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Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

Ancient Forest. River Adventures. All From Your Doorstep.

Puzzlewood, Symonds Yat, the River Wye, Go Ape, Clearwell Caves and more - one of England's oldest forests is your playground, and it starts five minutes from the front door.

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Your Basecamp in the Heart of It All

If you love the Forest of Dean as much as we do you'd be hard put to find a better location from which to explore its wonders. The House is right in the centre of the lovely market town of Coleford, so you can walk to shops, pubs, restaurants and the Studio Cinema.

Just walk five minutes from the door and you're off road and into the scenic trails of the Forest of Dean, one of England's oldest. You can walk or cycle for miles, traffic free, and visit local landmarks like Puzzlewood (where they've filmed Harry Potter, Merlin, and Star Wars), The Sculpture Trail, Symonds Yat, and the glorious River Wye. Keep an eye out for the wildlife - especially the wild boar.

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Recommended by Our Guests

Over 80 guests have shared their favourite days out from Forest House. The most-loved include Puzzlewood (a magical woodland featured in Harry Potter and Star Wars), the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, canoeing or kayaking on the River Wye, Clearwell Caves, and the views from Symonds Yat Rock.

For families, Go Ape and the Dean Forest Railway are firm favourites. Walkers love the trails starting from Beechenhurst visitor centre and the route along Offa's Dyke. And for a quieter day, the cafes and bakeries in Coleford are just a stroll from the front door.

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Hellens
Food & Drink

Hellens

15.1 miles
4.8 (434) Family

Tudor house & one of England's oldest dwellings, with period furnishings, guided tours & a tea room.

Gloucester Cathedral
Castles & Heritage

Gloucester Cathedral

16.7 miles
4.8 (8470)

11th-century building with the tomb of King Edward II, musical events and daily CofE services.

Big Pit National Coal Museum
Castles & Heritage

Big Pit National Coal Museum

20.9 miles
4.8 (6179) Family

Former colliery with interactive displays on mining life and trips underground guided by ex-miners.

Opening hours

Monday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

All Saints Church
Castles & Heritage

All Saints Church

1.5 miles
4.7 (36)

All Saints Church, also known as The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200. King John appointed Robert of Wakering as first Rector in 1216. This historic church is home to the Miners Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.

Opening hours

Monday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Symonds Yat Viewpoint
Castles & Heritage

Symonds Yat Viewpoint

3.5 miles
4.7 (52) Family

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint. Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe. There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock. Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons. However, with a little patience, there are many other birds that you can seen here. Goshawks can be viewed in detail, Sparrowhawks are frequent and breed in the trees in the valley as do Buzzards which can be seen from above whilst soaring. Ospreys also often stop here in the spring and autumn migration. Tawny Owls are sometimes seen roosting and hooting males are occasionally heard during the day. Barn Owls, Ravens and Kestrels also usually nest nearby.

Opening hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Savoy Theatre
Arts & Culture

The Savoy Theatre

4.4 miles
4.7 (735) Family

Victorian theatre for stand-up, drama and musicals, plus latest mainstream movie releases.

Opening hours

Monday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Saturday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Sunday: 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Goodrich Castle
Castles & Heritage

Goodrich Castle

5.9 miles
4.7 (2629) Family

Norman castle ruins with well-preserved Medieval domestic buildings and visitor centre exhibition.

Opening hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Raglan Castle
Castles & Heritage

Raglan Castle

10.0 miles
4.7 (4077) Family

15th-century fortress with a grand gate, mullioned windows and visitor centre showing a Tudor panel.

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Hereford Cathedral
Castles & Heritage

Hereford Cathedral

18.6 miles
4.7 (3453)

CofE church building with a 13th-century map of the known world and a chained medieval library.

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Smart Traditional Gloucester Cheeses
Restaurant

Smart Traditional Gloucester Cheeses

11.3 miles
4.9 (28)

Hand made cheese making can be seen Tuesdays and Thursdays, producing Single Gloucester, Double Gloucester and Harefield cheeses. Home cured bacon and hand made sausages are also available.

Find Us in Coleford

Ready to Explore the Forest of Dean?

Get in touch to check availability and start planning your group adventure. Our local team knows every trail, pub and hidden gem in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

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