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How
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| Coleford,
A4136 east from Monmouth, B4234 then B 4226 from Lydney
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Gloucestershire
Features
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Gloucestershire
Guides & Maps
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 Coleford
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Coleford
is the administrative centre of the Forest of Dean.
The town
was first recorded as Colevorde in 1275 when it was part of
the Royal hunting forest. Coleford received a Royal Charter
from Charles I in recognition of the town's loyalty to his
father (James I).
Speech
House, to the east of the town, was built in the 17th century
as a hunting lodge for Charles II. Now a hotel, the building
also houses the courthouse of the Verderer of the Forest of
Dean.
Coleford
developed as an important mining centre and retains a strong
industrial heritage. It was here in the 1800s that Robert
Mushet invented the process of making steel.
The old
church tower still stands in the market place but the octagonal
chapel, demolished in 1882, is now marked by a memorial cross. Nearby
are the fascinating Clearwell Caves.
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| Location
Map of Coleford |
What
To See -
Coleford Tourist Attractions
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 Beechenhurst
Lodge and Picnic Site, near Coleford, half a mile west
of Speech House on B4226, in the heart of the Forest of Dean,
this centre gives visitors the chance to enjoy Forest walks,
trails and open countryside. Access to a cycleway and the picnic
site has views over the Cannop Valley. Formerly the site of
Speech House Colliery, Beechenhurst Lodge is the starting point
of the famous Sculpture Trail, opened in 1986, with works by
famous artists set along a three and half mile trail through
woodland. Adventure playground, BBQ areas, and Visitor Centre
with a café and giftshop. Tel: 01594 827357. Visitor Centre
open: daily summer 10:00-18:00, winter weekends 10:00 am to
dusk. |
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Clearwell
Caves, near Coleford,GL16 8JR, 1.5 miles south of Coleford,
follow B4228 towards St Briavels and Chepstow, natural limestone
caverns - mined for over 4,000 years, from the Iron Age to the
present day. The mine yielded a pure form of iron ore intermingled
with ochre. Most of the iron ore was extracted in Roman times
and the commercial mining ceased in 1930. 3-4 tonnes are still
mined each year. The unaccompanied tour takes visitors throught
the 9 caverns with artifical pools and coloured 'flowstones'.
At Christmas the caverns are transformed into a 'Christmas Fantasy'.
Outside a building houses several vintage engines. Shop. Open:
daily Mar-Oct 10:00-17:00, Dec 1-24 daily for 'Christmas Fantasy'
10:00-17:00. Guided tour also available - pre-book. Tel: 01594
832535  |
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| Hopewell
Colliery Museum, Cannop Hill, Coleford, 1.5 miles west
of Speech House on B4226, the Hopewell Colliery is one of the
Forest of Dean's few working Freemines. The Freeminers were
awarded special privilages by Edward I and still have a monopoly
on the right to mine in the Forest, in return for a royalty
payment to the Crown. Coal has been mined here since Roman times
and groups of visitors can now join underground guided tours.Displays
of early mine working tools, shop and café. Open: Mar-Oct: daily
10:00-16:30, last tour 15:30 Tel: 01594 810706 |
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| Perrygrove
Railway,GL16 8QB, on the B4228. 1.5 miles south of Coleford,on
the edge of the Forest of Dean, this narrow gauge (15 inch)
railway offers trips through the small private estate. The 3/4
mile track runs through farmland and woods to the site of a
disused iron mine. Woodland walks and picnic sites, all-weather
treasure hunts, and an indoor village. Tel: 01594 834991 for
operating days. |
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| Puzzle
Wood ,Coleford, GL16 8QD, 0.5 miles out of Coleford on
B4228 Chepstow Road, in woodland scenery, this unique maze was
laid out in the early 1800's in pre-Roman open cast iron mines. Visitors
can test their sense of direction through 14 acres of pathways,
wooden bridges, deep ravines and rock passageways. Plenty of
circles and dead ends to infuriate everyone! The Indoor Puzzle
has secret passageways and hidden doors. Farm animals, refreshments
and a shop. Only suitable for physically able, and no unaccompanied
children, pushchairs or pets. Open: Easter-Sept Tue-Sun 11:00-17:30-
last entry 16:30 October: Tue-Sun 11:00-16:00 - last entry
15:00. February school half-term, weather permitting, 11:00-16:00
Closed Mon except Bank Holidays. Tel: 01594 833187 |
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Where
To Stay in Coleford
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Guest
Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels
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Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £70 a room
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Folly Road Parkend near Coleford GL15 4JF MAP
Built in 1850, this elegant Georgian house, overlooking the cricket green in the charming village of Parkend, invites you to relax and unwind at the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean.
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St. Briavels near Coleford
In an outstanding position on the edge of the Wye Valley, this recently converted barn commands panoramic views across the valley to the Black Mountains of Wales beyond. Lovingly restored, with a feature fireplace and exposed beams, it lies 1½ mil... Sleeps 4
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St. Briavels near Coleford
Quietly set on a working dairy farm, this charming property, one end of a 16th century farmhouse, boasts old beams, a stone fireplace, exposed stone walls and a lawned garden. The farm offers lovely walking from the door to local woodland abundant with... Sleeps 5 + 3 + cot
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Coleford
In the historic area of the Royal Forest of Dean, this very comfortable, beamed cottage, enjoys views over peaceful fields where ponies and Highland cattle graze. Adjoining the owners' farmhouse, it is within walking distance of attractions to suit... Sleeps 4 + t/cot
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English Bicknor near Coleford
Nestling in beautiful riverside meadows surrounded by ancient woodland, this splendid, newly renovated barn enjoys glorious seclusion beneath the impressive Symond's Yat rock while Peregrine falcons soar in the skies above. Featured in the film Sha... Sleeps 6
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Around
The Coleford Area
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Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Symonds Yat (3.50 miles) Lydney (5.88 miles) Ross-On-Wye (8.71 miles) Wotton-under-Edge (15.60 miles) Hereford (18.69 miles) Ledbury (18.77 miles) |
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Information
Centre
High Street
Coleford
GL16 8HG
Tel: 01594 812388 |
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Our
Hotel Booking Line
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Call
0870 4786316
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