5 Unmissable Dog Friendly Activities in the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley isn’t just a destination – it’s a place where tails wag, noses twitch with curiosity, and every path leads to adventure. If you’re dreaming of a dog-friendly holiday in the UK, this enchanting corner of Gloucestershire is the perfect escape.

From cosy holiday cottages with enclosed gardens to riverside trails and unique days out, the Forest of Dean has everything you need for a break where your dog feels just as welcome as you do. Here are five paw-some adventures to inspire your next getaway.

🌲 1. Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Playground

The Forest of Dean is brimming with dog walks, from short wanders to all-day hikes:

Woorgreen Nature Reserve – A peaceful mix of woodland, marsh and lake, home to dragonflies, damselflies, grazing ponies, and the distinctive Highland Cattle that roam here seasonally.

Symonds Yat Rock & Biblins Suspension Bridge – Admire panoramic views, then add a little adventure with a suspension bridge crossing.

Cyril Hart Arboretum – A tranquil stroll beneath 200 species of trees. Dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy the sights and scents of this peaceful woodland.

May Hill Walk – A rewarding three-mile route with views stretching across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and into Wales.

Linear Park, Cinderford – Perfect for gentle walks, feeding ducks, and spotting butterflies.

Here are some other dog-friendly walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley   https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/trails/dog-friendly-walks/

🍷 2. Raise a Glass to Local Flavours

Exploring is thirsty work, and the Forest of Dean is full of dog-friendly foodie stops where you can relax together.

Parva Farm Vineyard in Tintern is a gem of the Wye Valley. Dogs on leads are welcome as you wander the hillside vines, enjoy a tasting, or settle into the garden with a picnic.

Littledean Tap welcomes dogs on leads in the Tap House Bar, open daily from 12pm–10pm. From Thursday to Saturday, you can also tuck into delicious wood-fired Pigs Pizza (4pm–8pm). For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s play barn to keep little ones entertained while you relax.

Many Forest pubs also pride themselves on their dog-friendly welcome, complete with water bowls, biscuits, and roaring fires.                              https://willowforeststays.com/7-dog-friendly-pubs_in_the_forest_of_dean/

🛶 3. Paddle the Peaceful River Wye

For a unique perspective, take to the water. Local operators such as Wye Adventures and Canoe the Wye (open Easter–October) welcome calm, water-wise dogs on board.

Glide through the Wye Valley AONB, spot kingfishers, herons, and perhaps even an otter. With your dog beside you in the canoe, it’s an adventure to remember.

Prefer something gentler? Kingfisher Cruises offer 40-minute round trips on eco-friendly electric boats, where well-behaved dogs are welcome.

🚂 4. All Aboard the Dog-Friendly Steam Train

Step back in time with the Dean Forest Railway, a 4.5-mile heritage line powered by nostalgic steam and diesel engines.

Dogs are welcome for a small fare, and with several stations, dog-friendly pubs, a museum, and a café en route, it’s a relaxed day out. If the weather’s kind, stroll down to Lydney Harbour for extra views.

Travelling with children? Perrygrove Railway is a brilliant family option, with rides on a miniature steam train, the Twilight Village, and plenty of activities for younger guests.

🚴 5. Pedal Through Paradise

The Forest of Dean is a cycling paradise – and dogs don’t have to miss out.

Pedalabikeaway, Wye Bikes and Dean Forest Cycles offers dog trailers so your pup can ride in style.

The Colliers Trail (formerly the Family Cycle Trail) is one of the best traffic-free loops in Britain – a 10.5-mile circuit through ancient woodland and the Cannop Valley. Safe, scenic, and perfect for families.

🚲 Top Tip: Guests at Willow Forest Stays enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on cycle hire with Dean Forest Cycles – perfect for exploring the Colliers Trail and beyond.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in the Forest of Dean

At Willow Forest Stays, we believe dogs are part of the family – and they deserve a holiday too. All our cottages are designed with them in mind:

🏡Woodland Barn – Sleeps 4. A dog’s dream, with an enclosed garden for off-lead play and a sunny private terrace for relaxing. Scenic walks start right from the door. After a day of exploring, unwind in your private hot tub with peaceful river views.

🏡24 at St John’s – Sleeps 6. A stylish base with its own hot tub, safe garden, and the Nature Trail close by, leading into peaceful woodland where you can walk for miles. Perfect for families and friends with dogs.

🏡Wyldwood Cottage – Sleeps 4. A cosy upside-down house with a rustic Juliette balcony overlooking the forest. The Nature Trail is on your doorstep, with an enclosed courtyard garden and private hot tub for relaxing after adventures.

🐾 Top Tip: We welcome up to two dogs free of charge at all our cottages. Each pup receives a thoughtful welcome pack, including bowls, ID tags, blankets, towels, dog bags, and a handmade tuggie toy – everything to make them feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find more than just dog-friendly accommodation – you’ll find a home where your pet can relax, explore, and share every moment of your Forest of Dean adventure.

📸 Share Your Adventures

We love seeing our guests – two- and four-legged – enjoying their stay. Tag us with #willowforeststays to share woodland walks, muddy paws, pub stop-offs, and fireside snoozes.

📍 Book Your Dog-Friendly Holiday Today

The Forest of Dean is calling – from riverside trails to cosy holiday cottages, everything you need for the paw-fect escape is right here.

👉 Check availability and book direct for the best rates

🐶 Adventure, comfort, and nature – all wrapped up in one unforgettable break.