Car Hire Coleford

Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire with a population of just over 9,000, Coleford serves as the perfect base for exploring the Forest of Dean’s natural wonders. We recommend timing your visit for the comfortable summer months, when temperatures hover between 20-26°C, ideal for cycling the forest trails and visiting the Dean Forest Railway. However, winter brings its charm with crisp, clear days perfect for woodland walks and exploring the area’s rich mining heritage.

The town is conveniently situated along the A4136, providing direct access to the A40 network and connections to Monmouth just 8 miles away. The B4028 offers swift connections to Gloucester and the B4228 leads toward the Welsh border and Chepstow. The town centre provides ample parking for those exploring on foot. Coleford’s position makes it an excellent gateway to attractions such as Puzzlewood and numerous waymarked walking routes through ancient woodlands.

Attractions In Coleford

Experience Forest of Dean market town charm and mining history, featuring heritage railways, underground mine tours, traditional high street shopping and extensive forest walking trails through ancient woodland landscapes.

Puzzlewood

At Perrygrove Road, this enchanting nature preserve opens daily from 10 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, earning its stellar 4.6-star rating from over 3,500 reviews. You’ll discover why this location has captured filmmakers’ imaginations as you wander through ancient woodland where moss-covered rocks tower overhead and wooden bridges span different levels of terrain. The magical atmosphere created by strategically placed wooden seats throughout the winding pathways makes it feel like stepping into another world entirely.

Clearwell Caves

The Rocks in Clearwell houses these fascinating underground chambers, welcoming visitors Monday and Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from more than 2,000 reviews, the caves offer far more than geological wonder. We find ourselves captivated by the historic mining heritage and contemporary art installations that transform these atmospheric spaces into something truly unique, where sculptures by renowned artists create an unforgettable underground gallery experience.

RSPB Nagshead

Located on Coleford Road in Parkend, this nature reserve opens its gates daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, providing an accessible two-mile walking trail through pristine woodland. You’ll have excellent opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including nuthatches, treecreepers and greater spotted woodpeckers, with the occasional magnificent buzzard soaring overhead. The peaceful environment offers a refreshing escape from urban life, though we recommend checking facility availability before your visit.

Hopewell Colliery

Speech House Road in Cannop hosts this fascinating museum, offering guided tours four times daily from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The adjoining café serves remarkable homemade fare, from tender steak pies to generous cottage pie portions, all accompanied by proper pots of foresters’ tea. Historical displays covering the area’s freemining heritage adorn the walls, providing context for the adjacent pit that’s well worth exploring during your visit.

Bells Field

This popular community space on Coleford’s main street remains open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, offering something for every family member. The well-maintained facilities include skateboard areas, a small BMX track perfect for younger riders, walking paths and outdoor fitness equipment. The hard-surfaced circular area provides space for various activities, while extensive grass areas offer room for picnics and games, with convenient parking for a dozen vehicles.

Explore nearby locations with our vehicle hire services:

• Forest of Dean
• Cinderford
• Lydney
• Chepstow
• Newport
• Cambridge
• Newent
• Dursley

Coleford Great Western Railway Museum

The Old Railway Station on Railway Drive opens exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays from 2:30 PM to 5 PM, where knowledgeable volunteers provide comprehensive tours packed with historical insights. You’ll gain fascinating perspectives on train operations, track construction and infrastructure maintenance, while children particularly enjoy the miniature train ride around the museum grounds. The passionate guides create an engaging educational experience that brings the area’s railway heritage to life.

Perrygrove Railway Adventure

This family-friendly attraction on Perrygrove Road combines adventure with education, featuring well-maintained facilities and helpful staff throughout the clean organised site. The excellent playground equipment provides entertainment for younger visitors, while the railway experience appeals to all ages. Though ticket office operations can be limited during peak periods, the overall experience delivers memorable adventures for families exploring the Forest of Dean.

King Arthur’s Cave

Great Doward near Ross-on-Wye offers free access to these historically significant caverns, providing peaceful spots for picnics amid beautiful surroundings. The site features fascinating geological formations, though accessibility remains challenging for those with mobility limitations due to steep terrain and uneven surfaces. You’ll find the largest cave most accessible, offering glimpses into prehistoric human habitation while enjoying one of the area’s most atmospheric natural landmarks.

Darkhill Ironworks

These remarkable ruins at Ellwood showcase terraced stone walls marking the site where David and Robert Mushet conducted groundbreaking metallurgical experiments from 1811. The location witnessed the development of the first steel alloys and revolutionary railway lines that lasted 17 years, compared to the typical 3-5 months. Though abandoned around 1862, the site remained undisturbed until archaeological excavations in 1977 revealed its significance to industrial history.

Coleford Clocktower

Standing prominently in Market Place, this historic timepiece represents the sole surviving element of a much larger church structure, serving as a focal point for the town centre. The surrounding area showcases Coleford’s underappreciated character, with friendly locals and diverse shopping opportunities, including excellent cafés and restaurants. This landmark provides perfect orientation for exploring the town’s historic streets and discovering hidden gems throughout the area.

Whitecliff Ironworks

Newland Street hosts these compelling blast furnace ruins that offer insights into the region’s industrial heritage through informative display boards detailing the site’s operational history. Though compact, the remains effectively illustrate the iron-making processes that once thrived throughout the Forest of Dean. We find the visitor book provides interesting perspectives from fellow explorers, making this a worthwhile stop for those interested in industrial archaeology.