Things To Do
in Coleford
Coleford is a small market town in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, serving as a gateway to rich ancient woodlands and the Wye Valley. The town has a compact historic centre with traditional shops, pubs, and a regular market that reflects its rural character. Coleford is a popular base for outdoor activities—walking, cycling and river sports are within easy reach—and several scenic attractions are a short drive away.
Visitors can expect a relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals and easy access to nearby natural and heritage sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Coleford and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and get acquainted with the quaint shops and local cafes. Visit the Coleford Great Western Railway Museum to learn about the town's rich railway heritage.
Grab lunch at a local deli, then embark on a hike through the stunning Forest of Dean. The trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife. End your hike at the Soudley Ponds where you can relax by the water.
Dine at a traditional pub, savoring local dishes and ales. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the charming town center, illuminated by soft streetlights. Finish your day with a warm drink in hand at a quaint café.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation. Visit the nearby Clearwell Caves, exploring the ancient limestone caverns and discovering their mining history. Marvel at the fascinating formations and learn about how stalactites and stalagmites are formed.
After lunch, head to the Gothic Revival architecture of St. Johns Church, admiring its stunning stained glass windows. Visit the nearby Speech House, an 18th-century hunting lodge, and enjoy a guided tour of its historical significance. Spend some time wandering the surrounding grounds, which are rich with flora and fauna.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering seasonal local produce. Participate in a community event or live music night if available, experiencing the local culture firsthand. Wind down the evening with a quiet stroll, taking in the nighttime serenity of Coleford.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer in pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Local taxi start (short trip) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel double room (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings and easy access to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
- Quieter, relaxed base with good walking, cycling and paddling opportunities
- Friendly small-town atmosphere and local produce
- Great for outdoor photographers and nature lovers
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with larger towns
- Public transport is patchy—a car is useful to reach many sights
- Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain
- Fewer dining options and fewer late-night services
Places to Visit in Coleford
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sweeping views over the River Wye—excellent for sunrise or late-afternoon light and for photographing river bends and raptor sightings.
Ancient, mossy woodland with tangled roots and narrow gullies—atmospheric for close-up nature shots and fantasy-like landscapes.
Woodland trails with contemporary sculptures and panoramic clearings—good for wide-angle nature shots and contrasts between art and forest.
Calm waters edged by trees—ideal for reflections, misty morning shots and seasonal colour photography.
Charming town centre scenes with traditional architecture, local shops and pubs—great for street and documentary-style images.
Food in Coleford
Coleford Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional favourite—creamy and tangy, often sold at local markets and used in ploughman’s lunches or cheese boards in pubs and cafés.
Must-Try!
Locally produced ciders and perries (pear cider) are common in pubs and cider houses around the Forest of Dean; try a tasting at a local supplier or order a pint in a pub.
Traditional British meat pies or beef/ale stews feature on many pub menus, made with regional ingredients—vegetarian versions are often available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market offering fresh produce, cheese, baked goods and occasional street-food traders—great for picking up local cheese, bread and seasonal items.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite, say please and thank you, and queue in an orderly fashion—British politeness and patience are customary.
Stick to marked paths, close gates behind you, take litter home and follow ‘leave no trace’ principles; many surrounding areas are private land or working farmland.
Keep noise levels moderate in residential areas and pubs; shops and attractions may close earlier than in larger cities—check opening times.
Safety
Tipping in Coleford
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is discretionary: 10%–15% in restaurants if service is good (unless a service charge is included), rounding up or a small tip in pubs is not expected, and taxi drivers may receive small change as a tip.
Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in shops, cafés and pubs, though some smaller stalls or rural vendors may prefer cash—carry a modest amount of cash for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Woodlands burst into green, wildflowers appear and migratory birds return—pleasant temperatures for walking but pack a waterproof layer as showers are common.
Mild to warm weather with the best conditions for paddling, cycling and long hikes; popular spots can get busy on fine weekends—bring sun protection and bug spray for woodland areas.
Spectacular colours in the Forest of Dean and quieter trails after the summer—cooler days and crisp mornings make for excellent photography and mushroom-foraging (only pick with a guide).
Chilly and often damp with shorter daylight; frost and occasional snow create moody landscapes but some facilities have reduced hours—dress in layers and waterproof footwear.
Coleford at Night
Hiking in Coleford
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long-distance riverside route with beautiful sections near Symonds Yat—options for short day walks or multi-day hikes with excellent scenery.
A network of waymarked trails through mixed woodland with sculptural installations and easy-to-moderate circuits.
Historic long-distance footpath that runs along the England–Wales border with scenic upland and valley sections accessible from nearby start points.
A family-friendly loop around ponds and woodland ideal for birdwatching, leisurely walking and short hikes.
Airports
How to reach Coleford by plane.
Major regional airport with domestic and international flights; roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic and route—good access to rental cars and transfer options.
Convenient for parts of the Forest of Dean and south Herefordshire, with regional flights and a drive time of around 1 hour (depending on route and traffic).
Larger international airport about 1.5–2 hours’ drive—useful for a wider choice of flights, but further away than Bristol or Cardiff.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents and families who work locally or commute to nearby towns; community-oriented with local schools and clubs.
A relatively high proportion of older adults and retirees attracted by the rural lifestyle and lower housing density.
Visitors drawn by walking, cycling, paddling and heritage sites—seasonal influxes add to the town’s diversity during peak months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football are very popular, with community clubs and weekend leagues.
Rugby is widely followed in the region with community teams and local matches, reflecting the sport’s strong presence in the West Country.
The Forest of Dean is a hub for mountain biking, with trails that attract riders of all levels and regional events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Coleford.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and pubs offer vegetarian mains and can adapt dishes; checking menus in advance helps in smaller venues. Markets and delis also sell cheeses, breads and prepared vegetarian options.
Vegan choices are increasingly available in cafés and larger pubs but may be limited in more traditional rural venues—call ahead if you need guaranteed options.
Many places can provide gluten-free options (gluten-free bread, salads, grilled dishes) but cross-contamination can occur in busy kitchens, so inform staff of serious allergies.