Our favourite adventures, cosy cabin moments, and must-visit spots for your next family escape.
I haven’t even unpacked our bags yet, but I felt so inspired by our trip to the Forest of Dean that I had to start writing. There’s something about being wrapped in trees, snow crunching under your boots, and watching your kids race along forest trails that makes you want to bottle the whole experience.
We stayed in a beautiful Forest Holidays cabin — tucked right into the woods with incredible views. It was the perfect base for exploring: warm, peaceful, and honestly magical to return to after icy and snowy walks. And yes… the hot tub. Every cabin has one, and trust me, it feels absolutely earned after a long day of adventuring.
Here are the top places we recommend in the Forest of Dean if you’re an outdoorsy family who loves exploring, playing, and discovering new things together.
1. Symonds Yat (Right From Your Doorstep!)
One of our favourite family walks actually started right from our cabin. The forest trail to Symonds Yat Rock winds through peaceful woodland before opening into one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Forest of Dean.
There’s a café, a boardwalk, and breathtaking views that make the perfect halfway stop.
Once you reach Symonds Yat, explore the rocks, wander the riverside trails, and if you’re visiting in summer, hire a canoe. We’ve done this several times — you paddle downstream, and they transport you and the canoe back at the end. The kids love it every time.
2. Puzzlewood
If you only go to one place, make it Puzzlewood. It’s an enchanting, otherworldly forest with twisting moss-covered pathways… no wonder it’s been used for film sets.
Walking here feels like you’ve stumbled into a hidden world. The kids were convinced we’d found a real-life fairy kingdom — and honestly, I agreed.
3. Perrygrove Railway
Perfect for younger children (we visited when ours were 7 and 5), Perrygrove Railway is a lovely mix of woodland trails, adventure play, treehouses, and of course, the steam train. It’s one of those places where imagination takes over, and the kids can explore safely while you enjoy the scenery.
4. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
A magical stop for families — especially on cold or rainy days.
The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is warm, colourful, and full of butterflies that flutter right past your face. The kids were mesmerised, and it’s such a gentle, lovely experience before or after busier adventures like Symonds Yat.
It’s also right next to the Wye Valley Miniature Golf & Maze, so you can easily make a whole afternoon of it.
5. Hopewell Colliery
For a totally different kind of adventure, head underground at Hopewell Colliery. The staff were brilliant — full of stories, history, and answers to every question the kids threw at them.
It definitely sparked conversations about what life was like for miners their age. A real eye-opener and a great all-ages experience.
6. Clearwell Caves
We visited Clearwell Caves before we had children, and it still sticks with us as one of the most fascinating places in the Forest of Dean. It’s a network of natural caverns filled with history, colours, and stories.
They close in winter, so it’s not one for cold-season escapes — but we can’t wait to take the kids back in warmer months.
7. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This is such a great (and free!) day out. The Sculpture Trail is perfect for families because there’s so much to find, touch, and talk about. The sculptures are quirky, hidden, surprising — and the kids loved racing ahead to spot the next one. There’s also a café and a park, making it an easy, full-day outdoor experience.
8. Cannop Ponds
Great for a calmer, nature-focused walk. Cannop Ponds is ideal for spotting wildlife, feeding ducks, skimming stones, and enjoying the slower side of the Forest of Dean. If you’re bringing bikes, this area links beautifully with lots of cycling routes.
9. Mallards Pike
Another brilliant spot for walks, picnics, waterside trails, and forest play. Mallards Pike also has Go Ape, so older kids (and adventurous adults!) can swing through the trees before warming up with a hot chocolate.
10. Hire Bikes & Explore the Cycle Trails
There are so many paths you’ll never get through them all — which is part of the magic.
Whether you want gentle family tracks or something more challenging, you can hire bikes across the Forest of Dean and spend a full day weaving through tall trees, muddy tracks, and wildlife-filled corners.
It’s one of the best ways for families to really feel the forest.
Why the Forest of Dean Is Perfect for Outdoorsy Families
If you love nature, freedom, and days that unfold naturally outside, the Forest of Dean is a dream. Footpaths everywhere, cosy cabins, endless activities, and no need to over-plan. Just pick a trail, pack some snacks, and head out.
Our snowy walks, hot-tub evenings, and days discovering new places reminded me just how important it is to slow down, get outside, and adventure together.
If you’re planning your own family escape, I hope this helps you create a trip full of muddy boots, big views, and memories your kids will talk about for years.
