COLEFORD ATTRACTIONS
The Forest
Explore the wild, outstanding natural beauty of the countryside all around Coleford. Walk maps include heritage walks of the town.
01594 812388
Coleford Clock Tower
The focal point of the town is the impressive clock tower, the only remaining part of the original St. John's Church, demolished in 1882.
Hopewell Colliery Museum
A true Forest of Dean Freemine dating from the 1820's located a short distance from Coleford. The museum features a display of old mine working tools typical of this sort of level mine, and a café.
01594 810706
Forest House & Whitecliff Furnace
Visit the birthplace of Robert Mushet and the remains of the Dark Hill Works where he perfected the Bessemer Process for manufacturing self-hardening steel. 01594 812388
Clearwell Caves
Mined for iron over two and a half thousand years, Clearwell Caves represent the ancient Forest of Dean tradition of Free Mining. Nine impressive caverns are open to the public. Displays, a tempting tearoom and cave shop stocks minerals, books and other gifts, including pigments still taken from the mine. 01594 832535
Puzzle Wood
An area of tranquil woodland walks dating from the 1800's. Explore the fascinating open iron works dating from roman times are set in beautiful surroundings with a maze of paths, bridges and wooden seats. The attraction features a souvenir shop and tea garden.
01594 833187
Symonds Yat Rock
A great beauty spot and popular all year round viewpoint to see the natural river scenery, peregrine falcons and an Iron Age Fort. Very attractive in the spring and autumn months when the tree foliage is at its most colourful. A hand pulled rope ferry leads to a maze, visitor/heritage centre, plus marked walks and river cruises are features not to miss.
01594 812388
Cinderbury Iron Age Farm
From July ’05, an exciting new project, ‘Cinderbury’ will give the public a chance to have a hands on experience of how life was in the iron age. Located next to Clearwell Caves.
0870 609 3219
Perrygrove Railway
This delightful little railway runs through private grounds on the outskirts of the town, featuring woodland walks and picnic tables. The entrance fee gives unlimited rides on the railway. This attraction also features an indoor village with secret passageways for children with a unique all-weather Treasure Hunt. 01594 834991
Great Western Railway Museum
A museum housed in one of the last permanent railway buildings in the Forest of Dean. It features a miniature passenger electric locomotive with miniature steam loco rides available on some bank holidays.
01594 833569
GOLF
Coleford offers two excellent 18 hole courses.
Forest Hills has outstanding views of the side of the town and also features a driving range.
01594 810620
The Forest of Dean Golf Club is a parkland course located just a quarter of a mile from Coleford
01594 832583
Little Follies
If the weather is changeable youngsters can burn off some energy at the superb Little Follies Activity Centre. Open 7 days a week the activity centre boasts a full range of play equipment and a café.
01593 833229Whitecliff Furnace, Whitecliff, Coleford
The only remaining example of a coke -fired furnace in the country.
Now in the ownership of Dean Heritage Centre, the remains need sympathetic restoration. View from the road. Site not open to visitorsForest House Hotel
Formerly known as Tump House and the birthplace of Robert Mushet who perfected the Bessemer Process of self hardening steel. Visit also the remains of Dark Hill Ironworks at Gorsty Knoll, a mile away.