
Our Five Favourite Dog-friendly Pubs with ‘Proper’ Walks
Discover five favourite dog friendly pubs and 'proper' walks from the stunning Symonds Yat Rock Lodge.
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.
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the… With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door.… 4* Gold self-catering single-storey cottage. Rural retreat with country walks from the front door. Castles, caves, and cathedral nearby. Amazing sunsets and night skies.
The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and… The foodie hub of the Forest, this is a deli with a difference. You'll find a warm welcome and plenty of personality. Find out about all the delicious local food and drink we…
Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden… Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees – an exciting underground experience for the whole family.
Wander twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who… Wander twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who & more. Tickets, opening times and handy tips.
Prices from:
£19.00
Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and… Greenacres is a peaceful, family-run campsite near Coleford with space for tents, campervans, and caravans, plus glamping tents and a luxury cabin. Ideal for exploring the…
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 spacious campsite and caravan park with glamping pods nestled among majestic oaks, stunning… A spacious campsite and caravan park with glamping pods nestled among majestic oaks, stunning copper beech and tall pine trees. Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean,…
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Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own… We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own seasonal display.
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own… We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you can create your own seasonal display.
Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food Combine Pottery Making with Food
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Join Anna from Made at the Hut for the mindful art of Indian Block…
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Event Dates:
30th Oct 2025 - 30th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Prices from:
£220.00
Get MTB Ready! Enjoy personalised intensive coaching before heading off to practice your new skills… Get MTB Ready! Enjoy personalised intensive coaching before heading off to practice your new skills on recommended trails to suit your ability.
Prices from:
£50.00
Don't worry about choosing a trail that is short enough for your dog! Hire a bike with a dog… Don't worry about choosing a trail that is short enough for your dog! Hire a bike with a dog trailer and then your dog can relax once their legs have had enough...
Prices from:
£360.00
Explore an off the beaten track personalised guided tour of Forest of Dean with local British… Explore an off the beaten track personalised guided tour of Forest of Dean with local British Cycling Mountain Bike Guide with lunch at a stunning riverside pub included.
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£60.00
Take a self guided tour of the Colliers Trail including lakeside lunch at hidden gem, Mallards Pike Take a self guided tour of the Colliers Trail including lakeside lunch at hidden gem, Mallards Pike
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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.
Discover five favourite dog friendly pubs and 'proper' walks from the stunning Symonds Yat Rock Lodge.
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.
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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.
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