Cinderford

With in excess of 20 pubs, restaurants and cafes/takeaways, a variety of retail outlets and a range of places to stay, you can easily base yourself in Cinderford while venturing out into the Forest of Dean.

An historic market town, it got its name from the iron ore which was mined and smelted in the area from Norman times.  Cinderford continued to rely on mining, especially coal, right up until the 1960s, and its heritage is marked by a statue of a Forest of Dean Freeminer in the town center.  Today the focus is very much on tourism and welcoming visitors to the surrounding area.

Want to know more? Here’s what Cinderford has to offer:

Learn about the Forest’s history and crime through time

Close to Cinderford you’ll find The Dean Heritage Centre, one of Gloucestershire’s leading family attractions.

Set in amongst five acres of stunning scenery, the centre is fully interactive and protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the Forest of Dean.

Young children in particular will love The Gruffalo Trail, with a series of carved montages depicting the story of the Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson.

A short drive away in Littledean is the infamous Crime Through Time Museum at Littledean Jail, which is not for the faint hearted, or children.

The Cinderford Town Trail is a 3 mile walk taking in many highlights of the town including several sculptures, it's a fantastic way to explore the history of the town.

Catch a film at one of Britain’s oldest cinemas

Looking for something a bit more authentic than a pricey, out of town cinema  multiplex?

A winner of numerous tourism awards, Cinderford’s Palace Cinema is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operating in the UK today.  Catch a current blockbuster or a classic in the wonderfully restored Edwardian-era building.

See local artists at the Cinderford Artspace

The Cinderford Artspace showcases work by both local and national crafts-people.

Be sure as well to check out the online exhibition and virtual courses.

A town for foodies

Cinderford is a foodie’s paradise, with some great dining options.

For your traditional Sunday lunch or a full English Breakfast, you won’t do better than the Belfry.  Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, The Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant is the place for you.

The Lotus Chinese restaurant in the town centre is well known locally for excellent food and if you are after a takeaway China House in the Lower High Street is a popular choice.

If you're looking for a coffee fix and slice of homemade cake then you have to check out Greenhill Coffee House, you won't be disappointed.

Traditional hotels and self catering

A short drive from Cinderford is The Speech House, a former 17th-century hunting lodge nestled in the centre of a tranquil forest environment, The hotel has 35 bedrooms, several with impressive antique master four-poster beds.

In Littledean there are self-catering and B&B retreats such as The Manor and Meadow Byre. With sweeping Forest views, The Littledean House Hotel is a three star family-owned hotel and bar that features over 20 gins and a beer garden.  The Belfry Hotel offers rooms, serves food in its bar or restaurant, and has its own skittle alley.

North of Cinderford in nearby Mitcheldean are self-catering gems The Brewery and The Old Dairy holiday cottages, or pitch your tent or awning in Drybrook where you’ll find Greenway Farm Caravan and Camping.

Everything you need

Cinderford has everything you need to stock up with supplies.  You will find high street chains such as Boots, Lidl, and Coop which houses the Post Office all nestled near to independent retailers.

The town boasts some must-visit shops such as Jacksons and Camerons butchers, Carpenters DIY, Wye Dean Health Foods and for collectors of vinyl records, Forest Vinyl.

Bowketts Off Licence stocks one of the largest range of Ciders and local produce in the town. You can stop in the town centre’s Triangle and make use of the town's free wifi while shopping.

What’s on in Cinderford

From weekly markets to exhibitions, fireworks displays to live music and entertainment. Plan your trip to Cinderford using our useful resources below, from events and whats on, to places to stay, things to do, places to eat and enjoy during your time.

Want to know more? Contact the Tourist Information Centre.