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

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Bells hotel and country club restaurant - fish and chips

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.

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Families | Dogs | Groups | Nature | Adventure

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.

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Families | Accessible

Cowshed Cottage

Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025.… Single-storey self-catering cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Visit England 4* GOLD 2025. Bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Scenic, rural, and tranquil.

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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.

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Families | Groups

Bells Hotel and Country Club

Bells Hotel and Country Club is based on the outskirts of Coleford Town Centre; a perfect location… Bells Hotel and Country Club is based on the outskirts of Coleford Town Centre; a perfect location for outdoor pursuits, cycling, walking, canoeing and hiking in the Forest…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Inspire2Adventure

Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and… Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of…

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Adventure | Families | Groups | Dogs | Nature

Canoe the Wye Ltd

Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for… Canoe hire in the Wye Valley is the ultimate activity for those who love the outdoors. Ideal for families on holiday, friends seeking a challenge or groups wanting to do…

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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…

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Elton Giant Mazes - Bird of Paradise Maize Maze aerial view 2025

Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze

3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to… 3 Giant maize mazes with two 40 question quizzes. Activities Maze with over 20 activities to complete. Suitable for the whole family, push chairs, and powered wheelchairs.…

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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…

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Adventure | Families | Groups

BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag

Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball… Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball meets the safety and comfort of laser technology.

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Harts Barn Cookery School

Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…

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Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Clearwell Caves

Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting… Discover the Wonder of Under! These atmospheric ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are an exciting underground world for the whole family to discover.

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Go Ape Forest of Dean

Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do.… Nestled deep within the Forest of Dean are some of the best outdoor experiences and things to do. High ropes and all-terrain Forest Segways at the ready.

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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

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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…

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Families Events

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Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | Relaxation

Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

Dates:
29th Jan 2026 - 15th Feb 2026

Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace… Experience the fleeting beauty of snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. Wander at your own pace among winter blooms, sculptures and valley views. Our annual sell-out…

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Perrygrove Autumn 2024 Kathryn Goddard Photography 18

Adventure | Dogs | Families | Accessible

Keyworker Discount Weekend for Defence Discount…

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 25th Jan 2026

Keyworker Discount Weekend - Defence Discount Card Holders Keyworker Discount Weekend - Defence Discount Card Holders

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Couple watcing the demo before having a go on a potters wheel at Eastnor pottery

Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 24 January 2026

Dates:
24th Jan 2026 - 24th Jan 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.… Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel. Your own potter’s wheel and an inexhaustible amount of clay to play with.…

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Event Dates:
18th Feb 2026 - 18th Feb 2026

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…

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Families Offers

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Dogs | Families

15% OFF Stay at Rowan Tree Retreat

Expires: 31st Jan 2026

15% OFF 2026 Bookings when booked by 31/1/2026 15% OFF 2026 Bookings when booked by 31/1/2026

Adventure | Dogs | Families

Beat the blue's 25% off

Expires: 12th Feb 2026

25% off all camping and glamping at Bracelands Campsite 25% off all camping and glamping at Bracelands Campsite

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Families Experiences

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£12.75

Families | Groups | Nature | Arts

Snowdrops at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty,… Experience snowdrop season at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden. A fleeting winter display of beauty, calm and sculpture in the Wye Valley. Our annual sell-out event. Limited…

Canoeing on the River Wye

Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips that are suitable for everyone, no…

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!

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari, discover all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures.

Families Itineraries

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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.

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Families Trails

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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.

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

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…

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… 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.

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

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.