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

Harts Barn Cookery School Group
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation

Harts Barn Cookery School

Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many…

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…

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…

Tintern Abbey Cottage advent or Christmas panorama

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

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Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal…

Clearwell Caves Lamproom Cafe

The Lamproom Cafe sits above ground and is the only marker for adventures taking place below. With…

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…

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…

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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…

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Families | Groups | History

Raglan Castle

Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.…

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…

18th Green
Groups | Families

Forest Hills Golf Club

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

Beechenhurst Zipwire
Families | Nature

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean, is a great place for a day out in…

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Families | Adventure | Groups | History

Dean Forest Railway

Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage…

Pencraig 1755808323
Groups | Families

Big House Holiday Lets

Our 10 beautiful our self-catering, large holiday homes nestle in the heart of the Wye Valley and…

Coleford Outside
Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible

Coleford Library

Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect,…

Families Events

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Paul Burton sculpture
Families | Groups | Arts | Nature

Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2026

Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026

Next Event Date:
4th Jul 2026

Showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is designed as an…

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Dates:
27th Jun 2026 - 12th Jul 2026

farOpen members showing in lovely cafe setting in woodland

Busking5
Families | Groups | Arts

Coleford Busking Festival

Dates:
11th Jul 2026 - 11th Jul 2026

This once popular event returns to raise funds for Coleford Music Festival. Buskers will fill the…

Family visit
Families | Groups | Nature | History

Summer Holidays - Free Entry

Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Aug 2026

Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun!

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

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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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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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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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RICH 8738
Families | Groups | Nature

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

Event Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
4th Jul 2026

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring

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Great tit
Adventure | Families | Nature

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

Event Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
18th Jul 2026

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

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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:
1st Aug 2026

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

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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:
4th Jul 2026

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

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FOD Thursday
Adventure | Families | Groups

FOD Thursday - Timed Bike Runs

Event Dates:
4th Jun 2026 - 9th Jul 2026

Next Event Date:
9th Jul 2026

Join Pedalabikeaway for relaxed timed runs on the downhill trails at the…

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Families | Groups | History

Falconry at the Abbey

Event Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 11th Oct 2026

Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight.

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Families | Groups | History

Brother Thomas the Cellarer

Event Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Dec 2026

Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…

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Families Offers

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Visitor Centre Summers Savings 2026

Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Roman Miniature Golf, Indoor Adventure Golf and…

Coach House In Flower
Families

10% of Stays between 01 - 17th July

Expires: 17th Jul 2026

Stay in the Beautiful Village of Newland within walking distance of The Ostrich and many walks and…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Visitor Centre Summers Savings 2026

Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Adventure Golf, Miniature Golf and Butterfly Zoo.

Safari tent interior and view at Bracelands Campsite
Dogs | Families

30% off midweek glamping June- July 2026

Expires: 14th Jul 2026

Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 1st June - 14th July 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%…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Great British Summer Savings 2026

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Great British Summer Savings 2026

Families Experiences

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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

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

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