Families
Summertime at Tintern Abbey
Post date:
7th May 2026
Tintern Abbey is a must visit destination, find out why it should be on your bucket list this summer.
- Locations
- Forest Of Dean
Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest and most fascinating landscapes — a place where nature, history, and creativity come together.
Tucked between the River Severn and the River Wye, the Forest of Dean is a unique corner of Gloucestershire with a character all of its own. Once a royal hunting ground, this ancient forest is now a haven for outdoor adventures, local produce, family days out, and peaceful escapes.
Steeped in myth, legend and industrial heritage, the Forest is shaped by its trees, its people, and its long history. From Iron Age forts and Roman roads to Freeminers' traditions and centuries-old villages, this is a place where the past sits alongside the present - and where every visit offers something new to discover.
Things to Do in the Forest of Dean
Whether you’re here for a short break or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Explore ancient woodland trails on foot or by bike, visit local attractions like Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves, or relax at a café tucked into the trees.
The forest is home to wildlife, dark skies, and dramatic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock. Families love Perrygrove Railway, the Sculpture Trail, and Cannop Ponds, while adventurers can try canoeing on the River Wye or zip-lining through the trees.
There’s also a strong creative and cultural side to the Forest of Dean, from local galleries and makers to community events and performance spaces. Traditional pubs, forest food, and independent shops all add to the area’s welcoming feel.
A Place to Explore, Return To, and Share
The Forest of Dean has inspired generations of artists, filmmakers, walkers, and daydreamers — and it’s easy to see why. Whether you come for the views, the peace and quiet, or the sense of something a little bit magical, the forest leaves a lasting impression.
From quiet village lanes to bustling market towns like Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney, the Forest of Dean invites you to slow down, look around, and make your own memories.
Businesses related to Forest of Dean
Families | Groups
Stay at Lydney Park Estate
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
Prices from:
£19.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Greenacres Campsite
Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and… Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and caravans, plus glamping tents and a luxury cabin. Ideal for exploring the…
Families
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…
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.
Foodies | Families
Stay at The Saracens Head Inn
16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the… 16 century riverside inn offering high quality food and comfortable accommodation situated in the Wye Valley gorge where it meets the Forest of Dean in the idyllic village of…
Foodies
Forest Deli Tasting Corner
Share our love of local and join us here at Forest Deli for a unique tasting experience in our… Share our love of local and join us here at Forest Deli for a unique tasting experience in our bespoke Tasting Corner sampling some of our delicious local produce.
Families | Groups | Accessible
Lydney Library
At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,… At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly, inclusive space that supports learning, creativity and community connection.
Families | Groups | Foodies
Forest Deli Hampers & Gifts
Choose from one of our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own food gift completely personal… Choose from one of our Forest Deli gift selections or make your own food gift completely personal by choosing your hamper style, choose from any of the contents available in…
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.
Families | Groups | Adventure
Whitemead Forest Park Activities
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,… Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora…
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…
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
Families | Groups
Hidden Gems
Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect… Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect for group getaways and outdoor adventures.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes…
Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Adventure | Families | Groups
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.
Events awarded Forest of Dean
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
Dates:
24th Feb 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
31st May 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari in spring
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) Spring and Summer Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Nature | Relaxation
Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Dates:
31st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Experience Early Morning Bird Song Experience Early Morning Bird Song
Families | Foodies | Groups
A Week of Greek!
Dates:
3rd Jun 2026 - 10th Jun 2026
The flavours of the Aegean on your doorstep! The flavours of the Aegean on your doorstep!
Groups | History
Backstage in the Gage - Ruspidge Burial Society
Event Dates:
17th Jun 2026 - 17th Jun 2026
Come to the Collections room to get a glimpse behind the scenes, see…
View Event
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!
View Event
Arts | Accessible
Sherlock Holmes - The Mystery of the Governor's Nose
Event Dates:
30th Aug 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Join us at All Saints Church Newland as we host Jenny Wren Theatre for a…
View Event
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,…
View Event
Families | Groups | Accessible
Treorchy Male Choir
Event Dates:
10th Oct 2026 - 10th Oct 2026
Return of the World Famous Treorchy Male Choir this Autumn
View Event
Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
View Event
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…
View Event
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…
View Event
Arts | Groups
One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop
Event Dates:
1st May 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
26th Jun 2026
A full day of wheel throwing at Hot Pot Pottery, Forest of Dean. Your own…
View Event
Arts | History
Beyond the Books Exhibition
Event Dates:
16th May 2026 - 30th Aug 2026
Forest of Dean Writers Collection Exhibition
View Event
Adventure | Families | Groups
May Half Term at Go Ape Forest of Dean
Event Dates:
23rd May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Looking for things to do this May half term in Gloucestershire? Head to Go…
View Event
Adventure | Dogs | Families
May Half Term Fun - Open Everyday
Event Dates:
23rd May 2026 - 31st May 2026
Perrygrove Railway is open every day this half term. Steam trains, treetop…
View EventExperiences Awarded Forest of Dean
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:
£70.00
Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails Learn how to make three alcohol free cocktails
Prices from:
£3.00
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Lunch Like a Local
Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie… Treat yourself to a freshly-prepared and authentically 'Forest' hot lunch tomorrow; with The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm, we've got you covered!
Relaxation
Long float
Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and… Sometimes you can’t get enough of floating! Here is your chance to go deeper into relaxation and explore further with a longer float.
Itineraries Awarded Forest of Dean
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.
Trails In Forest of Dean
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.
A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with… A circular 4.8-mile walk from Walford Church to Wythall Estate Vineyard near Ross-on-Wye, with optional tour/tasting and stays.
History | Accessible
Thomas Blake Trail
Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake! Explore Ross-on-Wye's history through the life of one of its benefactors: Thomas Blake!
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Offers From Forest of Dean
Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite Solo camper discount Bracelands Campsite
10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite 10% off camping midweek at Bracelands Campsite
15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite 15% Age concession rate discount for over 60's at Bracelands Campsite
Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 20% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY20. Sun-Fri. Forest of Dean Treetop Challenge: 20% off for families of 3-6! Use code FAMILY20. Sun-Fri.
Our latest Forest of Dean blogs
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Harriet Radford. See why she loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
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Through the Local Lens: with photographer Mark Adams. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
Read more
Find the perfect Mother's Day gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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