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,…

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint
Dogs | Families | Adventure | Nature | Accessible

Symonds Yat Rock

Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and…

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Families

Noxon Farm

Noxon Farm is a historic dairy farm that offers visitors a place to stay, fish and relax. This…

VDW Goodrich Castle 6 686711623
Groups | History | Families

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a…

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Dogs | Families

Soudley Cottage

The Cottage - situated in the tranquil village of Soudley. Beautiful Soudley ponds and Dean…

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Award-winning village inn, close to mountain bike trails, RSPB Nagshead and the Dean Forest Steam…

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…

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…

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A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and…

Inspire2Adventure SUP
Adventure | Families | Groups

Inspire2Adventure

Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and…

Krazy Golf - Lydney
Families | Groups | Adventure

Krazy Golf - Lydney

Our 15 hole Krazy Golf theme is based on attractions throughout the forest of dean, we offer…

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Small family-run farm estate near Lydney, nestled in its own valley between the banks of the River…

Canoe the Wye
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…

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Spacious 2 bedroom holiday cottages, with a beautiful valley views, nestled on a 20 acre dog…

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

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Cathedral of the forest stained glass window
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that…

Families Events

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Date From:

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Hot Pot Pottery

Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Hot pot pottery halloween
Dogs | Families | Groups | Relaxation

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 30th October 2025

Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot Pot Pottery

Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Hot pot pottery halloween
Families | Arts | Dogs | Relaxation

Hallowe'en Pottery Painting - 28th October 2025

Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025

Spooky pottery painting!

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pasta & Pottery Experience - 16th Oct 2025

Event Dates:
16th Oct 2025 - 16th Oct 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Families

Newent Celebrates The English Civil War

Event Dates:
13th Sept 2025 - 14th Sept 2025

Street Fayre

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Adventure | Families | Foodies

Newent Celebrates Civil War Battle

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

The Day of the Battle

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Groups | Arts

Afternoon Tea & Pottery Experience - 4th Sep 2025

Event Dates:
4th Sept 2025 - 4th Sept 2025

Combine food, pottery making & pottery painting

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Families | Arts | History

Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The Full Spectrum'

Event Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists…

Dean Heritage Centre Kind by old mine
Families

Local Kids Go Free

Event Dates:
27th Aug 2025 - 27th Aug 2025

We are holding a local kids go free day!

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pizza & Pottery Experience - 27th Aug 2025

Event Dates:
27th Aug 2025 - 27th Aug 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

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Adventure | Families | Groups

Monmouth Archery Taster Sessions

Event Dates:
26th Aug 2025 - 26th Aug 2025

Archery taster sessions in Monmouth

Roaming Reptiles at Elton Mazes
Families | Groups | Nature

Roaming Reptiles hands on experiences at Elton Giant Mazes

Event Dates:
26th Aug 2025 - 26th Aug 2025

Roaming Reptiles will be bringing an impressive selection of animals from…

Gloucester Goes Retro
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Gloucester Goes Retro

Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a…

Potter's Wheel Day Course group on stairs June 23
Relaxation | Families | Arts

Potter's Wheel Day Course

Event Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

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

Hot Pot Pottery
Families | Arts | Relaxation

Pizza & Pottery Experience - 22nd Aug 2025

Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2025 - 22nd Aug 2025

Combine Pottery Making with Food

Families Offers

PEDALABIKEAWAY family cycling in the Forest of Dean
Adventure | Families | Groups

Half Price E-Bike Hire Every Thursday Evening

Expires: 4th Sept 2025

Save on your e-bike hire every Thursday evening from 17th July until end of the holidays!

Families Experiences

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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…

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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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