Speech House
The 17th century hunting lodge is now a hotel offering a beautiful setting for weddings, conferences and hotel accommodation. Being located by the Sculpture Trail and a mature arboretum the hotel offers a superb central location to visit the area.
Tel: 01594 822607 Website: www.thespeechhouse.co.uk
Beechenhurst Lodge
A picnic area on the site of the former Speech House colliery, with gifts, refreshments, and information. This is an ideal start to explore the Sculpture Trail. Parking and toilets are available.
Tel: 01594 827357
Sculpture Trail
A unique and imaginative three mile long trail in the heart of the Forest featuring sculptures by artists of international repute. Exhibits include a spectacular stained glass window, suspended amongst the trees, and a huge ‘Giant’s Chair’. Start and finish at Beechenhurst Lodge.
Tel: 01594 827357 Website: www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk
Soudley Ponds
The ponds are a haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users. A steep walk up the ridge takes you to the Blaize Bailey viewpoint overlooking the River Severn.
The Geomap Project
In 2008, a Geomap was installed at New Fancy Viewpoint, commissioned by the Forest of Dean Local History Society. This unique sculpture was created by David Yeates of Simply Stone and it is the only Geomap in the UK.
Tel: 01594 833057 Website: www.forestofdeanhistory.org.uk
Dean Heritage Centre
Located at Camp Mill, Soudley, the Museum of the Forest where you can learn about the people of this unique area, its history and heritage. See resident craftsmen at work and an art gallery featuring local and visiting artists.
Tel: 01594 822170 Website www.deanheritagecentre.com
Westbury Court Gardens
Dutch water garden – a rare and beautiful survival. The only restored Dutch water garden in the country. Reputedly home to England’s oldest evergreen oak. Many other 16th and 17th-century trees and shrubs.
Tel: 01452 760461 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Linear Park
Valley Road, Cinderford is the site of a unique area of wildlife conservation. Established recently featuring a footpath and cycle trail on the corridor route of the former railway branch line which winds through a derelict colliery, industrial and ex-opencast land on the edge of the town.
Tel: 01452 823184
Palace Cinema
The sensitively restored pre-war picture theatre located in the centre of the town, shows all the latest top quality films in the twin screen cinema.
Tel: 01594 822555 Website: www.cinderpal.com
Littledean Jail
This authentic former house of correction, police station and courthouse now houses countless crime related curios in the ‘Crime Through Time’ Museum.
Tel: 01594 826659 Website: www.littledeanjail.com
Elton Farm Maize Maze
Located between Cinderford and Westbury, these three, eight acre maize mazes follows a different theme each year. Other activities include a water pistol arena and mountain boarding. Picnic area, hot food, refreshments and ice creams available.
Tel: 01452 760795 Website: www.eltonfarm-leisure.co.uk
Elton Carp Lake
Elton Carp Lakes has been established for 10 years. Our smaller lake now has some carp over 20lb but is equally suitable for the beginner. There are also some ghost carp and some barbel in this lake. The lakes are a lovely place to visit for a days fishing and prices are £7 a day for two rods and £5 for concessions.
Tel: 07720 549954 Website: www.eltoncarplakes.4t.com
Redhill Extreme
Mountain biking & boarding centre, tracks and jumps. Tuition is available for Mountain Boarding with Boards and all safety equipment provided. Minimum age is 8 years, and under 16s have to be signed in by an adult. Booking recommended for board hire and tuition.
Tel: 07877 147636 Website: www.redhillextreme.co.uk
Cycling
There’s biking for everyone on this traffic-free waymarked trail through the forest. A comprehensive range of bikes to suit all ages plus special needs bikes and equipment. Group hire, guided rides, information, maps and refreshments.
Tel: 01594 860065
Harts Barn Craft Centre
Built by William Duke of Normandy, Harts Barn is set in landscaped grounds, containing a number of craft shops, working artists and a gallery. Features a children’s play area and restaurant.
Tel: 01452 830954 Website: www.hartsbarncraftcentre.co.uk
Ruardean Pottery
Using traditional techniques the pottery produces some of the finest English flower pots available.
Tel: 01594 543577 Website: www.ruardeanpottery.com
Dick Whittington Farm Park
The Dick Whittington Farm Park includes nature trails, tractor rides, giant sandpits and all the farm animals. Venue for birthday parties, spacious restaurant for catering and snacks and indoor and outdoor play areas
Tel: 01452 831000 Website: www.dickwhittington.org
Battlesports Gloucestershire
The closest you can get to being in a battle situation without going into battle for real. Battle Sports is the ‘LIVE’ version of the best computer based war games. Based in a multi-acre purpose built Battlefield with woodlands, open terrain, bunkers and plateaus.
Tel: 01452 830620
Website: www.outdoor-activities-gloucestershire.com
Harts Barn Cookery School
Harts Barn Cookery School, The Forest of Dean’s premier Cookery School is proud to offer cooking for all, from basics to banquets. Join classes, demonstrations, holiday activities and clubs.
Tel: 01452 830954 Website: www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk
Have No Sphere
At Chessgrove Farm, Longhope experience the exciting activity of sphereing. Adrenaline seekers are either strapped into the sphere or thrown in with 2 buckets of water for an amazing experience of travelling at 30mph down a hill.
Tel: 07884 252380
Cinderford Artspace
Based at a former newspaper office and printing works at New Mercury, Woodside Street, a new local community arts venue has been formed to showcase works by local artists and craftsmen. In addition, it also provides expert tuition, help and advice for all age groups with a wide variety of classes.
Tel: 01594 825111 Website: www.artspacecinderford.org
Images courtesy of Forest of Dean Tourism, Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourist Association and The Forest of Dean District Council .
