What to do and see in Coleford, England: The Best Nature & Parks

June 15, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

Discover the best top things to do in Coleford, United Kingdom including The Forest of Dean, Cannop Cycle Centre, Clearwell Caves, Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat Rock, The Cyril Hart Arboretum, Woorgreens, Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Restaurants in Coleford

1. The Forest of Dean

Coleford GL15 4JD England +44 1594 837135 http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 622 reviews

The Forest of Dean

You'll never be at a loss for something to see and do in the Forest of Dean. With the natural environment, fascinating history and heritage, an array of attractions and activities you can feed your minds and tire your bodies, but will there be enough time to fit it all into one holiday? - Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Association.

Reviewed By l0llc - Maldon, United Kingdom

Absolute stunning beautiful area of natural beauty lots of trekking areas plenty of places of interest to visit

2. Cannop Cycle Centre

New Road, Coleford GL16 7JD England +44 300 067 4800 [email protected] http://www.forestryengland.uk/cannop-cycle-centre
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
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2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Cannop Cycle Centre

Cannop Cycle Centre is the starting point for the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail which consists of eleven miles of waymarked, surfaced tracks. Two singletrack trails have been designed for cyclists looking for a more adventurous ride. The 7.4 mile red grade (difficult) Freeminer Trail and the 7 mile blue grade (moderate) Verderers' Trail. For experienced riders only, there are a number of 'downhill' trails and an uplift service available. A pump track and advanced skills area has been built which can be used as a coaching area / taster area to mountain biking. A pump track is a short circular loop where the rider will go up and down over a series of humps. This propels the rider around using the momentum created by the down slopes without pedalling. As well as this, a couple of short downhill training lines with technical trail features has also been built on the advanced skills area so riders can gradually progress and build up the confidence.

Reviewed By 925MarkT - Winchcombe, United Kingdom

went Friday 17 July 2020, excellent bikes and brilliant staff cycled for 5 hours, bike was pre-booked all great Cafe was open and made great Bacon Rolls and chips for lunch Good ride over varied courses, MTB and family route

3. Clearwell Caves

Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Coleford GL16 8JR England +44 1594 832535 [email protected] http://www.clearwellcaves.com
Excellent
54%
Good
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Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,052 reviews

Clearwell Caves

While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor and discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine caverns have now been opened to visitors, with exciting displays, on your journey through. The Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, soups, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts; a picnic and children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can also be visited separately from the Caves. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under.

Reviewed By powdies - Bristol, United Kingdom

We went on a rainy weekday afternoon in term time and were lucky enough to have the caves to ourselves throughout our visit. A fascinating self-guided tour through tunnels and caves (part natural, part mined) with a history of local iron-mining given on signboards along the route and effective audiovisual effects and display artefacts. The projection mapping at skeleton pool is stunning. The caves were all the more atmospheric for being crowd-free. Cool underground, so sensible shoes and warm clothing required. Well worth the visit.

4. Beechenhurst

Speech House Road, Coleford GL16 7EG England +44 300 067 4800 [email protected] http://www.forestryengland.uk/beechenhurst
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 176 reviews

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest, and is a great place to start your adventure in the Forest of Dean. Beechenhurst is the starting point for the famous Sculpture Trail, there are additional waymarked walks of varying lengths beginning from the site, and for visitors bringing their own bikes to the forest, Beechenhurst is an ideal start point for the Family Cycle Trail. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the junior version of Go Ape which is aimed at 6-12 year olds. The course can be found at the edge of the main car park. The onsite climbing tower is an exciting way to let off steam! 36 routes from easy to extreme and 2 vertical abseils. Great for children and adults, friends, families and group bookings. Check the Forest of Dean Adventure website for opening times. Archery sessions can also be booked. Beechenhurst cafe serves food from 8.30am everyday. The menu encompasses locally sourced food with a variety of specials and childrens meals available

Reviewed By SasPetAV - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Lots of well marked trails, we took the Sculpture Trail. Lots to see and do along the way to keep the kids and adults interested.

5. Symonds Yat Rock

Coleford Road Ferrie Ln, Ross-On-Wye HR9, UK, Coleford GL16 7NY England +44 300 067 4800 [email protected] http://www.forestryengland.uk/symonds-yat-rock
Excellent
67%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,136 reviews

Symonds Yat Rock

Reviewed By galactus2013 - Hailsham, United Kingdom

The views from the platform are fantastic and if you visit at the right time the RSPB are there with telescopes so you can view the birds of prey by the river, Great walks around the area as well.

6. The Cyril Hart Arboretum

B4226, Coleford England +44 300 067 4800 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/EnglandGloucestershireNoForestForestOfDeanTheCyrilHartArboretum
Excellent
54%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 57 reviews

The Cyril Hart Arboretum

Reviewed By 444MaryH - Bristol, United Kingdom

Attracted to the name (family name) we ventured forth. Very accessible, with free parking at entrance. Lovely level paths through trees, too big for us to explore in time available, plan to return.

7. Woorgreens

Speech House Road, Coleford GL16 7EH England http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/reserves/woorgreens
Excellent
67%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Woorgreens

Reviewed By Explorer385695

We are regulars here at all times off year, although it can be very muddy after rain. Wild Boar, Deer, many bird species, Lloyds of amphibians and insects- take binoculars!

8. Puzzlewood

Perrygrove Road, Coleford GL16 8QB England +44 1594 833187 [email protected] http://puzzlewood.net
Excellent
53%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 1,427 reviews

Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood - A Magical Day Out in the Forest of Dean. Why is Puzzlewood magical? Is it the maze of pathways winding through deep gulleys of moss covered rocks, the twisted roots of the Yew trees or the bridges, ‘lookouts’ and features to find on your way round? Puzzlewood is enchanting; it has an atmosphere quite unlike any other woodland. Here you can imagine that you are in a fantasy film, and that fantastic creatures lurk round every corner. Puzzlewood is used for Merlin, Dr Who and recently for a new Warner Bros movie called Jack the Giant Killer (release date June 2012). Also onsite are farm animals, willow maze, indoor maze, playground, picnic tables, café and gift shop.

Reviewed By jakraymondo7 - Worcester, United Kingdom

Absolutely beautiful views, the woods are stunning and the walk is modest, there is an app available to download to collect 10 roman coins around the walk. Few farm animals at the start with a cafe and toilets, plenty of car park spaces, there is an indoor maze (small) great for kids whilst raining, reasonably priced and an adventure you sure don’t want to miss. 10/10 from me.

9. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Speech House Road, Coleford GL16 7EG England +44 300 067 4800 [email protected] http://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/
Excellent
29%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 582 reviews

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor collection of 17 sculptures. We are open all year round, dawn til dusk, and entry is free of charge. The sculptures on the Trail are funded and commissioned by a registered charity. The route is 4.5 miles long, and is sited in the beautiful Wye Valley region. A map is available for sale at Beechenhurst Cafe at the start of the Trail. Dogs are welcomed on the trail but we recommend keeping them on a lead.

Reviewed By melaniegetg00d - Coleford, United Kingdom

The Sculpture trail winds through the Forest of Dean , with various interesting sculptures at which you can stop and be amazed by, featuring different artists. There is a cafe at Beechenhurst, just below part of the trail

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