
The Hidden Heritage of the Forest of Dean
Explore the Forest of Dean's Hidden Heritage using two 'Hidden Heritage' apps. An exciting new way to explore the Forest of Dean using modern technology to bring historic areas to life.
Pride of the Forest
If you’re planning a Forest of Dean or Wye Valley short break, Coleford is the perfect base. As a picturesque and charming market town with a long and rich history, Coleford is compact and walkable with all the amenities and family-friendly attractions to make the town worth a visit in its own right.
Coleford has long been a gateway into the forest. Once a thriving centre for iron and coal production, echoes of its industrial past can still be seen today in the town’s architecture and landscape.
Coleford sits proudly at the centre of the Forest of Dean, offering visitors a true taste of local life. Dating back to medieval times, the town grew around iron production and mining, industries that shaped both the town and the wider region. Today, Coleford blends its fascinating history with a lively community spirit, making it a proud "Pride of the Forest."
Start your Coleford visit in the market square, where the centre-piece is the historic clock tower, the remaining part of a church that was demolished in the 19th century. When you are there, be sure to look at the memorial plaque commemorating the Battle of Coleford, which took place in 1643 during the English Civil War and is celebrated annually in February. Around it, you'll find a mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs, all reflecting the area's character.
Then walk down the surrounding streets with their Georgian facades. These ancient routes house colourful independent retailers that range from a model train shop to a new age gift shop, a cinema and variety of food outlets for you to stock up. The town also boasts three butchers, two bakers and florists, a greengrocer, a cake shop and a traditional DIY store.
Coleford is home to a great range of dining venues in the town centre and surrounding areas - from coffee and cake to fantastic restaurants! For the best local produce, don't miss visiting the award-winning Forest Deli to pick up all your essentials.
If you love trains, then the Great Western Railway Museum is for you. The Forest of Dean was an important iron ore and coal mining area, where the railways played an important role in its economic success.
One of the last remaining permanent railway buildings on the site of Coleford Station has been turned into a museum where among other things you can see a restored locomotive.
Once you’ve visited the museum, take a 30-minute trip on a steam locomotive courtesy of Perrygrove Railway. The railway has four stations, and with an all-day ticket most visitors hop on and off at one or more of the stations to explore the woods or have a picnic.
Why not combine your Forest of Dean adventure with a day of golf and pay a visit to either Forest Hills Golf Club or the Bells Hotel and Country Club.
The most magical forest on the face of the earth
Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars producer and president of Lucasfilm described Puzzlewood as “the most magical forest on the face of the earth!”
This was after Puzzlewood served as the backdrop to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It’s also the set for dozens of TV and film productions including Merlin, Doctor Who and The Huntsman: Winter’s War and the 2020 release of The Secret Garden.
Walk through Puzzlewood and experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other, and its magic will cast a spell to entice you back time and time again.
For over a thousand years the Freeminers held an exclusive birth right to mine for iron ore, coal and stone in the caves beneath the Forest.
Follow in their footsteps by visiting one of the 10 caves open for you to explore at Clearwell Caves. If that’s whetted your appetite you can even take part in some deep level caving activities.
By the way, how do you feel about bats? You’re almost certain to encounter them as you venture underground.
A mile from Coleford is Hopewell Colliery offering the opportunity to be guided through a historic mine by a freeminer, and shown the tools and methods used to extract coal from deep underground.
Coleford is a designated Walkers are Welcome town. It's the perfect base for those looking to explore the Forest of Dean on foot. There are also a number of excellent walking routes which pass via or nearby the town, including the Coleford-Milkwall-Parkend track and the Burial Path to Newland. Coleford has two parks, the Angus Buchanan Park and the Bells Field Park with views over the town. There is also a Hidden Heritage app which brings history to life with a series of 'then and now' photos and can be downloaded free. You can find out more on the Coleford Welcomes Walkers website here.
There are always plenty of events on in Coleford, from regular markets to live music, carnivals, cinema and more. See all of the events taking place in Coleford here. Some of the highlights include:
Coleford Town also has an events diary available here.
From hotels to glamping, Coleford offers a range of places to stay to suit every taste and budget. For those who prefer to be self-sufficient, there are a number of self-catering options from camping to cottages.
Want to know more? Contact the Coleford Tourist Information, or head over to our accommodation page to book a stay in Coleford.
Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn… Converted Coach House in tranquil village of Newland. 'Cathedral of the Forest' and Ostrich Inn within 100 meters. 3 large bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, open fire, patio. Wi-fi…
Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever… Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like. When you enter the grounds of Bracelands campsite, you’ll be…
A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, and two…
Four star single-storey cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Awarded Visit England 4* GOLD 2024. Four star single-storey cottage overlooking historic courtyard. Awarded Visit England 4* GOLD 2024.
Prices from:
£60.00
Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to… Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Bracelands campsite is open all year, allowing you to embrace nature’s best surroundings whenever you like.
Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and… Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer.
11 Bedroom Holiday House with Hot Tub on the edge of the Forest of Dean 11 Bedroom Holiday House with Hot Tub on the edge of the Forest of Dean
Our site is steps away from the forest with its miles of tracks, ancient woodland and abundant… Our site is steps away from the forest with its miles of tracks, ancient woodland and abundant wildlife. Situated between Monmouth and Coleford with its theatres, cinemas,…
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
28th Jun 2025 - 28th Jun 2025
Fantastic brass band music at Scarr Bandstand, a great free event. Fantastic brass band music at Scarr Bandstand, a great free event.
Dates:
20th Jun 2025 - 20th Jun 2025
Enjoy Grease v Dirty Dancing at Whitemead Forest Park. Enjoy Grease v Dirty Dancing at Whitemead Forest Park.
Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 23rd May 2025
A lovely Afternoon Tea themed experience where you will attempt throwing mugs, tea cups or saucers… A lovely Afternoon Tea themed experience where you will attempt throwing mugs, tea cups or saucers on the wheel & paint pre-made Afternoon Tea themed pre-fired pottery all…
Dates:
8th May 2025 - 8th May 2025
A lovely Afternoon Tea themed experience where you will attempt throwing mugs, tea cups or saucers… A lovely Afternoon Tea themed experience where you will attempt throwing mugs, tea cups or saucers on the wheel & paint pre-made Afternoon Tea themed pre-fired pottery all…
Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to… Ride world-class downhill trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. From flowy blues to double-black descents, experience mountain biking at its best in the Forest of Dean.
Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market… Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market towns with our self-guided Market Towns Trail. Each town on the trail offers…
Many of the footpaths in the Forest of Dean are flat, well laid and suitable for those with… Many of the footpaths in the Forest of Dean are flat, well laid and suitable for those with disabilities and in wheelchairs. Find more details of the best accessible options.
Explore the Forest of Dean's Hidden Heritage using two 'Hidden Heritage' apps. An exciting new way to explore the Forest of Dean using modern technology to bring historic areas to life.
When it comes to popping the question, few places can rival the backdrop of the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. With picturesque landscapes, historic castles & hidden gems, this region offers many idyllic locations to make your engagement unforgettable.
Read moreLocated in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Rowan Tree Retreat is a peaceful, dog-friendly forest cabin designed for those looking to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Read moreUnlock a world of winter wellbeing in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, from yoga and forest bathing retreats, to the the healing power of art, we've carefully curated a range of activities that will take you on a journey to a healthier, happier you.
Read more