Index
Places to Visit in the Forest of Dean
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East Forest
Area
The essential introduction to the Forest of Dean, peacefully set beside a mill pond in a deep wooded valley.
The story of the Forest, from wild woodland before man to the present day. A Royal Forest since Norman times, with displays of the indutries of coal, timber and stone. Forester's cottage, charcoal burning.
Craft workshops, art and craft exhibitions, nature trails, adventure play area, picnic tables and barbeque hearths. The Heritage Kitchen provides home made snacks and full meals. (Parties catered for by prior arrangement). Disabled access, including level nature trail.
Opening hours: April to October: daily 10am-6pm; November to March: daily
10am-5pm
(closed Christmas day and Boxing day)
Education staff provide talks, guided walks, and activities for school children of all ages.
Signposted from Cinderford and Blakeney (A48)
Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire. GL14 7UG. tel: 01594-822170
Dean Heritage Centre Page
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Bellringing
with Church Farm Holidays Church Farm, Church Lane, Abenhall, Mitcheldean, Glos, GL17 0DX, Tel:
01594 541211 You will be welcomed by the local towers where they already have visitors occasionally dropping in to ring during the summer. Enjoy the delights of the Forest of Dean and the surrounding area during the day and then ring at different towers during the evening. We have selected 12 towers, with a variety of practice evenings to give you the opportunity to ring every evening. The standard of ringing is intermediate: Bob Doubles, Plain Hunt and Call Changes are common but there are opportunities for more advanced methods. We are able to make arrangements for you. In accordance with tower tradition there will be no charge to ring, but hopefully you will enjoy yourself so much that you will be happy to give a donation to the tower captain. All our local churches and towers are different, but one thing is always the same - the warm welcome you will receive from ringers who are always pleased to meet new people and are expecting you. In addition you can stay on our farm surrounded by horses and animals in a quiet hamlet where the night sky is a panoply of stars. Email: info@churchfarm.uk.net
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Elton, Newnham, Glos, GL14 1JU, Tel: 01452 760795 Three mazes with a dinosaur theme covering 8 acres. Water pistols for hire. Courtyard activities, refreshments, and picnic area. Suitable for all ages. Open: Mid July to mid September, 11am to 6pm |
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Forest of Dean Stained Glass Studio, Harts Barn Craft Centre, Longhope,
Glos, GL17 0QD, Tel: 01452 830994 You can learn from a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, surrounded by beautiful countryside and stunning glassware from all over the world. Tutor Mike Hale is an enthusiatic tutor whose passion for his craft is infectious - prepare to be hooked. The workshops are relaxed, informative and absorbing - the perfect antidote to the stress of the rest of your life. The classes are suitable for all levels of experience (including none!) and are available in a number of formats as detailed below. The cost includes tuition, use of tools & facilities, consumables & chemicals and refreshments - the only extras you need to pay for are the glass and materials for your particular projects. Email: mike@forestglass.co.uk |
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of Dean Falconry Old Jovial Colliers, Ruardean Woodside, Gloucestershire, GL17 9XJ, Tel: 01594 541888 A personal hands on experience with birds of prey in the Royal Forest of Dean. A variety of birds of prey. Handle and fly the birds to the glove.
Personal guidance from experienced falconers. A choice of falconry experience
sessions, family sessions, corporate entertainment. An ideal and unusual
gift (vouchers available). Accommodation and refreshments can be arranged. |
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Winner Garage, Forest Vale Road, Cinderford, Tel: 01594 823121 Enjoy direct access to the Forest cycle tracks without any road crossings
or steep hills to climb. We offer bikes to suit all ages including tag-along
and buggies. Helmets and locks provided free of charge. Coffee bar opens
long hours offering food & beverages. Repair shop, sales and accessories.
Site open to non-hirers who wish to use location as starting point for
cycling. Ample parking available |
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Cannop Valley, Forest of Dean. tel: 01594-860065
Hire of mountain bikes for all ages, so that you can ride the many signposted cycle tracks within the forest. Also hire tandems, trailers for kids 4-8 years old, and two-kid trailers. Kiddy seats, helmets. Also included in the hire charge are waterproofs, puncture repair and basic toolkits, locks, stuffsacks, carriers and route maps.
This is an excellent way for the family to enjoy the Forest of Dean! The bike hire centre is within easy reach of Cannop Ponds, the Sculpture Trail and Beechenhurst.
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Beechenhurst is one of the main tourist centres of the Forest of Dean, with parking for cars and coaches. The lodge has an excellent cafeteria, and the grounds have barbeque hearths, suitable for both small and large groups of people. This is the starting point for the beautiful Sculpture Trail, and is within very easy walking distance of Cannop Ponds.
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Littledean Hall is reputedly England's oldest inhabited house. The house has Saxon and Celtic remains in the cellars dated to before 11th century, and is believed to have originated in 5th or 6th century. Two officers were put to sword in the dining hall when the house became a Royalist garrison during the civil war.
