Stay
Things To Do
You are here: Things To Do > Family Friendly
People tell us time and time again that the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is such a great place for families. It’s a place with loads to do for all ages, plenty to excite and thrill, plenty to entertain and enjoy and most importantly, for many families, it’s somewhere to reconnect with each other and enjoy the calm that being in nature can bring.
Whilst a simple nature walk is the perfect start to any trip to the area, there are also many attractions and activities that take getting back to nature to another level. From castles to train rides, canoeing to cave exploring we have an abundance of excitement waiting for children of all ages – particularly those harder to satisfy tweens and teens.
Step back in time: Learn more about the history of the area at the Dean Heritage Centre with interactive galleries including a Victorian cottage, it also has a Gruffalo trail to follow throughout its own woodland as well as a lovely café onsite.
Lose yourself in a different world: Switch off your satnav and get lost, it will lead to all kinds of fun. Enjoy wandering through the ancient paths and mossy rocks in Puzzlewood, or find the surprise at the centre of Elton's Giant Maze (open May-Sep), or try the aMazing Hedge Puzzle.
Get on the right track: Experience the Forest at a slower pace all aboard a Perrygrove Railway steam train. For a fun family day out visit the Dean Forest Railway, which stops at five points so passengers can enjoy a woodland walk or a hearty pub meal.
Looking for something more leisurely? Sit back and relax with a river cruise with Kingfisher Cruises along the Wye. Look out for jumping trout, kingfishers, otters and swans as you sit back, relax and let the towering, limestone gorge scenery drift by.
Number of results: 92
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Caldicott
Black Rock is on the Monmouthshire coastline of the Severn Estuary between the two Severn bridges. There is a picnic site and the location gives fantastic panoramic views of the estuary and both bridges. Black Rock is the home of a traditional method of fishing which has been practiced for hundreds of years and and also historic links with much earlier ways of crossing the river.
Symonds Yat
Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley
Monmouth
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available. AALA licensed centre for U18s including rock climbing, abseiling, raft building and caving.
Newnham
Ultimate Outdoor Laser Tag - just like paintball but without the bruises!
Caldicot
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Castle's exciting past. Caldicot Castle's impressive structure is surrounded by an idyllic 55 acre Country Park. Free entry.
Ross-on-Wye
Truffles Deli is a foodie haven for young and old alike. Stocking everything a deli should and more
Ross-on-Wye
Small and friendly riding centre offing lessons for all abilities on our range of horses in our large outdoor arena. We also have access to lots of wonderful hacking in the nearby Forest of Dean.
Longhope
Rain or Shine, the Dick Whittington Park at Longhope offers a range of family attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.
Monmouth
The nation's favourite river, flowing through some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in Britain.
Monmouth
"Arguably the prettiest golf course in Wales", Monmouth Golf Club provides a fantastic golf challenge.
Nr Chepstow
Award winning Abbey Mill, set amidst breath-taking scenery on the banks of the River Wye. Riverside shopping and dining in a relaxed setting. Arts, crafts, gifts. Coffee Shop. 5 Shops open 7 Days.
Symonds Yat West
Learn SUP skills with our coaches. Dive into the tranquillity of SUP Yoga. Glide down the Wye kingfisher spotting. Get a buzz on a white-water adventure. Immerse yourself in a wilderness escape.
Newent
Owls, Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Vultures flown daily whatever the weather. Gardens, Picnic Area, Cafe, Shop. Courses. Open every day Feb 1st, Nov 30th. 10.30am, 5.30pm or dusk if earlier.
Ledbury
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits of working with clay.
Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, in Gloucester, stands in the north of the city near the river.
Nr Chepstow
The Brockweir and Hewelsfield village shop, cafe and conference room is community owned and staffed by volunteers. It is a traditional oak construction combined with sustainable technology and specialises in local food.
LYDNEY
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site
Longhope
Bespoke hampers delivered next day UK wide. Large orders catered for. Buy from the shop, online or via telephone. The majority of produce, food and drink, arts and crafts is sourced, made, roasted or blended in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley area. High quality food, drink, arts, crafts, magic shows, experiences and accommodation available through hampers.
Chepstow
Discover the history of this ancient town, once an important port, market centre and fortress. Regular temporary exhibitions & educational activities. Museum shop. Free entry. Open all year.
Hereford
Paintballing and Laser Clay Shooting activity in the Herefordshire hills
©Visit Dean Wye 2021. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.