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

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…

Beechenhurst Zipwire
Families | Nature

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great…

Cyril Hart Arboretum Entrance
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…

DBC Leisure Clay Pigeon Shooting
Adventure | Families | Groups

DBC Leisure

Clay shooting, air rifle, archery tuition with friendly, experienced instructors; beginners,…

The Coach House - Newland Garden

Prices from:
£650.00

Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn…

Way2 Go Adventures Family canoeing on the River Wye
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families

Way2Go Adventures Ltd

Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing,…

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…

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Accessible | Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Valley Indoor Adventure Golf

Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the…

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16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the…

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…

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom

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

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…

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…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

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

Child playing in the water at Wenchford
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Wenchford

A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area

Caving with Borderlands Outdoor
Adventure | Families | Groups

Borderlands Outdoor

Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,…

Families Events

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Date From:

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RICH 8738
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
4th Apr 2026

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Great tit
Adventure | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife…

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
13th Mar 2026

Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)

IMG 4067 1
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Mothers Day Lunch

Dates:
15th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Celebrate Mothers Day in Timeless Surroundings

EM26 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Easter Market

Dates:
4th Apr 2026 - 4th Apr 2026

Browse a variety of independent and local traders while you enjoy live music from Silurian and…

2026 schedule poster
Families | Foodies | Groups

Bands in the Park - Sunday Afternoons

Event Dates:
17th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

Live music every Sunday at the Bandstand in Ross-on-Wye. Free for all to…

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Families | Foodies | Groups

Vegan Market

Event Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and…

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Market House and Christmas tree
Families | Foodies

Christmas Fayre

Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026

Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…

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Beechenhurst
Adventure | Families | Nature

Room on the Broom Trail at Beechenhurst

Event Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026

Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the…

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Introductrion to the Potters Wheel Class make pottery to be proud of
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
7th Mar 2026 - 7th Mar 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 7th of March 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:
7th Mar 2026 - 7th Mar 2026

Join us at 2pm on Saturday 7th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

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

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
13th Mar 2026 - 13th Mar 2026

Join us at 11am on Friday 13th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

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I Stock 652229724 crafts
Arts | Families | Groups

Crown Making

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Become the King or Queen of Chepstow Castle by decorating your very own…

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Day Course with Jon and Sarah
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 14 March 2026

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026

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

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Potter's wheel group inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026

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

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Hot Pot Pottery
Dogs | Families | Groups

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
15th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Mother's Day Unique Pottery and Food Experience

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Day course inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
18th Mar 2026 - 18th Mar 2026

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

View Event

Families Offers

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

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 28th Mar 2026

Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24

Families Experiences

3

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to…

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

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

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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Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
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