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.
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.
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.
Food & DrinkHellens
15.1 miles4.8 (434) Family
Hellens
Tudor house & one of England's oldest dwellings, with period furnishings, guided tours & a tea room.
Castles & HeritageGloucester Cathedral
16.7 miles4.8 (8470)
Gloucester Cathedral
11th-century building with the tomb of King Edward II, musical events and daily CofE services.
Castles & HeritageBig Pit National Coal Museum
20.9 miles4.8 (6179) Family
Big Pit National Coal Museum
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
Castles & HeritageAll Saints Church
1.5 miles4.7 (36)
All Saints Church
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
Castles & HeritageSymonds Yat Viewpoint
3.5 miles4.7 (52) Family
Symonds Yat Viewpoint
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
Arts & CultureThe Savoy Theatre
4.4 miles4.7 (735) Family
The Savoy Theatre
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
Castles & HeritageGoodrich Castle
5.9 miles4.7 (2629) Family
Goodrich Castle
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
Castles & HeritageRaglan Castle
10.0 miles4.7 (4077) Family
Raglan Castle
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
Castles & HeritageHereford Cathedral
18.6 miles4.7 (3453)
Hereford Cathedral
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
RestaurantSmart Traditional Gloucester Cheeses
11.3 miles4.9 (28)
Smart Traditional Gloucester Cheeses
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.