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

Vdw whitemead adventuregolf 12 564238249
Families | Groups | Adventure

Adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park

Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,…

Heritage Coffee Shop Mill pond view and iced latte
Foodies | Families | Dogs | Groups | Accessible

Heritage Coffee Shop

Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax…

VDW Canoes9 462453209
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Canoes

We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat…

Canoe the Wye
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…

Inspire2Adventure SUP
Adventure | Families | Groups

Inspire2Adventure

Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and…

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

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

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

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…

Vdw drysladefarm 1 1249538689

Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal…

Forest Hills Golf Club
Groups | Families

Forest Hills Golf Club

Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean…

Taurus Crafts 3
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families

Taurus Crafts

Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,…

Vdw rookerycottage 1 696152749

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…

The Belfry Hotel

Prices from:
£80.00

Groups | Families | Adventure

The Belfry Hotel

The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992

Seven Hills Glamping Safari Hut

Prices from:
£340.00

Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Seven Hills Hideaway Luxury Glamping

Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples…

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…

PEDALABIKEAWAY
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible

Pedalabikeaway

Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some…

157652423 930509420

Prices from:
£90.00

Families | Groups

The King's Head Hotel

A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee…

Families Events

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Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
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…

Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 10

Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 4th Jan 2026

As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas…

Perrygrove Autumn 2024 Kathryn Goddard Photography 18
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Accessible

Perrygrove at New Year!

Dates:
2nd Jan 2026 - 4th Jan 2026

Visit us this New Year for all weather family fun before the kids go back to school

PWC group on stairs June 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

Make a vase at Eastnor Pottery Day Course
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 10 January 2026

Event Dates:
10th Jan 2026 - 10th Jan 2026

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

PWC Jake Sept 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
14th Jan 2026 - 14th Jan 2026

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

PWC Jake Sept 23
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 14 January 2026

Event Dates:
14th Jan 2026 - 14th Jan 2026

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

EP 025
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
17th Jan 2026 - 17th Jan 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 17 January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

EP 025
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
17th Jan 2026 - 17th Jan 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 17 January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

Introduction to the potters wheel workshop at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
17th Jan 2026 - 17th Jan 2026

Join us at 2pm on Saturday 17 January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

Hands covered in clay making a pot on the potters wheel at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
23rd Jan 2026 - 23rd Jan 2026

Join us at 2pm on Friday 23rd January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

Couple watcing the demo before having a go on a potters wheel at Eastnor pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 24 January 2026

Event Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

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

PWC Simon August 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

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

EP 013
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
31st Jan 2026 - 31st Jan 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 31st January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

Proud creation during introduction to potters wheel workshop
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
31st Jan 2026 - 31st Jan 2026

Join us at 2pm on Saturday 31st January 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

Intro to the potters wheel group outside door April 23
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
6th Feb 2026 - 6th Feb 2026

Join us at 11am on Friday 6th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

Families Experiences

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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,…

Canoeing on the River Wye with Way2 Go Adventures
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…

Cinderhill Farm Picnic

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…

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.

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

Christmas Gift Guide
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.

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