live music every Sunday at the Bandstand in Ross-on-Wye. Free for all to…

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Families | Foodies | Groups

Vegan Market

Event Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and…

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Lydney
Families | Foodies | Groups

Proms in the Park

Event Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026

An extended afternoon of free outdoor music at the Bandstand in Ross

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Forest Showcae Food Festival
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Forest Showcase Food Festival

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026

Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th,…

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Market House and Christmas tree
Families | Foodies

Christmas Fayre

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026

Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…

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Beechenhurst
Adventure | Families | Nature

Room on the Broom Trail at Beechenhurst

Event Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026

Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the…

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Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts

Pasta & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 28th Mar 2026

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Adventure | Families | History

Easter Holidays

Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 12th Apr 2026

Join us this Easter Holiday for some family fun.

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Adventure | Families

Easter Egg-venture at Go Ape Forest of Dean Beechenhurst

Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 12th Apr 2026

Take on Egg-venture, a limited addition adventure at Go Ape Beechenhurst…

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History | Families | Groups

Arming the Knight

Event Dates:
28th Mar 2026 - 29th Mar 2026

Meet our 14th century knight as he prepares to head off on campaign with…

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Rachel shilston Inspiring Creativity Sun and Moon
Families | Arts | Groups

Mosaic Sun & Moon Workshop

Event Dates:
29th Mar 2026 - 29th Mar 2026

Sun & Moon Mosaic Workshop

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Big cat exhibition
Families | Groups | Nature

British big cats – the art & the science

Event Dates:
2nd Apr 2026 - 4th May 2026

Exhibition and events featuring British big cat artwork in the gallery, &…

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Families Offers

Main House Double Room at The Speech House Hotel
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation

Stay & Save Offer

Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%…

The Red Hart Inn Blaisdon
Dogs | Foodies | Families | Groups

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 28th Mar 2026

Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24

Families Experiences

3

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to…

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat

1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat

Families Itineraries

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

Families Trails

Biker in Forest credit Steve Hunt 2
Adventure | Families

Downhill Cycling Trails

Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to…

Family cycling over a bridge in the Forest of Dean photo credit Forestry England
Dogs | Families

Family Cycling & The Colliers Trail

Duration: 2 Hours

Distance 9 Miles

Kids cycling at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

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…

12 Easy Walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks

Distance 0.75 - 3 miles

Our latest Families blogs

Mothers Day at Puzzlewood
Adventure

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Post date: 7th March 2026

Find the perfect Mother's Day gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
Read more

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