Cinderford is a small town to the east of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. It’s a relatively young town created in the 19th century to accommodate workers for the growing local coal and iron industries. Cinderford has good and regular transport links with Gloucester and beyond, if travelling by bus you likely change or pass through the town.
Cinderford is a nice place to visit for a local staycation or to use as a base camp for a forest of dean holiday. There are many options for dining out and pubs locally.
Things to see or do in or near Cinderford
There are attractions to visit and things to do in the area near to Cinderford, many in the beautiful forest that surrounds the town.
Go for a hike
There are literally hundreds of hiking route options in the woods near the town. This also includes some fantastic hikes in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Close to Cinderford is Cannop Ponds and Mallards Pike lake, both are sizeable areas for walking.
Visit The Dean Heritage Centre
The Dean Heritage Centre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Dean Heritage Centre is at Soudley Ponds near to Cinderford. The site has 5 acres of forest, a museum, and also workshops to take part in. Visitors can learn about the history of the Forest of Dean, including its industrial heritage. This includes learning about mining that was prevalent in the area.
Watch Live Sports
Cinderford has both football clubs and rugby clubs for you to catch a game at the weekend. Cinderford Town AFC is a football club based in Cinderford and plays at the Causeway Ground. They are currently members of the Hellenic League Premier Division. Cinderford RFC is a rugby union club based in the town. Their first team plays in the third tier of the English league. There are also smaller football, rugby and cricket clubs that play in the town and nearby villages.
Visit The Dean Forest Railway
The Dean Forest Railway is local to the town and is a great day out. Visitors can ride on a variety or steam and heritage trains, visiting many stations on the route. The railway line passes through some beautiful countryside and also has a fascinating museum on site.
Visit A Heritage Railway
Enjoy a ride on the Dean Forest Railway near Cinderford. This is a heritage steam railway that runs through the Forest of Dean. The attraction is an educational experience with an interesting museum, nice trains and picturesque views throughout. The railway is a great day out suitable for those visiting with families or with pets.
Go Ape Forest of Dean
For visitors looking for an adventure, look no further than Go Ape, a fantastic outdoor activity centre. Here you can enjoy an adventurous day out. The attraction has various zip lines, tree-to-tree crossings, and a high ropes course. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Cinderford.
Music & Bands
The town also has a vibrant music scene with many local bands that perform locally. Also, home to Soundspace, a practice space and recording studio. Finally, a new radio station called Triangle FM run by local people for local people.
Enjoy a Meal Out At Local Pubs and Restaurants
There are many options for traditional pubs and restaurants in Cinderford and the nearby villages of the Forest of Dean. Many of these serve locally produced food to a high standard. This includes the White Hart Inn at the edge of the town. They serve a variety of dishes including a delicious ploughman’s.
Hotels & Places to Stay
There are various options for hotels and holiday homes in Cinderford and the nearby area of the Forest of Dean. These include some posh options and others that are pet friendly. The best place to find places to stay locally is on Booking.com.