The best places to stay in the Forest of Dean

A unique landscape with an extraordinary past, the Forest of Dean enjoys a spectacular setting between the River Wye and the River Severn in Gloucestershire. This enchanting and ancient region became Britain's first National Forest Park in 1938 and is England's largest oak forest.

Whether paddling down the river in a canoe, exploring a maze of walking and cycling trails, or discovering caves, castles and crumbling heritage sites, there are so many things to do in this glorious pocket of the South West.

So, why not treat yourself to a forest holiday where you can rest, relax, and recharge amid the beauty of nature? Find the best places to stay in the Forest of Dean with our guide to some of its most charming towns and villages.

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Puzzlewood, near Coleford

Coleford: best place to stay for families

One of the most picturesque market towns in the Forest of Dean, Coleford has a long and rich history. In fact, the centre of the town has been designated as a conservation area, with numerous buildings of historic interest, including its iconic clock tower.

Wander along streets lined with magnificent Georgian facades, dipping in and out of bakeries, delis and independent shops, before unwinding in a cosy pub or catching a film in the town’s cinema. Coleford also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, with everything from artisan food markets to the annual Carnival of Transport where you can admire all manner of fascinating vintage vehicles.

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Image credit: Instagram @shazzerharrison

Mitcheldean: best place to stay for walking

Surrounded by wooded hills, Mitcheldean is one of the top Forest of Dean towns to base yourself in for a walking holiday. There’s also lots to see within the town itself, from its narrow streets lined with ancient timbered buildings to the medieval church of St Michael and All Angels, which offers a rare example of a 15^th-century Doom painting.

A former hub for the local brewing industry, there is a great choice of traditional watering holes where you can sample some of the area’s award-winning real ales. And for a little local history, you can visit the Xerox Museum in the old town hall – although now closed, the business has been in Mitcheldean since World War II.

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Newent: best place to stay for a romantic getaway

Brimming with charm, Newent is one of the oldest inhabited towns in the region. It’s also one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Forest of Dean, with over 100 listed buildings, including the Market House which dates to the 13^th century.

Spend the morning amongst nature at Newent Lake Park or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the leafy pathways of Newent Arboretum, before making the most of the town’s independent retailers. Indulge in an afternoon tea, pick up some local produce from one of the delicatessens, and browse the unique boutiques of The Shambles shopping village.

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Lydney: best place to stay for outdoor adventures

Known as the ‘gateway to the Forest of Dean’, Lydney is one of the best places to go in the Forest of Dean for exciting attractions. On the banks of the River Severn, the town boasts a glorious park, a wealth of historic monuments, and a harbour.

Meander along the riverbanks, following the ‘From the Forest to the Sea’ art trail, which makes connections between the past and present uses of the harbour. Bathurst Park is another lovely spot for a wander, or a scenic picnic in the sunshine.

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Image credit: Instagram @deanheritagecentre

Cinderford: best place to stay for shopping

Once the industrial capital of this region, Cinderford is so named for the iron ore which was mined and smelted in the area. This bustling market town is now one of the most popular Forest of Dean places to stay, with a variety of shops, eateries and a thriving open-air market.

Take in some of the highlights of the town, including several sculptures, on the 3-mile Cinderford Town Trail, or swap the town for the countryside and enjoy a ramble or a bike ride around Linear Park on Cinderford’s western edge, home to the picture-postcard Steam Mills Pond.  

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St Briavels: best place to stay for history lovers

One of the best Forest of Dean villages for history buffs is St Briavels. This ancient village may be small, but it’s home to a pub, deli, church and a magnificent castle. Built in the early 12^th century, St Briavels Castle was an important royal fortress on the frontier with Wales.

During Edward I’s reign, it was used as a crossbow bolt factory, using local iron to produce weapons. Each year on Whit Sunday the St Briavels Bread and Cheese Dole takes place, a tradition whereby bread and cheese are thrown from the walls of the castle to local 'Dole Claimers' dressed in medieval costume – these edible morsels are believed by some to bring good luck.

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Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean

Discover the best places in the Forest of Dean during a stay in one of our cosy holiday cottages. Whether visiting as a couple, a family or a group, our Forest of Dean cottages offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable break in this stunning region of the South West.

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