Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure.

There is a family activity trail which has a different theme each year. This year it is the Gruffalo Trail, based on the Julia Donaldson book of the same name. Help us celebrate The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday with a forest party to remember. Follow the trail to find the missing party items, and help us choose the perfect gift for The Gruffalo. For extra fun pick up an activity pack from the Ranger Hatch or Beechenhurst Café for lots of activities to do along the trail.

Beechenhurst is also home to a large forest themed play area with a separate area specially made for toddlers. The play area is located next to the café, perfect to refuel ready for some more play! The café is a family-run business serving quality food and drink made from fresh ingredients every day. There are also have a bookable barbecue if you fancy cooking your own family feast.

If you are looking for more adventure, there is a Go Ape high ropes course. Built for the whole family, this is the ultimate tree top experience of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings, and an awesome zip wire finale.

Or why not bring your bikes and access the wider forest on the Colliers Trail, our family friendly cycling route. This is a waymarked circular route mainly on former railway lines with connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. It has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Beechenhurst is also home to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. Founded in 1986, the Sculpture Trail is a partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust. Some of the sculptures are temporary, while others will last for years. They have all been designed to evolve over time as the forest changes around them.

Follow tourist signs for the Forest of Dean. Take the B4226 Coleford to Cinderford road. Beechenhurst is located between the B4234 crossroads (Parkend/Lydbrook) and the Speech House Hotel.

Please note that if you put the postcode in to your satnav it will take you to the nearby Speech House Hotel - you can follow brown signs from there to find us.

Beechenhurst is free to those arriving on foot, by bike or by public transport.

From Coleford - number 25 bus (stops a short walk away)

From Lydney - number 23 bus, change at Coleford to number 25 bus

Cinderford - number 25 bus