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Family Holidays in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Families visit the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley for many reasons, but we know that our acres of beautiful ancient forest and our stunning river valley are the main ones! Children can run free, parents can relax and families can enjoy a range of pastimes and days out together.

We have iconic ruins and towering castles, hidden gems and out of the way places, characterful villages and riverside pubs. There are stunning walking trails and adventure activities galore such as canoeing and climbing. We have mountain biking, zip-wires and kayaking, for explorers there’s a great range of attractions, from the magical Puzzlewood to caves and steam trains, and for something more relaxing, enjoy the sculpture trail, a guided tour by foot or boat or learn about the area at our museums.

We've got plenty of family friendly accommodation too from cosy cottages to quirky glamping sites, forest campsites and log cabins. We've got family friendly places to eat and recommendations for shopping and local produce to sample too.

If you're looking to read up on some other inspirational ideas we can recommend a number of online reviews too:

The top five things to do with kids in the Forest of Dean by Mummy Travels.

Family adventures in the Forest of Dean by Juggling on Rollerskates.

Things to do with the family in the Dean Wye by the Family Adventure Project.

The Dean Wye is an idyllic rural landscape which will surround you with nature and inspire you with beauty. Get off the beaten track and take the time to reconnect with nature. With dramatic scenery, space to roam and freedom to explore, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers much more than you might imagine.

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Family Friendly Things To Do

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. It’s a place with loads to do for all ages, plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly, for many families, it’s somewhere to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Family Friendly Accommodation
Family Friendly Places to Eat
Young Families

There is an abundance of things to do to keep our youngest visitors happy in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. You can’t come to the area without a woodland walk and whether it’s raining or the sun is shining the trees are often a great place to shelter.
With Tweens & Teens

While device-dependent teens are often the hardest to please, get it right and family holidays can be 100% fun. From canoeing to caving, climbing and footgolf, to paintball, paddleboarding and even pottery, few places offer more awesome adventures for angsty adolescents than the brilliant Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
Family Cycling

A circular 9 mile route around the Forest of Dean, well signposted and easy to follow, ideal for all ages and a great way to explore the Forest of Dean on two wheels. Start at Pedalabikeaway, hire your bikes from them if you need them, and make the most of their cafe while you're there.