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.
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
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…
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…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature | Accessible
Symonds Yat Rock Cafe
Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot Exceptional Coffee At The Forest Of Dean's Most Spectacular Beauty Spot
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo. Walk with butterflies at the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
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…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature
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
Puzzlewood Cottages
Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside… Stay on site at the popular attraction Puzzlewood and enjoy unlimited access to the woods outside of normal hours with direct access from the cottages. Kids love feeding our…
Prices from:
£650.00
Dogs | Families
The Coach House - Newland
Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn… Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn within 100 meters. 3 large bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, open fire, patio with…
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.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean… Play, dine and relax at Forest Hills Golf Club – a top golfing destination in the Forest of Dean with stunning views, great food and a welcoming feel.
Families | Adventure | Groups | Nature | Foodies | Relaxation
Briery Hill Llamas
Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment Visit our llama farm for an unforgettable llama experience and animal enrichment
Prices from:
£29.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Bracelands Camping
Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…
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… 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…
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.
Prices from:
£340.00
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Nature
Seven Hills Hideaway Luxury Glamping
Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples… Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples looking for adventure a little closer to nature. Take in the Brecon Beacon views…
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.
Families Events
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Date From:
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Families
The Good Tidings Family Trail
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 4th Jan 2026
As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas… As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas Message and bring good tidings to all!
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the legend - St. Nicholas. Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the legend - St. Nicholas.
Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Dates:
15th Dec 2025 - 15th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2025 - 17th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Family Carol Service
Event Dates:
23rd Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer,…
View Event
Families | Adventure | Groups
Stick Man Christmas Trail at Beechenhurst
Event Dates:
5th Nov 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Beechenhurst. It's the…
View Event
Families
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
Visit Santa at Whitemead Forest Park this Christmas
View Event
Families | Groups | Nature
Festive Forest
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
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Families | Accessible
Visit Father Christmas
Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 23rd Dec 2025
Visit Father Christmas at the Dean Heritage Centre
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Families
Father Christmas at Perrygrove
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
A Magical Family Christmas Experience in the Forest of Dean! All aboard…
View Event
Families | Accessible
Visit Father Christmas - Quiet Weekday
Event Dates:
9th Dec 2025 - 11th Dec 2025
These quiet sessions are perfect for pre-schoolers, toddlers,…
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Families | Arts | Relaxation
Potter's Wheel Introduction Class
Event Dates:
12th Dec 2025 - 12th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
View EventFamilies Offers
Divine December Offer Divine December Offer
Families Experiences
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 Guided Wildlife Safari
Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey… Forest of Dean Guided Wildlife Safari, experience the wonders of nature on a captivating journey through the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.
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.
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… Experience Early Morning Bird Song, theres no sweeter or more harmonious way to begin the day with the dawn chorus or morning birdsong.
Families Itineraries
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 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.
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…
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.
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.
Our latest Families blogs
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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Discover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
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Looking for a summer packed with excitement, imagination, and hands-on history? Cadw is bringing Welsh heritage to life throughout August.
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