1. Families

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

Mallards Pike Lake
Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby…

The Chocolate Bar Organic Chocolates
Foodies | Families | Accessible | Groups

The Chocolate Bar

We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients…

VDW Adventures3 1726287717
Adventure | Families | Groups

Wye Adventures

We are the place to come to for your Wye Valley Outdoor Experiences; canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,…

IMG 16692

Escape to Dinglewood Retreat, where a luxury cabin with hot tub and charming shepherd’s hut offer…

Bells Hotel and Country Club

Bells Hotel and Country Club is based on the outskirts of Coleford Town Centre; a perfect location…

Taurus Crafts 3
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families

Taurus Crafts

Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,…

Battlesports Glos Outdoor Laser Tag group session
Adventure | Families | Groups

BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag

Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball…

157652423 930509420

Prices from:
£90.00

Families | Groups | Foodies

The King's Head Hotel

A family run hotel in the most picturesque street Ross. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee…

Tintern Abbey Cottage advent or Christmas panorama

Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming…

Forest Barns Farm frontage

Prices from:
£543.00

Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs

Forest Barns

5 Luxury Cottages in Private Hamlet | Book One or All | Hot Tubs & Log Fires | Civil Cermony Inside…

Greenacres Campsite

Prices from:
£19.00

Families | Dogs | Groups

Greenacres Campsite

Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and…

PEDALABIKEAWAY
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs | Foodies

Pedalabikeaway

In the heart of the Forest of Dean, Pedalabikeaway is where forest adventures start. We are a place…

Child playing in the water at Wenchford
Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Wenchford

A popular picnic site with picnic tables, an easy access path and a paddling area

Beechenhurst Zipwire
Families | Nature

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great…

Caving with Borderlands Outdoor
Adventure | Families | Groups

Borderlands Outdoor

Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,…

Chaxhill Holly Barn Exterior photo
Families | Groups

Chaxhill - Holly Barn

A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,…

Families Events

Select a Timeframe:

Date From:

Date To:

RICH 8738
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

Great tit
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)

Greek for a Week
Families | Foodies | Groups

A Week of Greek!

Dates:
3rd Jun 2026 - 10th Jun 2026

The flavours of the Aegean on your doorstep!

4 5 graphic
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible

Vegan Market

Dates:
14th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026

Market for anyone who loves high-quality street food, artisan bakes, and unique handmade finds.…

Family visit
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
Lydney
Families | Foodies | Groups

Proms in the Park

Event Dates:
19th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026

An extended afternoon of free outdoor music at the Bandstand in Ross

View Event
Forest Showcae Food Festival
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
Treorchy 3
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
Market House and Christmas tree
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
Beechenhurst
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
Day course at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 5th Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
1st Aug 2026

Spend a full day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your…

View Event
Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience

Event Dates:
9th Apr 2026 - 2nd Jul 2026

Next Event Date:
28th May 2026

Throw your own mugs and tea cups on the potter's wheel, paint pottery…

View Event
Potting tent wheels in action Intro Class
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
10th Apr 2026 - 19th Dec 2026

Next Event Date:
5th Jun 2026

Try your hand at the potter's wheel with a 90-minute introduction class at…

View Event
CUMBRIATOURISM 240608 Paul Mitchell Whinlatter Go Ape 51
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
Dean Heritage Centre Family Walk
Adventure | Families | History

May Half-Term

Event Dates:
23rd May 2026 - 31st May 2026

Bring the whole family to the Dean Heritage Centre this May Half Term for…

View Event
Kathryn Goddard Photography Mr Hallworth 12
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 Event

Families Offers

Main House Double Room at The Speech House Hotel
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Nature | Relaxation

Stay & Save Offer

Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15%…

Families Experiences

3

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to…

Three quarter day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

Half day canoe trip - Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

32 Canoe the Wye Family half day web

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

Families Itineraries

Accessible Walks through the bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

A 3-Day Spring Itinerary in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

Families Trails

Biker in Forest credit Steve Hunt 2
Adventure | Families

Downhill Cycling Trails

Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to…

Family cycling over a bridge in the Forest of Dean photo credit Forestry England
Dogs | Families

Family Cycling & The Colliers Trail

Duration: 2 Hours

Distance 9 Miles

Kids cycling at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
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…

12 Easy Walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

12 Easy Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Walks

Distance 0.75 - 3 miles

Our latest Families blogs

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025
Read more

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.