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

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

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Families | Adventure | Groups | History

Dean Forest Railway

Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage…

Briery Hill Llamas
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation

Briery Hill Llamas

Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment

Ardens Barn self-catering cottage in the Forest of Dean
Dogs | Families | Groups

Arden's Farm

Ardens Farm is a three storey Grade II listed farmhouse, complete with everything you need to…

Caving with Borderlands Outdoor
Adventure | Families | Groups

Borderlands Outdoor

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

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,…

PEDALABIKEAWAY
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible

Pedalabikeaway

Pedalabikeaway is the only Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean with direct, traffic free access to some…

Go Ape Treetop Challenge 8
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.…

Dean Forest Cycles
Adventure | Families | Groups

Dean Forest Cycles

Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving…

Mallards cafe 666671369
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature

Mallards Pike Café

Mallards Pike Café overlooks the beautiful lake. Our friendly café prides itself on serving the…

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…

Vdw whitemead adventuregolf 12 564238249
Families | Groups | Adventure

Whitemead Forest Park Activities

Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,…

Vdw rookerycottage 1 696152749

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…

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,…

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…

Cyril Hart Arboretum Entrance
Nature | Relaxation | Families | Groups | Accessible

Cyril Hart Arboretum

An arboretum full of unusual and interesting trees in the heart of the Forest of Dean next to the…

Families Events

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Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
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…

Chinese New Year
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups

Celebrate the Year of the Horse

Dates:
20th Feb 2026 - 20th Feb 2026

Its the lunar New Year, we're serving a Chinese Feast!

Beechenhurst
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts

Room on the Broom Trail at Beechenhurst

Dates:
27th Jan 2026 - 31st Oct 2026

Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding family adventure through the Forest of Dean on…

Dean Heritage Centre Playground

Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 22nd Feb 2026

Join us this February Half-term for some family fun.

Having fun on our Introduction to the Potters Wheel Class
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026

Join us at 11am on Saturday 14th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

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Take memorable photos of your pottery experience at Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
14th Feb 2026 - 14th Feb 2026

Join us at 2pm on Saturday 14th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

View Event
Nat Story Week Emperor FB
Families | Arts | Nature

The Emperor and the Nightingale Interactive Storytime and Craft

Event Dates:
16th Feb 2026 - 16th Feb 2026

Enjoy a classic fairytale in a new way.

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Couple holding their creations at Eastnor Pottery
Arts | Relaxation | Families

Potter's Wheel Day Course

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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Friends spending time together at eastnor pottery day course
Arts | Families

Potter's Wheel Day Course 18 February 2026

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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Nat Story Week Story Stones FB
Families | History | Nature

Railway Creatures and Story Stones

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

Dream up magical railway characters and paint your very own story stones.

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Pot making on the introduction to the wheel workshop
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Introduction Class

Event Dates:
19th Feb 2026 - 19th Feb 2026

Join us at 11am on Thursday 19th of February 2026 for a hands on Potter’s…

View Event
Sister Act A4 Poster Horizonal 2
Families | Arts | Accessible

Sister Act the Musical

Event Dates:
19th Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

Award-winning 'Perform Chepstow' presents Sister Act, the feel-good…

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Potter's wheel course in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

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

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One day course participants in the pottery garden
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2027

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

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Hands on at the potter's wheel inside Eastnor Pottery
Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course 21 February 2026

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

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

View Event
Potter's wheel course in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
21st Feb 2026 - 21st Feb 2026

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

View Event

Families Offers

The Red Hart Inn Blaisdon
Dogs | Foodies | Families | Groups

Prix Fixe Lunch

Expires: 28th Mar 2026

Enjoy a Fixed Price feast? Two courses for £20 or indulge yourself with three courses for only £24

Heritage Coffee Shop BLT
Families | Foodies

Free Tea or Americano with your lunch, Tuesdays…

Expires: 24th Feb 2026

Free Drinks!

Families Experiences

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Prices from:
£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,…

Canoeing on the River Wye with Way2 Go Adventures
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups

Canoeing on the River Wye

Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife, and Way2Go…

Cinderhill Farm Picnic

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…

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.

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

Our latest Families blogs

Christmas Gift Guide
Adventure

Christmas Gift Guide

Post date: 6th December 2025

Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

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