Exhibits include a packaging collection. Ancient chestnut trees, a Victorian walled garden with ponds, and a Roman temple site are in this wonderful setting.
Launch site for big red Virgin Balloon Flights (call freephone 0800 132090)
Open daily 11.00am -5.00pm every day April until Oct. 31.
Adults £3.50, children under 16 £1.50, Senior citizenss
£2.50.
Phone: 01594 824213
Fax: 01594 827337
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If you walk in the woods today - or any other - you're sure of a big surprise. Not from bears - they're long extinct, but from some unique and imaginative sculptures seemingly dotted at random around the Speech House area of the Forest of Dean. A joint effort by the Forestry Commission and the Bristol based Arnolfini Gallery gave six sculptors the chance to design and build their own interpretations of forest life. The eerie 'Sound Sculptures' will catch your ear as well as your eye while the spectacular 'stained glass window' is suspended from giant beams high above eye level. Carved railway sleepers, forming an 'Iron Road' evokes memories of the Forest's industrial heritage. The huge 'Giant's Chair' certainly cannot be missed! The sculptures are on view and spread over a gentle and picturesque two mile route, which starts from either Beechenhurst Lodge or the Speech House parking area.
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Using traditional techniques of throwing and press moulding John Huggins and his skilled assistants produce some of the finest English flower pots available. Visitors are always welcome; you can browse through displays of unique pots (Long Toms, small and huge pots, wall pots, pavers, edging bricks, even dragons) and enjoy the vibrant tones of real teracotta, rummage in the seconds corner or stroke the pottery cat! "Pots by Post" service to all parts of the UK.
Mon-Sat 9.00am-5.30pm, Sun (March-Sept. 1.00pm-5.00pm).
Tel: 01594 543557
Situated at West End, Ruardean. (Ruardean is signposted at Lydbrook, Drybrook and Brierley)
[ Ruardean ]
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Hidden away on the edge of the Forest of Dean is a unique collection of mechanical music spanning the last 150 years.
Springfields, Hawthorns Cross, Drybrook. Just north of the A4136. Open April,
May, July & August Tuesdays and Thursdays 2.00pm to 5.00pm (Other times
& parties by arrangement).
Just north of Drybrook.
Admission Adults £2.50, Senior Citizens £2.00 (donated to
charity)
Phone: 01594 542278 Wally or Gill Marfell to arrange any special days/evenings
and party rates.
[ Drybrook ] [ Cinderford ]
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Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire,GL17 0PH, Tel: 01452 831137
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 5.00pm weekdays and 10.00am - 5.00pm at weekends. Closed Monday and Tuesday during school time. Admission Charges: Call for details |
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Llamas are wonderful animals that have a placid and helpful nature, and relate well to humans. They all enjoy their walks and have no trouble carrying the equipment and supplies for a great day out. Great for Holidays The llamas are able to carry 50lbs of 'luggage' each, but no passengers! The twin panniers can be packed with spare clothing, maps, blankets, as well as food and bottles of wine for an unusual picnic. Whether walking for an afternoon or trekking for miles, the Llamas are great companions and help to carry the supplies for the day or days!! Llamas adapt easily to any outdoor activity that involves hiking or walking with the requirement to carry heavy equipment. We are currently based at the Speech House Hotel in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Regular treks operate from Speech House, Beechenhurst Lodge, the Rising Sun pub at Moseley Green and Symonds Yat but we are happy to travel to meet walkers at other suitable locations. |
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Harts Barn Flower & Craft Centre
Monmouth Road, Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0QD
Tel: 01452 830954
Harts Barn Flower & Craft Centre lies 10 minutes away from the Wye Valley in its own picturesque setting. This old Norman hunting lodge is one of the oldest properties in the Forest of Dean, built by William Duke of Normandy to keep his hounds when he came to hunt in the Forest.
The main house and surrounding buildings have been sympathetically restored and incorporate the region's principal centre for dried flowers and traditional crafts. A Tea Shop and Pets Barn Vetinary Centre can also be found on site.
Harts Barn Flower & Craft Centre is situated on the Gloucester to Monmouth road A4136 between Longhope and Mitcheldean.
Opening times
Every day except Mondays. Open Bank Holidays.
1st April to 30th September, 10.00am to 5.30pm
1st October to 31st March, 10.00am to 4.00pm
(Closed Christmas Day to 2nd January)
Large parties are very welcome by appointment.
[ Hart's Barn Web Pages ]
[ Longhope ] [ Mitcheldean
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A balloon flight is a very special experience. Vertigo is rare, and the balloon often flies low enough for the occupants to speak to people on the ground! Flights are totally dependant on light winds and stable weather conditions, and normally take place in the early morning or evening, when these conditions prevail. Heather Evans flies a balloon which can carry a group of six passengers, and often individuals are booked for their unique experience as a birthday or Christamas present from a friend or relative.
Contact Heather Evans on 01989-66034 (Ross on Wye)
(See also Virgin Ballon Flights from Littledean Hall)
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