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

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

Ross on Wye Canoe Hire
Adventure | Families | Groups

River Wye Canoe Hire

Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's…

The Belfry Hotel

Prices from:
£80.00

Groups | Families | Adventure

The Belfry Hotel

The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992

Dog on a canoe at Symonds Yat Canoe Hire
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Symonds Yat Canoe Hire

With our base right on the banks of the beautiful River Wye at Symonds Yat West, in the heart of…

20180902 143655 2 1814287848
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature | History

Perrygrove Railway Adventure

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

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!

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…

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…

Taurus Crafts 3
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families

Taurus Crafts

Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,…

Caving with Borderlands Outdoor
Adventure | Families | Groups

Borderlands Outdoor

Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,…

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…

Clearwell Caves Lamproom Cafe

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

Mallards cafe 666671369
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Mallards Pike Café

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

The Chocolate Bar Organic Chocolates
Foodies | Families | Accessible | Groups

The Chocolate Bar

We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients…

Bells Hotel and Country Club

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

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…

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:
4th Apr 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:
13th Mar 2026

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

IMG 4067 1
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Mothers Day Lunch

Dates:
15th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Celebrate Mothers Day in Timeless Surroundings

EM26 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Easter Market

Dates:
4th Apr 2026 - 4th Apr 2026

Browse a variety of independent and local traders while you enjoy live music from Silurian and…

2026 schedule poster
Families | Foodies | Groups

Bands in the Park - Sunday Afternoons

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

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

View Event
4 5 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups

Vegan Market

Event Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and…

View Event
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…

View Event
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…

View Event
EP 025
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
6th Mar 2026 - 6th Mar 2026

Join us at 2pm on Friday 6th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

View Event
Introductrion to the Potters Wheel Class make pottery to be proud of
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
7th Mar 2026 - 7th Mar 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 7th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

View Event
Proud creation during introduction to potters wheel workshop
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
7th Mar 2026 - 7th Mar 2026

Join us at 2pm on Saturday 7th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

View Event
Hands covered in clay making a pot on the potters wheel at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
13th Mar 2026 - 13th Mar 2026

Join us at 11am on Friday 13th of March 2026 for a hands on Potter’s Wheel…

View Event
I Stock 652229724 crafts
Arts | Families | Groups

Crown Making

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Become the King or Queen of Chepstow Castle by decorating your very own…

View Event
Day Course with Jon and Sarah
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 14 March 2026

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026

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

View Event
Potter's wheel group inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
14th Mar 2026 - 14th Mar 2026

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

View Event
Hot Pot Pottery
Dogs | Families | Groups

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
15th Mar 2026 - 15th Mar 2026

Mother's Day Unique Pottery and Food Experience

View Event

Families Offers

The Red Hart Inn Blaisdon
Dogs | Foodies | Families | Groups

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 28th Mar 2026

Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24

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

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

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

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.