Dogs
5 Autumn Family Activities
Post date:
12th October 2026
Five family activities for half term in the Forest of Dean, from meeting the Gruffalo at Beechenhurst to Halloween clues on the Room on the Broom trail.
Group Friendly
Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Planning a trip with friends, extended family, a school group or club? The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a fantastic choice for group getaways, celebrations, reunions and team adventures, with plenty of space, flexibility, and fun to go around.
From big holiday homes and group-friendly bunkhouses or campsites to activity centres, guided experiences, and places to eat with room for everyone, this is a region that welcomes groups of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're organising a hen or stag do, an outdoor education trip, or a weekend away with mates, you’ll find a huge variety of options to keep everyone happy.
You’ll also find specialist providers offering private tours, multi-day itineraries, and tailored packages - great if you’re after something a little more bespoke. And with so many scenic spots and unique attractions, there’s always something new to share and explore together.
In this section, you’ll find accommodation, activities, places to eat, and services that cater specifically for groups. It's always good to make planning easy and the experience one to remember.
Explore below to start building your group adventure in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Groups Businesses
Families | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Coleford Library
Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect,… Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect, helping people build skills and confidence.
Foodies | Groups | Families
Dining at Bells Hotel and Country Club
We offer a range of light bites, main meals and daily specials, as well as a children’s menu. The… We offer a range of light bites, main meals and daily specials, as well as a children’s menu. The Club House is open for anyone to visit for a drink or bite to eat.
Prices from:
£80.00
Groups | Families
The Belfry Hotel
The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992 The Belfry Hotel - Family run pub, hotel and restaurant since Since 1992
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.
Families | Adventure | Groups | History
Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Puzzlewood
Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars,… Wander enchanting twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Borderlands Outdoor
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,… Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
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…
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses,… Learn new skills at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean, with hands-on cookery courses, baking workshops and inspiring food experiences.
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
Families | Groups
Chaxhill - Holly Barn
A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,… A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden, Holly Barn in Westbury-on-Severn sleeps up to fifteen people & provides an…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | 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
Families | Groups | Dogs | Adventure | Accessible
Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze
Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great… Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great adventure, this is an experience not to be missed.
Prices from:
£120.00
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature
The Speech House Hotel
A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, two…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Canoes
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat… We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We…
Prices from:
£90.00
Families | Groups | Foodies
The King's Head Hotel
A family run hotel in the most picturesque street in Ross-on-Wye. All rooms are en-suite with tea &… A family run hotel in the most picturesque street in Ross-on-Wye. All rooms are en-suite with tea & coffee facilities and freeview flatscreen TV's.
Groups Events
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Date From:
Date To:
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Fun & Friendly Pub Quiz in the Forest of Dean
Dates:
16th Sept 2026 - 11th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
14th Oct 2026
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in… After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in a characterful country pub.
History | Groups | Arts
The Long Man
Dates:
24th Oct 2026 - 24th Oct 2026
Discover the fascinating connections between Edward Jenner, John Hunter and the mysterious ‘Long… Discover the fascinating connections between Edward Jenner, John Hunter and the mysterious ‘Long Man’.
Families | Arts | Groups
Christmas at the Movies by The Great British Film…
Dates:
26th Nov 2026 - 26th Nov 2026
A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life,… A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life, performed by The Great British Film Orchestra.
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Christmas at Silver Circle Distillery
Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Festive nights in our winter Chalet Festive nights in our winter Chalet
Arts | Families | Groups
Motown Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
A sensational cast of world-class vocalists and a stunning live band…
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Families | Arts | Groups
London Concertante Christmas at the Movies
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2026 - 17th Dec 2026
Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with London Concertante’s…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Get ready for the ultimate festive feel-good concert, packed with…
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Adventure | Families | Arts
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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Arts | Groups
Couples Pottery Wheel Throwing & Heart Hanger Making Evening
Event Dates:
12th Feb 2026 - 13th Feb 2027
Next Event Date:
12th Feb 2027
Romantic Pottery Making Evening
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Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
17th Oct 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
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Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
17th Oct 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
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Groups | Nature | Accessible
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 11th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
28th Feb 2027
Forest of Dean Bird of Prey Safari
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Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
27th Aug 2026 - 2nd Apr 2027
Next Event Date:
7th Mar 2027
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
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Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
4th Sept 2026 - 25th Mar 2027
Next Event Date:
16th Oct 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
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Groups | Arts
Your World, Our Eyes - Photography Exhibition
Event Dates:
12th Sept 2026 - 28th Nov 2026
Photography exhibition by Forest of Dean Camera Club
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Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
19th Sept 2026 - 12th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
14th Nov 2026
Join Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and wildlife detective for a…
View EventGroups Offers
Discounted price per person for group bookings: Discounted price per person for group bookings:
Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu,… Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu, children's options and a warm Forest of Dean welcome.
Groups Experiences
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean
Prices from:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
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 1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat
Groups Itineraries
A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations,… A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations, from Otis's house to Wintour's Leap and a river cruise.
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights
A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local… A 3-day spring itinerary in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, including outdoor walks, local cafés, nature spots and relaxing stays.
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.
Groups Trails
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Cycle Routes and Bike Trails in the Forest of…
Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and… Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and traffic-free routes to mountain biking adventures.
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.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
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