Dogs
Festive Breaks & Winter Getaways | Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Post date:
26th October 2025
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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
Families
Dick Whittington Park
Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both… Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.
Families
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great… Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go…
Prices from:
£100.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Broom Hill Retreat
Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest… Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest of Dean. Enjoy nature with home comforts, hot tubs & more!
Foodies | Families | Dogs | Groups | Accessible
Heritage Coffee Shop
Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax… Located on the upper level of The Dean Heritage Centre, our coffee shop is the ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Mallards Pike
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby… Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature
Bracelands Campsite – Cosy glamping pods
Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever… Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like. When you enter the grounds of Bracelands campsite, you’ll be…
Families | Groups | History
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow… Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Whitemead Forest Park Eateries
Whitemead Forest Park is home to its own on-site dining options, ideal for guests looking to unwind… Whitemead Forest Park is home to its own on-site dining options, ideal for guests looking to unwind with a drink, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a sit-down meal after a day…
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
Groups | Families
The Wyndham
We offer 24 ensuite bedrooms catering for both couples and families, making it the perfect base for… We offer 24 ensuite bedrooms catering for both couples and families, making it the perfect base for a romantic weekend away, attending weddings at the Clearwell Castle, or…
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
Leaf Creative
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
The Fountain Inn
Award-winning country inn. Well known locally for its excellent meals and real ales. A wide choice… Award-winning country inn. Well known locally for its excellent meals and real ales. A wide choice of home-cooked meals available and on Sundays a popular carvery is…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock Cafe
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
Dogs | Families | Groups
Arden's Farm
Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to… Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to explore the Forest of Dean. Set within a working farm and provides plenty of…
Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature
Canoe the Wye Ltd
Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible
Cyril Hart Arboretum
An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the… An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the Speech House Hotel.
Families Events
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food… Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch from one of the hot food vendors to enjoy alongside variety live music and street entertainment. For…
Families
The Good Tidings Family Trail
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 4th Jan 2026
As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas… As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas Message and bring good tidings to all!
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Families
Carols On The Hour
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Carols on the Hour returns for another year, and our Cathedral choirs are ready to lift your… Carols on the Hour returns for another year, and our Cathedral choirs are ready to lift your spirits with joyful festive music!
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
15th Dec 2025 - 15th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2025 - 17th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Family Carol Service
Event Dates:
23rd Dec 2025 - 18th Nov 2025
Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer,…
View Event
Families | Adventure | Groups
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the…
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Kids Go Free In November
Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 9th Nov 2025
Visit us this November and only pay for the adults in your group!
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
Kids Go Free In November - Enjoy An Autumn Day Out at Perrygrove Railway
Event Dates:
18th Nov 2025 - 18th Nov 2025
Save on your family day out this November!
View EventFamilies Offers
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Families Experiences
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… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
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. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.
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… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
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… Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an afternoon tea.
Families Itineraries
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Families Trails
Adventure | Families
Downhill Cycling Trails
Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to… Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.
Looking for a safe, scenic and fun day out on two wheels? The Colliers Trail is a 9-mile circular… Looking for a safe, scenic and fun day out on two wheels? The Colliers Trail is a 9-mile circular off-road route through the Forest of Dean - perfect for families, beginners…
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… Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a pootle through peaceful countryside, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers something for everyone on two wheels.
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks
Distance 0.75 - 3 miles
Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye… Downloadable routes and insider tips for 12 gentle walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley—perfect for families and casual strollers.
Our latest Families blogs
Discover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
Read more
Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
Read more
Adventure
Why the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a must-visit for Parkrun enthusiasts
Post date:
27th May 2025
Discover six scenic parkruns, PB-friendly routes, and family-friendly trails in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley - your next running weekend awaits.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
