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

Whitemead Forest Park Cabins and Apartments
Dogs | Families | Groups

Whitemead Forest Park

Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges…

Seven Hills Glamping Safari Hut

Prices from:
£340.00

Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples…

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.

Forestry England Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Families | Groups | Adventure | Nature | Accessible

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the…

Go Ape Treetop Challenge 8
Adventure | Families | Groups

Go Ape Forest of Dean

Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.…

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Families | Groups | Nature

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

Indoor butterfly zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up…

THE BELFRY 09615

Prices from:
£80.00

Groups | Families

The Belfry Hotel

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

Holly Barn lounge with a logburner and mezzanine floor
Families | Groups

Hidden Gems

Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect…

Vdw whitemead adventuregolf 12 564238249
Families | Groups | Adventure

Whitemead Forest Park Activities

Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Elton Giant Mazes - Bird of Paradise Maize Maze aerial view 2025
Families | Groups | Dogs | Adventure | Nature | Accessible

Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze

3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to…

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

Symonds Yat Canoe Hire

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

Lydney exterior 3
Families | Groups | Accessible

Lydney Library

At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,…

Chaxhill Holly Barn Exterior photo
Families | Groups

Chaxhill - Holly Barn

A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,…

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!

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…

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:
12th 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:
6th Jun 2026

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

Greek for a Week
Families | Foodies | Groups

A Week of Greek!

Dates:
3rd Jun 2026 - 10th Jun 2026

The flavours of the Aegean on your doorstep!

4 5 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Vegan Market

Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and unique handmade finds.…

Family visit
Families | Groups | Nature

Summer Holidays - Free Entry

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

Join us this Summer Holidays for some free family fun!

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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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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:
10th Jun 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:
6th 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:
11th Jun 2026

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

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Families | History

Chepstow Under Siege 1645

Event Dates:
6th Jun 2026 - 6th Jun 2026

Chepstow Castle is under attack from the forces of Parliament! Experience…

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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

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Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
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