Cannop Ponds

There has been an outbreak of Crayfish Plague in nearby watercourses. Help us by not allowing dogs to enter the ponds and streams around Cannop Ponds.

Visitor information

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

Overnight parking is not permitted.

How to find us

Cannops Ponds is located approximately two miles east of Coleford.

West Dean, Lydney

Sat Nav Postcode: GL15 4JS

OS Grid Ref

SO610108

Get directions

51.793209252556, -2.5664276189691

Parking and prices

Pay for your parking with cash 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 31016 (cars only).

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.

Please note: Our ticket machine is cash only, please bring the correct change with you.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Parking charges
Up to 2 hours	£2.00
Up to 4 hours	£4.00
All day	£5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses/motorhomes - £8.00

Not suitable for coaches

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 5

Disabled parking available

Pay by phone available

Facilities and access

Assistant dogs welcome

Cafe

Dogs allowed

Picnic area

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4800

E-Mail Address

westengland@forestryengland.uk

Cannop Ponds

Enjoy the peaceful wildlife at Cannop Ponds today

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.

The ponds were created in 1825 and 1829 to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks. Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley Angling Club and the site makes an idyllic spot to view local birdlife. Enjoy the picturesque picnic area overlooking the ponds and look out for the Mandarin ducks, reed warblers and a pair of nesting mute swans.

Walking trails will take you around the ponds or bring your bikes and join the Family Cycle Trail to explore the wider forest.

At a glance

A catering unit is at Cannop Ponds 11am - 4pm during school holidays and every weekend throughout the year, serving food, drinks and ice creams. Make sure you try the wild boar hot dogs!

23/06/2021 11:38

The narrow footbridge at the northern end of the upper pond will be closed for a week from Monday 29 November.

23/11/2021 15:58

Activities at Cannop Ponds

Walking at Cannop Ponds

Stone memorial dedicated to the Union Colliery Disaster

Bixslade Trail

Riders on family cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Cycling at Cannop Ponds

Fishing at Cannop Ponds

Picnics at Cannop Ponds

Find out more

Happy times and waggy tails

For a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone, read our guidance on dogs in the forest.

Beechenhurst

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.

Find out more

Rider on cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

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

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