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- The Best Things to Do in the Forest of Dean
FROM£2,850PER STAY

III

THE FOREST OF DEAN & WYE VALLEY

One of England's oldest forests

Walking, cycling, canoeing and wildlife, with the house in the middle of it all.

FROM THE DOOR

In the centre of town, on the edge of the wild

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.

Despite this central location just walk 5 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 won't you, especially the Wild Boar (though they're more likely to run from you than vice versa!)

INTO THE TREES

What the forest keeps

Puzzlewood in the wye valley. Image shows a rope bridge in a lush green environment
Puzzlewood's branch-built bridges; the day out guests recommend more than any other.
- Big Sleeps, Big Laughs: Big House Holiday Lets in the Forest of Dean
Moss, sandstone and ferns in the ancient corners of the forest.
Beautiful image of Clearwell Caves showing blue light reflecting on one of the indoor lakes
Clearwell Caves, lit beneath the forest, 1.4 miles from the house.
- Little-Known Gems in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
The Wye winding below one of the valley's viewpoint walks.
Peregrine Falcon - Wildlife Holidays in the Forest of Dean
A peregrine falcon; guests on an evening wildlife walk counted nightjars and wild boar.

THE ROUTINE

Mud on the boots, miles in the legs, the hot tub waiting at home.

THE WYE VALLEY

The Wye at Symonds Yat, three and a half miles from the door.

IIISymonds Yat, from above

EARN THE EVENING

Days out, the active kind

Traffic-free trails leave the forest car parks in every direction, and canoe hire waits on the Wye.

- Big Sleeps, Big Laughs: Big House Holiday Lets in the Forest of Dean

Cycle for miles, traffic free

Family trails loop to Cannop Ponds, Parkend and back towards Coleford, with bike hire in the forest.

- Big Sleeps, Big Laughs: Big House Holiday Lets in the Forest of Dean

Zip wires and tree-tops

High-ropes courses run through the canopy at two forest sites.

- Best Golf Courses in Forest of Dean

Golf in the forest

A course sits right in Coleford, with more across the valley.

Bring the dogs

Dog friendly holidays in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean - Dog friendly large cottages and houses in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Walks straight from the door

Traffic-free forest trails start five minutes from the door, and the wildlife mostly keeps its distance.

Dog friendly cafe - Dog friendly large cottages and houses in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Dog-friendly stops

Cafes and pubs around the forest welcome dogs, and dogs are welcome at the house as a bookable extra.

THE DIRECTORY

Days out, mapped

23 ideas within reach, from caves and castles to the heritage railway.

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Whitecliff Four X Four - Gloucestershire

0.5 miles away

Whitecliff Four X Four - Gloucestershire

An activities & days out.

Off-road training, gift experience days, corporate, stag/hen events. Full or half day courses. Chauffeured rides for all the family. Owner driver courses. Gift Vouchers available. Must ring first to book.

5.0 (62)
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Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

Float in the Forest - Lydney, Gloucestershire

3.5 miles away

Float in the Forest - Lydney, Gloucestershire

An activities & days out.

What is floatation? Imagine relaxing in a giant bathtub that you can sleep in with peace of mind. Firstly, the water is only approximately 25cm deep. Secondly, it is saturated with Epsom salt, and heated to skin temperature. This is where the magic begins. Your body floats like a cork, a bit like in the Dead Sea. You are so buoyant that you can totally relax all your muscles, and let go of tensions. You will float naturally and effortlessly, and the support of the water around your body gives a sense of weightlessness. All the work the mind and body usually has to do just to resist gravity becomes unnecessary, and you are able to let go and relax into a blissful state.

5.0 (160)
More information

Opening hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Yofi Paddlesports - Symonds Yat Herefordshire

3.8 miles away

Yofi Paddlesports - Symonds Yat Herefordshire

An activities & days out.

