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,…

Hope and Anchor cocktails
Foodies | Families | Dogs

The Hope and Anchor & Pavilion

In the “Hope & Anchor Pub & Rooms” we’ll be providing quality beers and ales as well as great…

Side view of house 405035264

Luxury self-catering farmhouse and contemporary eco barn in the heart of the Wye Valley. Set in 63…

Soudley Waters Edge 1816121717
Nature | Families | Dogs

Soudley Ponds

A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users

IMG 5582 1279175797
Dogs | Families

Holly Tree House

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

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…

Chepstow Park Wood footpath and bluebells
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Chepstow Park Wood

This medieval hunting park covering survives intact as the Forest Commission's Chepstow Park Wood.…

The Wyndham
Groups | Families

The Wyndham

We offer 24 ensuite bedrooms catering for both couples and families, making it the perfect base for…

Humbug Barn Living Room
Families

Humbug Barn

Humbug Barn is the perfect location for your forest escape. This spacious former cider barn has…

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…

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

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

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

9 A3 A4997 1830740935

16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the…

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo with a child looking at a butterfly
Families | Groups | Nature

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

See hundreds of free-flying butterflies at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat. Indoor…

DSC 0264 1200576191
Adventure | Families | Groups

Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre

Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog.…

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,…

Families Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

B0006265

Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the…

Visit Dean Wye 960px by 640px

Dates:
21st Jun 2025 - 13th Jul 2025

A three week exhibition, open daily

Potter's Wheel Day Course group outside
Relaxation | Families | Arts | Groups

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
13th Aug 2025 - 13th Aug 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

Hot Pot Pottery

Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Beechenhurrst Facebook cover image 820x360
Families | Groups

Stick Man Fun Day at Beechenhurst

Event Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025

Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from…

PBA Exterior Summer Forestry Branding
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Late Night Thursday - Flavour Club

Event Dates:
14th Aug 2025 - 14th Aug 2025

Enjoy an evening ride from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre every Thursday…

PBA Pizza Fridays facebook event 1920 x 1080 px
Dogs | Families | Foodies

Pizza Night Friday

Event Dates:
15th Aug 2025 - 15th Aug 2025

Join us for fresh stone baked pizzas every Friday night 5-7pm

9470 D660 372 E 417 B 9 F62 0 D1 D43 EA2 DBF
Families

Ross on Wye Model Railway Exhibition

Event Dates:
16th Aug 2025 - 17th Aug 2025

20 layouts, 7 traders. Ample parking, disabled access, refreshments.

IPW group inside LANDSCAPE
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
16th Aug 2025 - 16th Aug 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

Sewing
Families

Heritage Crafts

Event Dates:
18th Aug 2025 - 18th Aug 2025

Get crafting with recycled materials

Roaming Reptiles at Elton Mazes
Families | Groups | Nature

Roaming Reptiles hands on experiences at Elton Giant Mazes

Event Dates:
19th Aug 2025 - 19th Aug 2025

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

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…

Drewitts2025 124
Adventure | Nature | Families

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari

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

Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…

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

IPW group in studio on wheels October 23 Experience Days
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

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

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

PBA Pizza Fridays facebook event 1920 x 1080 px
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Pizza Night Friday

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

Join us for fresh stone baked pizzas every Friday night 5-7pm

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!

IMG 7349
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Canoe Hire Summer Discount of £20.00 off rafted…

Expires: 31st Aug 2025

Family Rafted Canoe's This Summer

Families Experiences

Drewitts2025 61

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey…

Drewitts2025 101

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.

RICH 8687

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Experience Early Morning Bird Song

Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with…

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…

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

Stay up to date

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