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

Wye Valley Miniature Golf
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Valley Roman Miniature Golf

Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball!

Cannop Ponds and bridge
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Cannop Ponds

Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle…

Hobbit Huts at Saltbox Escapes

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…

Bells Hotel and Country Club

Bells Hotel and Country Club is based on the outskirts of Coleford Town Centre; a perfect location…

Elton Mazes Rocket Maze 2026
Families | Groups | Dogs | Adventure | Accessible

Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze

Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great…

Mallards cafe 666671369
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups

Mallards Pike Café

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

IMG 16692

Prices from:
£130.00

Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer…

Battlesports Glos Outdoor Laser Tag group session
Adventure | Families | Groups

BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag

Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball…

Lydney exterior 3
Families | Groups | Accessible

Lydney Library

At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,…

Bells hotel and country club restaurant - fish and chips
Foodies | Groups | Families

Dining at Bells Hotel and Country Club

We offer a range of light bites, main meals and daily specials, as well as a children’s menu. The…

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

Briery Hill Llamas

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

Whitemead Forest Park Cabins and Apartments
Dogs | Families | Groups

Whitemead Forest Park

Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges…

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,…

Cowshed Cottage

Escape to Gage Farm – two self-catering cottages with stunning Wye Valley views, walks on the…

Ardens Barn self-catering cottage in the Forest of Dean
Dogs | Families | Groups

Arden's Farm

Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to…

Greenacres Campsite overview

Prices from:
£19.00

Families | Dogs | Groups

Greenacres Campsite

Greenacres Campsite – Family Camping, Touring & Glamping with Bell Tents, Pod, Shepherd's Hut &…

Families Events

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Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 3
Arts | Families | Groups | History

Organ Recital with Director of Music Adrian…

Dates:
23rd Sept 2026 - 23rd Sept 2026

An organ recital of Elgar's Organ Sonata in G major, with our Director of Music, Adrian Partington.

Visit Dean Wye Opera

Dates:
25th Sept 2026 - 25th Sept 2026

Experience opera’s greatest showstoppers, performed by London Concertante by candlelight.

Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 4
Arts | Families | Groups | History

Organ Meditation - Four Ikons of the Archangels

Dates:
29th Sept 2026 - 29th Sept 2026

Unwind with an evening of inspiring music, experiencing the magnificence of our new Cathedral organ.

Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 5
Arts | Families | Groups

Bowie by Candlelight Concert

Dates:
2nd Oct 2026 - 2nd Oct 2026

An incredible night of Bowie anthems including Let's Dance, Starman, Life on Mars, Rebel Rebel and…

Forest Showcae Food Festival
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Forest Showcase Food Festival

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026

Join the Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House Hotel, Oct 5th,…

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Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 6
Arts | Families | Groups

Pink Floyd by Candlelight Concert

Event Dates:
10th Oct 2026 - 10th Oct 2026

A spectacular concert featuring the most iconic music of all time!

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Treorchy 3
Families | Groups | Accessible

Treorchy Male Choir

Event Dates:
10th Oct 2026 - 10th Oct 2026

Return of the World Famous Treorchy Male Choir this Autumn

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Great tit
Adventure | Families | Nature

Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks)

Event Dates:
11th Oct 2026 - 1st Nov 2026

Next Event Date:
11th Oct 2026

Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks)

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Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 7
Families | Arts | Groups

Christmas at the Movies by The Great British Film Orchestra

Event Dates:
26th Nov 2026 - 26th Nov 2026

A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive…

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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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Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 8
Arts | Families | Groups

Motown Christmas by Candlelight

Event Dates:
5th Dec 2026 - 5th Dec 2026

A sensational cast of world-class vocalists and a stunning live band…

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Visit Dean Wye Submit Event Images
Families | Arts | Groups

London Concertante Christmas at the Movies

Event Dates:
17th Dec 2026 - 17th Dec 2026

Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with London Concertante’s…

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Dean Wye Valley Submit Event Images 960 x 640 px 9
Families | Arts | Groups

Bublé Christmas by Candlelight

Event Dates:
19th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026

Get ready for the ultimate festive feel-good concert, packed with…

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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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Day course at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
26th Sept 2026

Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own…

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Potting tent wheels in action Intro Class
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 18th Dec 2027

Next Event Date:
3rd Oct 2026

Try your hand at the potter's wheel with a 90-minute introduction class at…

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Families Offers

Safari tent interior and view at Bracelands Campsite
Dogs | Families

30% off midweek glamping September - December

Expires: 20th Dec 2026

Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 6th September - 20th December 2026

Main House Double Room at The Speech House Hotel
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation

Stay & Save Offer

Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%…

Size 960 x 640 for FDWVT
Dogs | Families

September Stay Offer

Expires: 19th Sept 2026

Money off 19-22 September Stay

Families Experiences

Adobe Stock 304479394 peregrine Harry Collins

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature

Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…

Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds…

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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

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

Accessible Walks through the bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights

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, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain…

Family cycling over a bridge in the Forest of Dean photo credit Forestry England
Dogs | Families

Colliers Trail: Family Cycling in the Forest of…

Duration: 2 Hours

Distance 9 Miles

Kids cycling at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Cycle Routes and Bike Trails in the Forest of…

Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and…

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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