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

Ryeford Ponds Glamping
Families | Dogs | Nature

Ryeford Ponds Glamping

Ryeford Ponds Glamping is sited on a spacious, 6-acre paddock in a sheltered valley with woodlands,…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife guides Wild boar
Families | Nature | Groups | Relaxation

Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife…

Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest…

Hopewell Colliery underground mine

Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and…

Resilient Woodland Retreat Cabin from above

Prices from:
£150.00

Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the…

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…

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Dogs | Families | Nature | Relaxation

Tidenham Chase

A heathland restoration project, Tidenham Chase offers great walks and stunning views and is close…

Safari Tent at Bracelands Campsite Glamping Bell tents Safari Tents

Prices from:
£60.00

Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to…

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,…

The Art of Coffee coffee shop in Coleford - exterior
Families | Foodies | Groups

The Art of Coffee

Independent Family Owned Coffee House and Live Music Venue in The Forest of Dean. 'The Coffee…

Vdw holly cottage 5 413784449

olly Cottage is a haven for those seeking an idyllic woodland retreat. With its rustic charm and…

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo with a child looking at a butterfly
Families | Groups | Nature

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

See hundreds of free-flying butterflies at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat. Indoor…

Side view of house 405035264

Luxury self-catering farmhouse and contemporary eco barn in the heart of the Wye Valley. Set in 63…

Vdw eastnor pottery 4 1370289775
Arts | Families | Groups

Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter

Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of…

Freedomleaisure sedbury 1 1136711904
Families | Relaxation

Freedom Leisure Sedbury

Freedom Leisure Sedbury has facilities and activities to suit everyone including gym, tennis…

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature | Relaxation

Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

Vdw broughtonscottage new1 2028846070

Sleeps 2-4 in 2 bedrooms - 1 king size & 1 twin room. Cosy and comfortable sitting room with wood…

Families Events

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Date From:

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Jon Williams Wild Doughnut Flower Meadow detail 200x200x40 mm Ceramic 130 00

Dates:
5th Sept 2025 - 13th Sept 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘always…

PWC group on stairs June 23 LANDSCAPE
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Dates:
10th Sept 2025 - 10th Sept 2025

Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery on the potter’s wheel.…

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Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Street Fayre

Chepsto balloon and beats festival
Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | Relaxation | Accessible

Balloons & Beats Festival

Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Experience hot air balloons, live music, food and family fun at Balloons & Beats Festival, Chepstow…

Newent
Families | Groups | History

Heritage Open Days

Event Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 18th Sept 2025

History Tour of Newent including St. Mary’s Church Market House, Newent,…

ABN 03 photosbyabn 569x758 2
Adventure | Families | Foodies

Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle

Event Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

The Day of the Battle

Drewitts2025 50
Adventure | Families | Groups

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Event Dates:
14th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the…

Abergavenny food festival
Families | Foodies | Groups

Abergavenny Food Festival

Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 21st Sept 2025

Discover top chefs, street food, demos and talks at the Abergavenny Food…

The Dawn Chorus edited 34
Adventure | Families | Groups

Evening Wildlife Safari and the Tudor Farmhouse

Event Dates:
20th Sept 2025 - 20th Sept 2025

In the evening and at dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of…

EP 012
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
26th Sept 2025 - 26th Sept 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

One day at eastnor pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
27th Sept 2025 - 27th Sept 2025

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

EP 007
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
3rd Oct 2025 - 3rd Oct 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

Couples one day
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

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

EP 029
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…

The Dawn Chorus edited 27
Adventure | Families | Groups

Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Event Dates:
4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

At dusk, the Forest of Dean is home to all kinds of mighty and mysterious…

PWC group on stairs June 23
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
10th Oct 2025 - 10th Oct 2025

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

Families Experiences

Drewitts2025 61

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari

Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey…

Drewitts2025 101

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.

RICH 8687

Prices from:
£40.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Experience Early Morning Bird Song

Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with…

Jacob and the cows

Prices from:
£179.99

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation

Half day farm experience

Half Day farm experience including meeting the pigs and cows, a llama pamper session and an…

Families Itineraries

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

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