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

157652423 930509420

Prices from:
£90.00

Families | Groups | Foodies

The King's Head Hotel

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

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,…

Vdw whitemead adventuregolf 12 564238249
Families | Groups | Adventure

Whitemead Forest Park Activities

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

Puzzlewood Forest
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,…

VDW Adventures3 1726287717
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Adventures

We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,…

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible

Symonds Yat Rock

Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and…

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…

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…

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!

Bracelands Campsite site entrance

Prices from:
£29.00

Dogs | Families | Groups

Bracelands Camping

Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on…

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…

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…

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

Leaf Creative Garden Centre Evening Event
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible | Foodies

Leaf Creative

Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant…

18th Green
Groups | Families

Forest Hills Golf Club

Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful…

Seven Hills Glamping Safari Hut

Prices from:
£340.00

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

Families Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

RICH 8738
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
25th May 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:
8th May 2026

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

2026 schedule poster
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Bands in the Park - Sunday Afternoons

Dates:
17th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

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

4 5 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Vegan Market

Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and unique handmade finds.…

Lydney
Families | Foodies | Groups

Proms in the Park

Event Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026

An extended afternoon of free outdoor music at the Bandstand in Ross

View Event
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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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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Day course at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

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

Next Event Date:
9th May 2026

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

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Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
9th Apr 2026 - 2nd Jul 2026

Next Event Date:
28th May 2026

Throw your own mugs and tea cups on the potter's wheel, paint pottery…

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Potting tent wheels in action Intro Class
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 19th Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
15th May 2026

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

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Coleford Walking Festival
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Coleford Area Walking Festival

Event Dates:
9th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

This annual festival is based in & around the town of Coleford in the…

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Murder Mystery Sherlock
Families | Groups

Murder Mystery on a Steam Train - Blackbeard’s Legacy

Event Dates:
9th May 2026 - 9th May 2026

Crack the case on board the steam train, as you enjoy a two-course meal…

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Bee RACHEL SHILSTON INSPIRING CREATIVITY
Families | Arts | Groups

Learn to paint a Bee Workshop

Event Dates:
20th May 2026 - 20th May 2026

Bee painting workshop

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Dean Heritage Centre Family Walk
Adventure | Families | History

May Half-Term

Event Dates:
23rd May 2026 - 31st May 2026

Bring the whole family to the Dean Heritage Centre this May Half Term for…

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Spring Food Festival
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Spring Food Festival

Event Dates:
24th May 2026 - 24th May 2026

Set in the heart of the scenic Forest of Dean, this family-friendly event…

View Event

Families Offers

Safari tent interior and view at Bracelands Campsite
Dogs | Families

30% off midweek glamping May 2026

Expires: 21st May 2026

Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite May 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%…

View from the deluxe glamping pods at Bracelands Campsite
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Bank holiday glamping offer

Expires: 7th May 2026

£30 off per night off glamping at Bracelands Campsite

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

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 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

Mothers Day at Puzzlewood
Adventure

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Post date: 7th March 2026

Find the perfect Mother's Day gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
Read more

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