Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Adventure
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Puzzlewood
Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes…
Families | Groups | History
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow… Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Adventure | Families | Groups
BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag
Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball… Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball meets the safety and comfort of laser technology.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean… Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean with stunning views, great food and a welcoming feel.
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,… Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food within a supportive community…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Borderlands Outdoor
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,… Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Prices from:
£60.00
Families | Groups | Nature
Bracelands Campsite – Glamping Bell tents &…
Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to… Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like.
Families
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go…
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible
Cyril Hart Arboretum
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature
Bracelands Campsite – Cosy glamping pods
Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever… Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like. When you enter the grounds of Bracelands campsite, you’ll be…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Inspire2Adventure
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and… Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of…
Families | Accessible
Cowshed Cottage
Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation
Briery Hill Llamas
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Families Events
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Date From:
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Families
The Good Tidings Family Trail
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 4th Jan 2026
As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas… As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas Message and bring good tidings to all!
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the legend - St. Nicholas. Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the legend - St. Nicholas.
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Dates:
15th Dec 2025 - 15th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2025 - 17th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Family Carol Service
Event Dates:
23rd Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer,…
View Event
Families | Adventure | Groups
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the…
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Families
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park this Christmas
View Event
Families | Groups | Nature
Festive Forest
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
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Families | Accessible
Visit Father Christmas
Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 23rd Dec 2025
Visit Father Christmas at the Dean Heritage Centre
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Families
Father Christmas at Perrygrove
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
A Magical Family Christmas Experience in the Forest of Dean! All aboard…
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Dogs | Families
Breakfast with Santa Paws
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Celebrate Christmas with your Pooch at the Heritage Coffee Shop.
View EventFamilies Offers
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Families Experiences
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Canoeing on the River Wye
Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips that are suitable for everyone, no…
Prices from:
£3.00
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Lunch Like a Local
Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie… Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm, we've got you covered!
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
Families Itineraries
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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 | 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… 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.
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks
Distance 0.75 - 3 miles
Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye… Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley—perfect for families and casual strollers.
Our latest Families blogs
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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Discover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
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Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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