Dogs
5 Autumn Family Activities
Post date:
12th October 2026
Five family activities for half term in the Forest of Dean, from meeting the Gruffalo at Beechenhurst to Halloween clues on the Room on the Broom trail.
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 | Groups | History | Accessible
Newent Library
Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect,… Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect, supporting wellbeing, creativity and digital skills.
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.
Families | Accessible
Gage Farm Cottages – Cowshed Cottage & The Dairy
Escape to Gage Farm – two self-catering cottages with stunning Wye Valley views, walks on the… Escape to Gage Farm – two self-catering cottages with stunning Wye Valley views, walks on the doorstep, VisitEngland 4★ Gold. Book individually/together.
Families | Groups | Foodies
Forest Deli Hampers & Gifts
Browse our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own by choosing your hamper style, and select… Browse our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own by choosing your hamper style, and select from any of the contents available in our Online Shop.
Families | Groups | History
Hopewell Colliery - Working Mine and Cafe
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
Dogs | Families | Foodies
Severnside Press B&B
Three-room B&B in Newnham-on-Severn, on the edge of Forest of Dean, with breakfast included,… Three-room B&B in Newnham-on-Severn, on the edge of Forest of Dean, with breakfast included, dog-friendly rooms and direct bookings
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible | Foodies
Leaf Creative
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
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.
Dogs | Families | Groups
Arden's Farm
Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to… Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to explore the Forest of Dean. Set within a working farm and provides plenty of…
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses,… Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses, baking workshops and inspiring food experiences.
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… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We… As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in…
Prices from:
£220.00
Dogs | Families
The Rookery Cottage
Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the… Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the beautiful village of Newland in Royal Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£543.00
Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs
Forest Barns
5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside… 5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside or Out | Child and Pet friendly | Event Spaces
Foodies | Families
The Lamproom Cafe at Clearwell Caves
The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With… The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With homemade sandwiches, delicious cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite…
Prices from:
£80.00
Groups | Families
The Belfry Hotel
The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992 The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992
Families Events
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Date From:
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Families | Groups
Bonfire & Fireworks
Dates:
5th Nov 2026 - 5th Nov 2026
Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event
Families | Arts | Groups
Christmas at the Movies by The Great British Film…
Dates:
26th Nov 2026 - 26th Nov 2026
A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life,… A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life, performed by The Great British Film Orchestra.
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Festive Forest
Dates:
28th Nov 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
28th Nov 2026
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for… Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals are preparing for Christmas in their own special way.
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…
Families | Foodies | Groups
Christmas at Silver Circle Distillery
Event Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Festive nights in our winter Chalet
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Arts | Families | Groups
Motown Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
A sensational cast of world-class vocalists and a stunning live band…
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Families | Arts | Groups
London Concertante Christmas at the Movies
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2026 - 17th Dec 2026
Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with London Concertante’s…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Get ready for the ultimate festive feel-good concert, packed with…
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Adventure | Families | Nature
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
31st Jul 2026 - 16th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
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Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
29th Dec 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
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Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
15th Nov 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
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Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
27th Aug 2026 - 2nd Apr 2027
Next Event Date:
7th Mar 2027
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
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Dogs | Families | Foodies
Fun & Friendly Pub Quiz in the Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
16th Sept 2026 - 11th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
11th Nov 2026
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Pasta & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
15th Oct 2026 - 18th Feb 2027
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Families | Arts | Groups
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
16th Oct 2026 - 18th Dec 2027
Next Event Date:
6th Nov 2026
Try your hand at the potter's wheel with a 90-minute introduction class at…
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Go Ape Forest of Dean’s Sundown Adventures - Ziplines at Night
Event Dates:
16th Oct 2026 - 8th Nov 2026
Sundown Adventures – Get glowing, Go Ape at Night!
View EventFamilies Offers
Kids can enjoy free entry to Perrygrove from 3rd - 29th November 2026! Kids can enjoy free entry to Perrygrove from 3rd - 29th November 2026!
Discounted price per person for group bookings: Discounted price per person for group bookings:
Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu,… Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu, children's options and a warm Forest of Dean welcome.
Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 6th September - 20th December 2026 Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 6th September - 20th December 2026
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%… Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15% discount
Families Experiences
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
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 1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat
Families Itineraries
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
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, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain… Ride world-class downhill trails, 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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Cycle Routes and Bike Trails in the Forest of…
Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and… Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and traffic-free routes to mountain biking adventures.
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.
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Find swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
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Dogs
5 Family Activities for Summer in the Forest of Dean | Forestry England
Post date:
14th July 2026
Beat the heat with five family-friendly activities in the Forest of Dean this summer, from cycling and woodland picnics to Gruffalo adventures and camping
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Visit Raglan Castle this summer for Welsh history, striking towers, countryside views, falconry days and living history events.
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