In Gloucestershire, on the fringe of the Wye Valley and on the edge of the Forest of Dean, lies Coleford. It has some fine Georgian architecture and the town centre has been designated a conservation area due to the number of historic buildings.
Once home to a thriving mining community, this picturesque town is filled with plenty of attractions and outdoor activities, making it a good choice for a cottage holiday in the west Gloucester and Welsh borders region.
There’s a lot to do in Coleford and the Coleford Great Western Railway Museum, housed in an old goods shed, is an excellent place to discover more about the heritage of the area. The Coleford Clock tower on the square is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks and the Coleford Baptist Church and Parish Church of Saint John both have strong links to the past.
Coleford also has a series of walks through the town where visitors can follow in the footsteps of past inhabitants whilst they learn more about the history of the area.
The town''s close proximity to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley ensures there is a wonderful selection of outdoor activities for all ages. The Wye Valley is a popular destination for walkers and canoeing, and a steam railway runs through the valley.
The Forest of Dean also has some great walks, has several cycling paths and offers an abundance of activities suited to children. The Sculpture Trail features a children’s playground and a picnic site in the heart of the forest and Puzzlewood is an enchanting pathway that spans 14 acres of ancient woodlands, taking you through galleys, over wooden bridges and around tree and rock formations.
No holiday in Coleford is complete without a visit to the Clearwell Caves Iron mines. This ancient natural cave system forms part of one of Britain’s oldest underground mines and the impressive caverns are absolutely breath taking.
Discover a lovely Gloucester town and its stunning surrounds; look for holiday cottages in Coleford today.
