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

Colne Brook Barn

Prices from:
£300.00

Dogs | Families

Colne Brook Barn

A cosy, pet friendly barn conversion, with all the modern amenities required to make your holiday…

Rock Lodge lowres 018 833173718

Prices from:
£70.00

Dogs | Families | Adventure | Foodies | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation

Symonds Yat Rock Lodge

Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into…

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,…

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A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and…

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Tidenham Chase

A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close…

Chapel Court Holidays Good Dusk Shot of Chapel Facade cropped driveway

Prices from:
£430.00

Families | Accessible

Chapel Court Holidays

Cosy Treat | Everyone's favourite Pied-a-terre | Single level 2 bed luxury ground floor property |…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

The Viking Games

Viking Games in the Herefordshire hills.

Yurts3 2123140295
Families | Groups

Mrs Mills Yurts

Four extremely stylish yurts set in fields nestled on the banks of May hill, a national trust…

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Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure…

Dean Forest Cycles
Adventure | Families | Groups

Dean Forest Cycles

Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving…

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom

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

Cowshed Cottage
Families | Accessible

Cowshed Cottage

Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.…

Studio Cinema Coleford
Families | Groups | Arts | Relaxation | Accessible

Studio Cinema

Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the…

Dog on a canoe at Symonds Yat Canoe Hire
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Symonds Yat Canoe Hire

With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

Vdw swallowbarn 48363513

Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite sits in five acres of woods by the banks of the River Severn and on…

Families Events

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Date From:

Date To:

Fireworks Red Hart

Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 5th Nov 2025

Charity night hosted by WYFC

The Red Hart Inn - Mexican food

Dates:
7th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 2025

Join us for a Mexican Feast as we celebrate Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead!

Market House and Christmas tree
Families | Foodies

Christmas Fayre

Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025

Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food…

Bracknell Sundown 1

Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 9th Nov 2025

Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light

Perrygrove Adventure Autumn Trail
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Autumn Trail

Event Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025

Visit us this half term and enjoy our Autumn Trail as you ride through our…

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Adventure | Families | Nature

November Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)

Event Dates:
4th Nov 2025 - 4th Nov 2025

Experience the wonders of autumn in early November on a captivating…

EP 026
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
7th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

EP 008
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

EP 016
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

One day at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
12th Nov 2025 - 12th Nov 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

Newent Market Logo
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Newent Monthly Market

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

Enjoy the Newent Monthly Market, every 3rd Saturday of the Month from 9am…

EP 027
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

EP 029
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

RICH 8718
Adventure | Families | Groups

November Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse

Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025

Experience the autumn colours and wildlife at dusk in the Forest of Dean…

EP 013
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

Cute one
Families

Taurus Crafts Lantern Parade

Event Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025

Join us for a heartwarming evening as the Taurus Crafts Lantern Parade…

Families Offers

Vdw rookerycottage 7 949083212
Dogs | Families | Groups | Relaxation

December Offer

Expires: 19th Dec 2025

Divine December Offer

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

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 16th Nov 2025

Enjoy two courses for £20 /three courses for £24

Families Experiences

Drewitts2025 61

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…

Drewitts2025 101

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.

RICH 8687

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Experience Early Morning Bird Song

Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with…

Jacob and the cows

Prices from:
£179.99

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Half day farm experience

Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an…

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

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