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
Adventure | Families | Groups
Go Ape Forest of Dean
Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.… Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do. High ropes and all-terrain Forest Segways at the ready.
Prices from:
£80.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Hobbit Huts at Saltbox Escapes
Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort… Quirky hobbit-sized luxury in nature with stunning views. Two Hobbit Huts providing cosy comfort for couples and families in a child- and dog-friendly meadow.
Families | Groups
Chaxhill - Holly Barn
A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,… A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden, Holly Barn in Westbury-on-Severn sleeps up to fifteen people & provides an…
Families | Adventure | Groups | History
Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at…
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.
Families | Groups | Nature
Stay at Lydney Park Estate
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Canoes
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat… We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We…
Families | Groups | Dogs | Adventure | Nature | Accessible
Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze
3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to… 3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to complete. Suitable for the whole family, push chairs, and powered wheelchairs.…
Prices from:
£80.00
Groups | Families | Adventure
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
Puzzlewood Cottages
Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside… Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside of normal hours with direct access from the cottages. Kids love feeding our…
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 soups, sandwiches, cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite organic…
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…
Prices from:
£19.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Greenacres Campsite
Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and… Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and caravans, plus glamping tents and a luxury cabin. Ideal for exploring the…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Clearwell Caves
Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting… Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting underground world for the whole family to discover.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature
Canoe the Wye Ltd
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
Families Events
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Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026
Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Celebrate the Year of the Horse
Dates:
20th Feb 2026 - 20th Feb 2026
Its the lunar New Year, we're serving a Chinese Feast! Its the lunar New Year, we're serving a Chinese Feast!
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts
Room on the Broom Trail at Beechenhurst
Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the Forest of Dean on… Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the Forest of Dean on Forestry England's Room on the Broom trail.
Families | Groups | History
February Half-Term - No such thing as bad weather!
Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 22nd Feb 2026
Join us this February Half-term for some family fun. Join us this February Half-term for some family fun.
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Join us at 11am on Saturday 14th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…
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Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026
Join us at 2pm on Saturday 14th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…
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Families | Arts | Nature
The Emperor and the Nightingale Interactive Storytime and Craft
Event Dates:
16th Feb 2026 - 16th Feb 2026
Enjoy a classic fairytale in a new way.
View Event
Arts | Relaxation | Families
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Arts | Families
Potter's Wheel Day Course 18 February 2026
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | History | Nature
Railway Creatures and Story Stones
Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026
Dream up magical railway characters and paint your very own story stones.
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Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
19th Feb 2026 - 19th Feb 2026
Join us at 11am on Thursday 19th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…
View Event
Families | Arts | Accessible
Sister Act the Musical
Event Dates:
19th Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Award-winning 'Perform Chepstow' presents Sister Act, the feel-good…
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2027
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View Event
Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
View EventFamilies Offers
Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24 Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24
Free Drinks! Free Drinks!
Families Experiences
Prices from:
£12.75
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts
Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…
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.
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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