Gallery 54 - Ross on..
Contemporary abstract art, ceramics and glassware
Cleeve Orchard Cider..
Artisan maker of Little Owl cider from the last orchard in Ross on Wye
Life Changing Activi..
Fun, adventure, and personal growth in the Great Outdoors
Coleford

Coleford is a thriving community and the administrative centre of the Forest of Dean. Coleford has a rich history, first recorded as Colevorde in 1275 when it was in part of the Royal hunting forest. It is well worth spending time looking around Coleford at its historical buildings, and taking the "Coleford Town Walk". It was here in in Coleford in the 1800's that Robert Mushet invented the process of making steel, and developed the first self-hardening tool steel.

Photos: Coleford town centre about 1880, showing the original octagonal church built in 1821 and demolished in 1882. The tower still remains.

The same view, taken in March 1999, the old church tower remains as the clock tower in the town centre.

Tourist Information

Coleford is situated within easy reach of a great many interesting places to visit in the Forest of Dean, from the Wye Valley and Symmonds Yat in the west, to the beautiful forest walks in the centre of the forest.

Coleford Town Walks

  • Clearwell Caves - Ancient iron mines. Of great interest to the whole family
  • Symmonds Yat - Superb views over the Wye Valley, good walks, and the Peregrine Falcons nesting.
  • The Wye Valley - Picturesque easy walks, canoeing, fishing
  • Puzzle Wood - Pleasant easy walks
  • Beechenhurst - Picnic area with barbeque hearths, tourist lodge, cafeteria etc. Good walks
  • The Sculpture Trail - Interesting walk with sculptures in the forest, including the stained glass window and the giant's chair.
  • Railway Museum - An interesting collection of steam railway memorabilia from the Forest of Dean
  • Perrygrove Steam Railway - see the monthly What's On pages for details of steam days

Coleford Town Walks

Coleford has established a series of Town Walks, each including places of interest and illustrating the history of Coleford.

  • The Churches Pilgrimage
  • In Mushet's Footsteps
  • Inns of the Past
  • The Way we used to Live
  • Tuckshops & Toyshops
  • The Supernatural
Shops
Coleford has several supermarkets, and many smaller family-owned shops catering for all needs.
Churches

St. John's, Church of England. St. John's Church was built in 1880, designed by S. Gambier-Parry, to replace the older original church in the market place (of which only the tower now remains).

Baptist Church

The Baptists first began worship in the town in 1805, and the present church was built in 1858, and extended in 1889 to include school rooms.

Schools
Royal Forest of Dean College (Tertiary and adult education)
Lakers School (Secondary School)
St. John's Church of England Primary School (phone: )
Dean Hall School
The Rose Day Nursery - Market Place, Coleford GL16 8AJ
Nearby Accommodation
A Stay at the Rock B..
Photo of A Stay at the Rock B and B A warm welcome awaits you at The Rock, which is ideally situated for exploring the Forest o..
Berry Hill House
Photo of Berry Hill House Non-smoking, en-suite B&B in the middle of the village of Berry Hill in the heart of th..
Bracelands Caravan P..
Photo of Bracelands Caravan Park and Campsite A spacious site, Bracelands provides panoramic views of the magnificent countryside over ..
Chapel Cottage
Photo of Chapel Cottage Every comfort awaits you at Chapel Cottage. Superbly decorated, lots of little extras to ma..
Cor Unum
Photo of Cor Unum Modern bungalow offering friendly and homely hospitality, wonderful views over Welsh hills,..
Forest House Hotel
Photo of Forest House Hotel 18th Century Grade II listed family run hotel and restaurant, situated in the hist..
Hawthorne Cottage
Photo of Hawthorne Cottage This family run Caravan Site is ideally situated within the Royal Forest of Dean. W..
Ivydene
Photo of Ivydene Friendly B&B edges onto the Forest where fallow deer roam and tawny owls sit at night. Local pub..
Lambsquay House Hote..
Photo of Lambsquay House Hotel Set in it's own beautiful grounds the Lambsquay, with it's Victorian lounge bar and Georgian restaur..
Lambsquay House Hote..
Photo of Lambsquay House Hotel Set in it's own beautiful grounds the Lambsquay, with it's Victorian lounge bar and Georgian r..
Rushmere Farm
Photo of Rushmere Farm Camping & Touring Park with 42 pitches.Family run small site with horses, chickens and dogs. El..
The Angel
Photo of The Angel The 'Angel' beckons all those who appreciate a 17th Century coaching inn. Wholesome fare is..
The Bells Hotel
Photo of The Bells Hotel The largest hotel in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Facilities include: 52 en-suite room..
The Speech House Hot..
Photo of The Speech House Hotel A friendly hotel set in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Almost completely enveloped by trees The Sp..
The White House
Photo of The White House A fine period house with every comfort. Close to forest walks, cycle trails and golf course. All roo..
Woodland View Campsi..
B4228 Coleford to St Briavels Road. Showers, toilets, washroom, shop, electric hook-ups. Hard standing serviced pitches. Pets welcome. Open Mid March - end October.
Woodlands Caravan an..
A superbly wooded site, Woodlands has pitches set amongst the trees and hard-standing for caravans and motorhomes. These secluded pitches make for a peaceful and tranquil break to enjoy the natural be..
Nearby Attractions
Clearwell Caves
Photo of Clearwell Caves See this unique part of Britain's Heritage hidden beneath the Royal Forest of Dean.Iron ore has been..
DBC Leisure
Photo of DBC Leisure Come clay shooting in the forest should you be a complete beginner or an experienced shot, looking f..
Forest Adventure
Photo of Forest Adventure Provision of outdoor education courses in the Forest of Dean. For schools, youth organisations..
Hopewell Colliery Mu..
Photo of Hopewell Colliery Museum Walk through a true Forest of Dean Freemine. See mine workings, some date to 1820's. See the old mi..
Perrygrove Railway
Photo of Perrygrove Railway Narow gauge steam in the Forest of Dean. Unlimited trips, woodland walks, and for the children Trea..
Puzzle Wood
Photo of Puzzle Wood Puzzle Wood is an area which has remained unaltered since it was transformed into tranquil woodland ..
Whitecliff Off Road ..
Photo of Whitecliff Off Road Driving Experience Whitecliff Off Road Driving Centre specialises in 4x4 courses for individuals or groups. We also run..