We are YOFI Paddlesports, based at Ye Old Ferrie Inn based in Symonds Yat West, and we provide guided canoe trips, hourly canoe and rowing boat hire, and Stand Up Paddleboard sessions on the River Wye. We are a British Canoeing Delivery Partner, fully licensed by Herefordshire Council to operate on the river, and have full insurance to provide ease of mind for customers. All our staff are trained British Canoeing coaches, and the safety of all participants is our top priority, closely followed by enjoyment!

5.0 (133)
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Opening hours

Monday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Symonds Yat Bike Hire - Herefordshire

3.8 miles away

Symonds Yat Bike Hire - Herefordshire

An activities & days out.

Now as we are very local we would also love to offer to your guests FREE DELIVERY of the bikes to their accommodation - so they can cycle straight from where they are staying. We would drop the bikes with them and then come and collect either at the end of the day or after the few hours whenever they are doneWe offer Mountain bike hire in the beautiful Wye Valley, situated at the Symonds Yat area of outstanding natural beauty. . Symonds Yat and its' surroundings offer a fantastic location for off-road cycling whether it be picturesque old railway paths, trail's along the river or forestry tracks. Stop off for some refreshments at the scenic riverside country pubs or bring your own picnic and enjoy chilling out up above the wye valley at Symonds Yat Rock.

5.0 (41)
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Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Cute  Farm Experience - Monmouthshire

8.4 miles away

Cute Farm Experience - Monmouthshire

An activities & days out.

Set in an idyllic location with stunning views across to the Black Mountains of Wales, an experience with us is worth it for the views alone. Why not try one of our Cute Experiences; Whether walking alpacas, cuddling miniature donkeys or having a cwtch with the worlds cutest sheep, you are guaranteed a day out with a difference and certainly something to tell your friends. We are not a petting farm or open to the public, these are private experiences, by appointment only. Our experiences vary in price and time and are ideal for the whole family. With large barns, and straw bales at hand, our experiences are available in all weather; rain or shine.

5.0 (42)
More information

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Oldfield Forge - Garway Hill, Herefordshire

11.4 miles away

Oldfield Forge - Garway Hill, Herefordshire

An activities & days out.

Oldfield Forge are a Hereford based bespoke blacksmiths and offer blacksmith courses, experience days for friends and families, corporate events, and fun days for Stags and Hens

5.0 (1385)
More information

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Way2go Adventures - Coleford, Gloucestershire

0.8 miles away

Way2go Adventures - Coleford, Gloucestershire

An activities & days out.

Highly qualified guides and coaches for a range of activities on the River Wye. Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Raft Building, Nordic Walking, and BCU Courses. Families, Stag/Hen parties, Schools/Youth group and corporate events are welcome.

4.9 (84)
More information

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Monmouth Gin Company - Monmouthshire

5.0 miles away

Monmouth Gin Company - Monmouthshire

A food & drink.

he origins of Monmouth Gin come from a birthday present gin tasting evening. The tasting experience changed our view of gin to a more interesting drink than previously thought. Our appetite was further whetted by a make your own gin kit given as a present the following Christmas Eventually, we came up with what we thought was a passable recipe and we discussed what we should do next. We conducted some research and found a gin company to collaborate with so that we could learn more and even lead us to create our own gin to share with the world. After initial meetings with the Gower Gin Company they agreed to help fill in the blanks in our knowledge of the process and bureaucracy associated with the expansion of our idea into what would become the Monmouth Gin Company. Initially we rented a space on the Treowen Estate near Monmouth before moving to a unit at the business park in the town where the gin continues to be produced and bottled, ready for delivery. Tasting experience of three gins with a gin and tonic of your choice. Learn about the history of gin and how our gin is made. Available to book daily Monday - Saturday 9am - 11am and 1pm - 5pm. These can be booked online, or if you prefer, please call us on 01234 567 890

4.9 (243)
More information

Opening hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Little Pandas Play Cafe - Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

8.5 miles away

Little Pandas Play Cafe - Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

An activities & days out.

A play space where grownups can relax and have a coffee whilst their little ones interact with each other and explore. Rolyplay Areas in Construction, House, Farm & Market. There is also a Sensory Room & Soft Play.

