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

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,…

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Spacious 2 bedroom holiday cottages, with a beautiful valley views, nestled on a 20 acre dog…

Puzzlewood Cottages Bedroom

Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Krazy Golf - Lydney
Families | Groups | Adventure

Krazy Golf - Lydney

Our 15 hole Krazy Golf theme is based on attractions throughout the forest of dean, we offer…

Forest Deli Hampers and Gifts

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

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

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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…

VDW Canoes9 462453209
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Canoes

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

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

Safari Tent at Bracelands Campsite Glamping Bell tents Safari Tents

Prices from:
£60.00

Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to…

Freedomleaisure cinderford 1 1094863441
Families | Relaxation

Freedom Leisure Cinderford

Freedom Leisure Cinderford has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness…

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Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure…

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…

Nuthatch Retreat Living Room Double aspect

Prices from:
£200.00

Families | Accessible

Nuthatch Retreat

A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - expansive valley views, terraced gardens, EV…

Freedomleaisure newent 8 825820406
Families | Relaxation

Freedom Leisure Newent

Freedom Leisure Newent has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, fitness…

Families Events

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Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts | Relaxation

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

Dates:
4th Sept 2025 - 4th Sept 2025

Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting

Jon Williams Wild Doughnut Flower Meadow detail 200x200x40 mm Ceramic 130 00

Dates:
5th Sept 2025 - 13th Sept 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always…

PWC group on stairs June 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
6th Sept 2025 - 6th Sept 2025

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

PWC group on stairs June 23 LANDSCAPE
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
10th Sept 2025 - 10th Sept 2025

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

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Families

Newent Celebrates The English Civil War

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

Street Fayre

Chepsto balloon and beats festival
Families | Foodies | Groups

Balloons & Beats Festival

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

Experience hot air balloons, live music, food and family fun at Balloons &…

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Adventure | Families | Foodies

Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle

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

The Day of the Battle

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

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

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

Abergavenny food festival
Families | Foodies | Groups

Abergavenny Food Festival

Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 21st Sept 2025

Discover top chefs, street food, demos and talks at the Abergavenny Food…

The Dawn Chorus edited 34
Adventure | Families | Groups

Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse

Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 20th Sept 2025

In the evening and at dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of…

EP 012
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
26th Sept 2025 - 26th Sept 2025

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

One day at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
27th Sept 2025 - 27th Sept 2025

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

EP 007
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
3rd Oct 2025 - 3rd Oct 2025

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

Couples one day
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

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

EP 029
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

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

The Dawn Chorus edited 27
Adventure | Families | Groups

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

At dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of mighty and mysterious…

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

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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…

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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.

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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

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