What to do and see in Coleford, England: The Best Nature & Parks

You'll never be at a loss for something to see and do in the Forest of Dean. With the natural environment, fascinating history and heritage, an array of attractions and activities you can feed your minds and tire your bodies, but will there be enough time to fit it all into one holiday? - Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Association.

Cannop Cycle Centre is the starting point for the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail which consists of eleven miles of waymarked, surfaced tracks. Two singletrack trails have been designed for cyclists looking for a more adventurous ride. The 7.4 mile red grade (difficult) Freeminer Trail and the 7 mile blue grade (moderate) Verderers' Trail. For experienced riders only, there are a number of 'downhill' trails and an uplift service available. A pump track and advanced skills area has been built which can be used as a coaching area / taster area to mountain biking. A pump track is a short circular loop where the rider will go up and down over a series of humps. This propels the rider around using the momentum created by the down slopes without pedalling. As well as this, a couple of short downhill training lines with technical trail features has also been built on the advanced skills area so riders can gradually progress and build up the confidence.

While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor and discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine caverns have now been opened to visitors, with exciting displays, on your journey through. The Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, soups, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts; a picnic and children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can also be visited separately from the Caves. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under.

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the forest, and is a great place to start your adventure in the Forest of Dean. Beechenhurst is the starting point for the famous Sculpture Trail, there are additional waymarked walks of varying lengths beginning from the site, and for visitors bringing their own bikes to the forest, Beechenhurst is an ideal start point for the Family Cycle Trail. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the junior version of Go Ape which is aimed at 6-12 year olds. The course can be found at the edge of the main car park. The onsite climbing tower is an exciting way to let off steam! 36 routes from easy to extreme and 2 vertical abseils. Great for children and adults, friends, families and group bookings. Check the Forest of Dean Adventure website for opening times. Archery sessions can also be booked. Beechenhurst cafe serves food from 8.30am everyday. The menu encompasses locally sourced food with a variety of specials and childrens meals available

Puzzlewood - A Magical Day Out in the Forest of Dean. Why is Puzzlewood magical? Is it the maze of pathways winding through deep gulleys of moss covered rocks, the twisted roots of the Yew trees or the bridges, ‘lookouts’ and features to find on your way round? Puzzlewood is enchanting; it has an atmosphere quite unlike any other woodland. Here you can imagine that you are in a fantasy film, and that fantastic creatures lurk round every corner. Puzzlewood is used for Merlin, Dr Who and recently for a new Warner Bros movie called Jack the Giant Killer (release date June 2012). Also onsite are farm animals, willow maze, indoor maze, playground, picnic tables, café and gift shop.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor collection of 17 sculptures. We are open all year round, dawn til dusk, and entry is free of charge. The sculptures on the Trail are funded and commissioned by a registered charity. The route is 4.5 miles long, and is sited in the beautiful Wye Valley region. A map is available for sale at Beechenhurst Cafe at the start of the Trail. Dogs are welcomed on the trail but we recommend keeping them on a lead.