4.9 (102)Family-friendly
More information

Opening hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

Food and drink nearby

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The Hardwick - Penpergwn, Monmouthshire

16.1 miles away

The Hardwick - Penpergwn, Monmouthshire

A pub.

Headed by Stephen Terry, an acclaimed chef with an international reputation, The Hardwick is an upscale country pub overlooking the Brecon Beacons.

The Whitebrook, Whitebrook, Monmouthshire

3.7 miles away

The Whitebrook, Whitebrook, Monmouthshire

A bar.

The Whitebrook is a Michelin starred restaurant and rooms in the stunning Wye Valley run by former Le Manoir Chef Chris Harrod. There's a big focus on local produce, foraged ingredients and organic wines – a meal here is an experience to remember.

The Walnut Tree, Llandewi Skyridd, Monmouthshire

15.2 miles away

The Walnut Tree, Llandewi Skyridd, Monmouthshire

A restaurant.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, lunchtimes and for the evening. Offering both dining and drinking in an informal setting.

Two Simmering Pans - Newport, Monmouthshire

23.3 miles away

Two Simmering Pans - Newport, Monmouthshire

A pub.

In 2014, an Event Manager and a Head Chef met doing what they love and the logical step was to form Two Simmering Pans in order to combine our expertise. ​Styling events &; designing menus in our own unique way and delivering quality dining experiences is our passion. Today the TSP team & event management, wedding catering services and private chef hire in South Wales, the Cotswolds, Bristol and across the South West.

No photograph

3.5 miles away

The Royal Lodge - Symonds Yat East, Herefordshire

A restaurant.

With its large restaurant the Royal Lodge (situated 2 minutes walk from Wye Rapids) can comfotably accommodate your entire group for a wonderful sit down meal together.

A to Zest, Hereford Herefordshire

19.6 miles away

A to Zest, Hereford Herefordshire

A farm shop.

Lead chefs, Billy and Gabor combine Michelin-starred flair with vast event catering experience. Our event leaders and Front of House teams pay great attention to detail to deliver happy occasions with enthusiasm and a sense of fun. In short you will find something pleasingly different at every stage of your event from first contact to conclusion.

The Pantry Catering

9.7 miles away

The Pantry Catering

A farm shop.

TP Catering & Events is a Monmouthshire based catering and events company delivering rustic, hearty food that's full of flavour and beautifully presented. Backed by a friendly, hardworking team, we pride ourselves on creating stress-free events that run smoothly from start to finish. From relaxed finger buffets and generous grazing tables to crowd-pleasing taco bars, hot buffets and formal dining, our menus are designed to suit every occasion. More than just caterers, we also offer full event management and drinks service — giving you everything you need under one roof, with care, professionalism and a genuine passion for great food.

The Forge Hammer & River Spice - Lydbrook, Forest of Dean

4.2 miles away

The Forge Hammer & River Spice - Lydbrook, Forest of Dean

A pub.

This old school pub offers all you would expect from your local, with a range of cask conditioned ales, draught lagers, ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Yet The Forge Hammer also has its own microbrewery! Since 2018, they have been producing exciting India pale ales under the name of Lydbrook Valley Brewing Company. Better still, it also has its own Indian takeaway for when you want to eat on the move, or from the comfort of your (temporary) home! Yet if curry isn't your thing, from April to September you can take full advantage of the resident gourmet burger truck, that resides outside in their carpark. On hand to satisfy the needs of locals and tourists alike.

The Inn on the Wye - Goodrich, Herefordshire

5.9 miles away

The Inn on the Wye - Goodrich, Herefordshire

A pub.

With great views overlooking the River Wye, and out towards the well-preserved ruins of Goodrich Castle, the Inn on the Wye can provide a scenic location for good food.

FINDING US

Where you'll find us

Cinderhill, in the centre of Coleford, Gloucestershire.

GL16 8HQ

Wye Valley & Forest of Dean

Forest House, Coleford

Get directions
COLEFORD

COME AND SEE

So easy to reach, so hard to leave

Walks, rivers, castles and caves, with the house in the centre of it all. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with availability and a quote.

Big House Holiday Lets Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
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