Dogs
5 Autumn Family Activities
Post date:
12th October 2026
Five family activities for half term in the Forest of Dean, from meeting the Gruffalo at Beechenhurst to Halloween clues on the Room on the Broom trail.
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
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…
Families | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible
Coleford Library
Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect,… Coleford Library offers free access to information and shared spaces to work, learn and connect, helping people build skills and confidence.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Mallards Pike Café
Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the… Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the best coffee as well as fresh homemade lunches, cakes & snacks.
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
Families | Groups
Chaxhill - Holly Barn
A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden,… A fabulous Grade II listed barn with many original features, set within a private walled garden, Holly Barn in Westbury-on-Severn sleeps up to fifteen people & provides an…
Dogs | Families
Orchard Barn
3-Bed, 3-Bath Stunning converted barn with private hot tub and log burner. 3-Bed, 3-Bath Stunning converted barn with private hot tub and log burner.
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.
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible | Foodies
Leaf Creative
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
Families | Groups | History | Accessible
Newent Library
Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect,… Gloucestershire Libraries offer free, inclusive community spaces to read, learn, work and connect, supporting wellbeing, creativity and digital skills.
Dogs | Families | Groups
Arden's Farm
Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to… Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to explore the Forest of Dean. Set within a working farm and provides plenty of…
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…
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful… Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Our six-En Suite bedrooms offer stylish,…
Families | Groups | Dogs | Adventure | Accessible
Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze
Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great… Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great adventure, this is an experience not to be missed.
Prices from:
£220.00
Dogs | Families
The Rookery Cottage
Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the… Comfy well equipped cottage adjacent to our coach house conversion, by a babbling brook in the beautiful village of Newland in Royal Forest of Dean.
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.
Prices from:
£150.00
Dogs | Families
Resilient Woodlands Retreat
Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the… Resilient Woodlands Retreat offers two luxury log cabins nestled in ancient woodlands in the beautiful forest of dean. Each cabin has its own totally private woodfired…
Families Events
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Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Fun & Friendly Pub Quiz in the Forest of Dean
Dates:
16th Sept 2026 - 11th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
28th Oct 2026
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in… After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in a characterful country pub.
Adventure | Families | Nature
Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime…
Dates:
11th Oct 2026 - 1st Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
25th Oct 2026
Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks) Autumn Safari in the Forest of Dean (daytime guided walks)
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Half Term Family Fiesta
Dates:
26th Oct 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
Next Event Date:
26th Oct 2026
Try something a little different this half term, Inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos… Try something a little different this half term, Inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos – a joyful Mexican celebration of remembrance.
Families | Groups
Bonfire & Fireworks
Dates:
5th Nov 2026 - 5th Nov 2026
Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event
Families | Arts | Groups
Christmas at the Movies by The Great British Film Orchestra
Event Dates:
26th Nov 2026 - 26th Nov 2026
A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive…
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Families | Foodies
Christmas Fayre
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Kick off Christmas shopping by exploring over 80 stalls! Grab some lunch…
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Christmas at Silver Circle Distillery
Event Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Festive nights in our winter Chalet
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Arts | Families | Groups
Motown Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
A sensational cast of world-class vocalists and a stunning live band…
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Families | Arts | Groups
London Concertante Christmas at the Movies
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2026 - 17th Dec 2026
Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with London Concertante’s…
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Families | Arts | Groups
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Get ready for the ultimate festive feel-good concert, packed with…
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Adventure | Families | Arts
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…
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Families | Arts
Potter's Wheel Day Course
Event Dates:
8th Apr 2026 - 18th Dec 2027
Next Event Date:
11th Nov 2026
Spend a day at the potter's wheel with Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury. Your own…
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Adventure | Families | Nature
Summer and Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
Event Dates:
31st Jul 2026 - 20th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
20th Nov 2026
Summer and Autumn Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari (daytime)
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Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
29th Dec 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
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Adventure | Families | Groups
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
Event Dates:
2nd Aug 2026 - 31st Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
30th Oct 2026
Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
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Families | Groups | Arts
Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience
Event Dates:
27th Aug 2026 - 2nd Apr 2027
Next Event Date:
7th Mar 2027
Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting
View EventFamilies Offers
Discounted price per person for group bookings: Discounted price per person for group bookings:
Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 6th September - 20th December 2026 Midweek glamping discount at Bracelands Campsite 6th September - 20th December 2026
Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu,… Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu, children's options and a warm Forest of Dean welcome.
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%… Stay more than one night and save on your room rate. Stay two nights for 10% off and three for 15% discount
Families Experiences
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
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:
£40.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature
Bird of Prey Safari Experience in the Forest of…
Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds… Experience a Bird of Prey Safari in the Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most remarkable strongholds for birds of prey.
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 1 day canoe trip - Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat
Families Itineraries
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.
Families Trails
Adventure | Families
Downhill Cycling Trails
Ride world-class downhill trails, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain… Ride world-class downhill trails, from flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.
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.
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Cycle Routes and Bike Trails in the Forest of…
Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and… Discover cycling trails in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from family-friendly rides and traffic-free routes to mountain biking adventures.
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.
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Post date:
14th July 2026
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