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

Mallards cafe 666671369
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Mallards Pike Café

Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the…

PEDALABIKEAWAY
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible

Pedalabikeaway

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

Greenacres Campsite

Prices from:
£19.00

Families | Dogs | Groups

Greenacres Campsite

Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Dean Heritage Centre Family visit
Families | History | Nature | Groups | Arts | Accessible

Dean Heritage Centre

We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,…

Clearwell Caves Lake 1 2059054557
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting…

Cowshed Cottage
Families | Accessible

Cowshed Cottage

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

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…

CC Symonds Yat Rock Cafe Festive front
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature | Accessible

Symonds Yat Rock Cafe

Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot

Tintern Abbey Cottage advent or Christmas panorama

Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming…

Danby Cottage

Prices from:
£100.00

Accessible | Families | Groups

Danby Cottage

Perfect hideaway set deep in the heart of the forest. Ideal for walks, cycling and relaxing…

Stay at Lydney Park Estate and Gardens. Lodge Barn - aerial view of the generous outdoor space, quiet rural location and spacious accommodation at Lodge Barn.
Families | Groups | Nature

Stay at Lydney Park Estate

Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in…

Orchard Barn self catering holiday cottage
Dogs | Families

Orchard Barn

3-Bed, 3-Bath Stunning converted barn with private hot tub and log burner.

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Forestry England Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
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…

Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre
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…

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…

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

Keyworker Discount Weekend for Defence Discount…

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 25th Jan 2026

Keyworker Discount Weekend - Defence Discount Card Holders

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

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

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

PWC Simon August 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

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

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…

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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…

View Event
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…

View Event
EP 025
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

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

Join us at 2pm Friday 6th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

View Event
Couples one day
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
7th Feb 2026 - 7th Feb 2026

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

View Event
Friends spending time together at eastnor pottery day course
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 7 February 2026

Event Dates:
7th Feb 2026 - 7th Feb 2027

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

View Event
Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts

Pasta & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
11th Feb 2026 - 11th Feb 2026

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Dean Heritage Centre Playground
Families | Groups | History

February Half-Term - No such thing as bad weather!

Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 22nd Feb 2026

Join us this February Half-term for some family fun.

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Having fun on our Introduction to the Potters Wheel Class
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…

View Event
Take memorable photos of your pottery experience at Eastnor Pottery
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…

View Event
Friends spending time together at eastnor pottery day course
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
Couple holding their creations at Eastnor Pottery
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…

View Event

Families Offers

IMG 20260113 WA0005
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Beat the blue's 25% off

Expires: 12th Feb 2026

25% off all camping and glamping at Bracelands Campsite

Rowan Retreat 2 056
Dogs | Families

15% OFF Stay at Rowan Tree Retreat

Expires: 31st Jan 2026

15% OFF 2026 Bookings when booked by 31/1/2026

Families Experiences

For website with gradient IMG 0676

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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