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

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…

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

18th Green
Groups | Families

Forest Hills Golf Club

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

VDW Canoes9 462453209
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Canoes

We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat…

Clearwell Caves Lake 1 2059054557
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting…

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…

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…

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel Garden
Families | Foodies | Dogs

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel

13th Century 4* Boutique Farmhouse Hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms and AA 2 Rosette Restaurant.

Nuthatch Retreat Living Room Double aspect

Prices from:
£195.00

Families | Accessible

Nuthatch Retreat

A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - valley views, generous gardens, Cinema, EV…

Danby Cottage

Prices from:
£100.00

Accessible | Families

Danby Cottage

Perfect hideaway set deep in the heart of the forest. Ideal for walks, cycling and relaxing…

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

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,…

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

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

Perrygrove railway steam train at the station
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | History

Perrygrove Railway Adventure

Charming family friendly visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas and woodland walks…

Orchard Barn self catering holiday cottage
Dogs | Families

Orchard Barn

3-Bed, 3-Bath Stunning converted barn with private hot tub and log burner.

Families Events

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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:
20th Jun 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:
17th Jun 2026

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

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 | Accessible

Proms in the Park

Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026

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

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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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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Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

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

Next Event Date:
2nd Jul 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:
26th Jun 2026

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

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Paul Burton sculpture
Families | Groups | Arts

Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2026

Event Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026

The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is now in its third year, showcasing over…

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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:
18th Jun 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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Classics and choirs
Families | Arts

Classics and Choirs

Event Dates:
19th Jun 2026 - 19th Jun 2026

Outdoor event featuring classical musicians and local school choirs

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Families | Arts | History

Sacro e Profano: Sacred and Secular Music in Medieval Italy

Event Dates:
20th Jun 2026 - 20th Jun 2026

Step back in time and experience the magical melodies of the medieval era,…

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Families Offers

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%…

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

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

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
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