Dogs
Our Five Favourite Dog-friendly Pubs with ‘Proper’ Walks
Post date:
18th May 2025
Discover five favourite dog friendly pubs and 'proper' walks from the stunning Symonds Yat Rock Lodge.
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 | 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.
Families | Groups | History
Mrs Mills Yurts
Four extremely stylish yurts set in fields nestled on the banks of May hill, a national trust… Four extremely stylish yurts set in fields nestled on the banks of May hill, a national trust landmark. Three yurts have private wood fired hot tubs and all have stunning…
Families | Groups | History
The Ostrich Inn
Proper 13th century country pub opposite the Cathedral of the Forest in the village of Newland. 8… Proper 13th century country pub opposite the Cathedral of the Forest in the village of Newland. 8 Real Ales. Great food. Beer garden.
Families | Groups | History
Dryslade Farm Bed & Breakfast
Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal… Relaxed and friendly hospitality on a working farm near Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, ideal for walking and cycling. Restful lounge, large garden and spacious…
Families | Groups | History
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful… Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has…
Families | Groups | History
Seven Hills Hideaway Luxury Glamping
Located on a 16th century farm, our dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families… Located on a 16th century farm, our dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families and friends looking for adventure.
Families | Groups | History
Black Rock Picnic Site
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges… Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges with fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges.
Families | Groups | History
Wye Adventures
We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,… We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, climbing, bushcraft, survival, gorge scrambling, archery and more.
Families Events
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Families | Arts | History | Nature
Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The…
Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the… A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the Forest of Dean
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Gloucester Goes Retro
Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025
Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all… Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things vintage with the much-loved Gloucester Goes Retro Festival.
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Monmouth Medieval Festival
Dates:
6th Jul 2025 - 6th Jul 2025
Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much… Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much more here in Monmouth, birthplace of Henry V.
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Take That Tribute Night
Dates:
5th Jul 2025 - 5th Jul 2025
See Take That Tribute band at Whitemead Forest Park See Take That Tribute band at Whitemead Forest Park
Families | Arts | History
Rising Stars
Event Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 28th Jun 2025
Fantastic brass band music at Scarr Bandstand, a great free event.
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Families | Arts | History
Grease v Dirty Dancing Theme Night
Event Dates:
20th Jun 2025 - 20th Jun 2025
Enjoy Grease v Dirty Dancing at Whitemead Forest Park.
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Families | Arts | History
Father's Day
Event Dates:
15th Jun 2025 - 15th Jun 2025
Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre!
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Families | Arts | History
Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
Event Dates:
7th Jun 2025 - 7th Jun 2025
Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home…
View EventFamilies Experiences
Prices from:
£250.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Abseiling adventure session
Take the challenge! Descend from up to 90 feet in the Wye Valley or South Wales Take the challenge! Descend from up to 90 feet in the Wye Valley or South Wales
Prices from:
£250.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Rock climbing adventure
Reach for the skies with a Wye Valley or South Wales rock climbing adventure Reach for the skies with a Wye Valley or South Wales rock climbing adventure
Prices from:
£250.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Caving adventure session
Explore hidden depths with a South Wales caving adventure Explore hidden depths with a South Wales caving adventure
Prices from:
£35.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Adventure Caving
It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
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
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.
Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to… Our guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring.
Our latest Families blogs
Everything, you need to know about canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the stunning River Wye at Symonds Yat West!
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Discover canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - from gentle paddles to full-day and multi-day trips.
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Dogs
The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Post date:
17th April 2025
Discover the best places in the UK to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with peaceful woodland walks and seasonal displays across the region.
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