Forest operations are taking place at Beechenhurst. Diversions are in place on the Sculpture Trail and the Gruffalo Trail. Please follow all signage. - Find out more about our work here
Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day. The site opens at 8:00am every day and the closing times are as follows:

November to February - 5:00pm

March - 6:30pm

April - 8:00pm

May to August - 9:00pm

September - 7:30pm

October - 6:30pm

For a quieter forest experience, we recommend planning your visit for early morning (before 10.00am) or in the evening (after 4.00pm). The forest is usually less busy on week days.

How to find us

How to find us

Please note that if you put the postcode in to your satnav it will take you to the nearby Speech House Hotel - you can follow brown signs from there to find us.  

Speech House Road, Coleford
Sat Nav Postcode: GL16 7EL
By Car

Follow tourist signs for the Forest of Dean. Take the B4226 Coleford to Cinderford road. Beechenhurst is located between the B4234 crossroads (Parkend/Lydbrook) and the Speech House Hotel.  

 

Or go car-free

By Public Transport

We welcome car-free visitors and offer free admission to those arriving by public transport or bike – plan your journey at Good Journey.

From Coleford - number 25 (stops a short walk away).  

From Lydney - number 23 bus, change at Coleford to number 25 bus 

Cinderford - number 25 bus.  

OS Grid Ref
SO614120
Get directions

51.806067402752, -2.5609087944031

Parking and prices

Pay for your parking with cash, debit/credit card or use the RingGo app. We recommend downloading the app to your phone before you visit.

You can also use RingGo by pre-booking online or calling 0203 046 0063 with location code 31002 (cars) or 31003 (minibus or motorhome).

There is a small convenience charge for using this service.  See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

Forest of Dean members park for free. Buy your Membership now for £40 and simply display your pass in your vehicle without queuing for a ticket. Parking charges and memberships help us to look after the Forest of Dean for everyone.

 

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how
Peak charges (1 April - 31 October)
Up to 2 hours £3.00
Up to 4 hours £5.00
All day £7.00
Off peak charges (1 November - 31 March)
Up to 2 hours £2.00
Up to 4 hours £4.00
All day £5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses/motorhomes - peak £10.00, off peak £8.00

Coaches/minibuses with trailers - peak £12.00, off peak £10.00

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member - Find out more about our membership offer

If you arrive car-free there is no charge, find out more.

 

Number of accessible parking spaces: 11
Card payments accepted
Coaches/Minibuses welcomed
Disabled parking available
Pay by phone available

Facilities and access

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information.

View Accessibility Guide
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Cafe
Dogs allowed
Picnic area
Play Area
Ranger's Office
Toilets

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4800
E-Mail Address
westengland@forestryengland.uk
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/beechenhurstfc

A great place for the whole family to start a Forest of Dean adventure

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands. It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a Gruffalo Spotters trail, Sculpture Trail, play area and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. You can even bring your bikes and access the wider forest on our Family Cycle Trail. Don't forget to refuel in the café or bring your own food to enjoy in our beautiful picnic area. We also have bookable barbecues if you fancy cooking your own family feast.

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At a glance

Forestry operations are taking place at Beechenhurst. Please follow all safety signage. - Find out more about our work here
04/06/2021 11:20
Our Gruffalo trail is partially closed due to forest operations.
19/07/2021 11:19
Planning a visit? Take a look at a map of our walking trails.
23/07/2021 14:48

Activities at Beechenhurst

Find out more

Nearby forests

duck generic

Cannop Ponds

The site was originally home to the Severn and Wye Railway, which was constructed to allow exploitation of the mineral resources of the Forest of Dean.

Find out more
walkers enjoying a walk around a woodland lake in autumn

Mallards Pike

This beautiful setting is a great place to get active. Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

Find out more
View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Symonds Yat Rock

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

Find out more
Family walking through autumnal forest

Wenchford

The perfect place to stop for a picnic within the Forest of Dean!

Wenchford includes Blackpool Brook which trickles through the site under the dappled shade of the large oak trees. The paddling area is the perfect place to cool down in the hot summer months.

The facilities including the cafe and toilets are generally open from April until the end of October. Parking charges only apply during this time.  

Find out more
Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England