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

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…

Ryeford Ponds Glamping
Families | Dogs | Nature

Ryeford Ponds Glamping

Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands,…

The Art of Coffee coffee shop in Coleford - exterior
Families | Foodies | Groups

The Art of Coffee

Independent Family Owned Coffee House and Live Music Venue in The Forest of Dean. 'The Coffee…

Deanwood Holidays
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Deanwood Holidays

Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site,…

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…

Forest Deli Hampers and Gifts

Choose from one of our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own food gift completely personal…

BHHL The Manor on the Monnow Exterior
Groups | Families

The Manor on the Monnow

A Manor House set within its own private grounds, on the banks of the River Monnow just a short…

Oakraven1 703507070
Families | Dogs | Groups

Oakraven Field Centre

The Oakraven Field Centre is nestled on the edge of the Forest of Dean in a converted 19th century…

Beechenhurst Zipwire

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

Yurts3 2123140295
Families | Groups

Mrs Mills Yurts

Four extremely stylish yurts set in fields nestled on the banks of May hill, a national trust…

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Dogs | Families

Holly Tree House

An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays, Holly Tree House provides accommodation in…

Mill end accomm new 15 1667720138
Dogs | Groups | Families

Mill End Mitcheldean

Mill End is a large medieval country house, in a village location, fab for hen parties, big family…

Back garden

Prices from:
£130.00

Families | Nature

Willow Cottage

Willow Cottage, three-bedroom holiday cottage at the heart of Forest of Dean, next to the Cycle…

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Two cottages completely self-contained and situated in the west wing of 16th century half-timbered…

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…

Go Ape Treetop Challenge 8
Adventure | Families | Groups

Go Ape Forest of Dean

Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.…

Families Events

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Hot Pot Pottery

Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Hot pot pottery halloween
Dogs | Families | Groups | Relaxation

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 30th October 2025

Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot Pot Pottery

Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Hot pot pottery halloween
Families | Arts | Dogs | Relaxation

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 28th October 2025

Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience - 16th Oct 2025

Event Dates:
16th Oct 2025 - 16th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Families

Newent Celebrates The English Civil War

Event Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Street Fayre

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience - 4th Sep 2025

Event Dates:
4th Sept 2025 - 4th Sept 2025

Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting

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Families | Arts | History

Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The Full Spectrum'

Event Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists…

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pizza & Pottery Experience - 27th Aug 2025

Event Dates:
27th Aug 2025 - 27th Aug 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Monmouth Archery Taster Sessions

Event Dates:
26th Aug 2025 - 26th Aug 2025

Archery taster sessions in Monmouth

Roaming Reptiles at Elton Mazes
Families | Groups | Nature

Roaming Reptiles hands on experiences at Elton Giant Mazes

Event Dates:
26th Aug 2025 - 26th Aug 2025

Roaming Reptiles will be bringing an impressive selection of animals from…

Gloucester Goes Retro
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Gloucester Goes Retro

Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a…

Potter's Wheel Day Course group on stairs June 23
Relaxation | Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

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

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pizza & Pottery Experience - 22nd Aug 2025

Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Elton Giant Mazes By Torchlight Poster 2025
Families | Foodies | Groups

Mazes by Torchlight

Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025

Tickets sell out every year! – Don’t Miss Out!

Dean Heritage Centre Kids Event
History | Families

Backstage in the Gage

Event Dates:
20th Aug 2025 - 20th Aug 2025

Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the…

Families Offers

PEDALABIKEAWAY family cycling in the Forest of Dean
Adventure | Families | Groups

Half Price E-Bike Hire Every Thursday Evening

Expires: 4th Sept 2025

Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!

Families Experiences

Jacob and the cows

Prices from:
£179.99

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Half day farm experience

Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an…

Briery Hill Llamas Full Day Farm Experience Macchi angel

Prices from:
£249.99

Adventure | Families | Nature | Groups

Full Day Farm Experience

Farm experience and animal enrichment, providing a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with…

Di with Tyrone at a pig enrichment experience day

Prices from:
£59.99

Adventure | Nature | Families

Pig Enrichment

Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on opportunity to interact with our rescued pigs…

Di with Tyrone at a pig enrichment experience day

Prices from:
£82.99

Adventure | Nature | Families

Pig Enrichment and afternoon tea

Our 1 hour pig enrichment provides a unique, hands on piggy pampering! finished off with the…

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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