Cinderford in the Forest of Dean

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 will likely change or pass through the town.

Cinderford is a nice place to visit for a local staycation or 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

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There are attractions to visit and things to do near 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 are 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 area’s most popular tourist attractions. Dean Heritage Centre is at Soudley Ponds near Cinderford. The site has 5 acres of forest, a museum, and 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 and rugby clubs, so you can 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 National League 2 West in the English league system. Smaller football, rugby, and cricket clubs also 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 a variety of steam and heritage trains, stopping at many stations along the route. The line passes through beautiful countryside and has a fascinating museum on site.

Go Ape

For visitors looking for an adventure, look no further than Go Ape, a fantastic outdoor activity centre. 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 performing. Also, home to Soundspace, a practice space and recording studio. Finally, a new radio station called Triangle FM is run by locals, for locals.

Pubs and Restaurants

Cinderford and the nearby villages of the Forest of Dean offer many traditional pubs and restaurants. 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

You’ll find a range of hotels and holiday homes in Cinderford and the nearby 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.