Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHY?</h2>



<p>Tucked in the wild green heart of the Forest of Dean, Coleford is a small town with big charm. Home to around 9,000, it’s the area’s main hub but still has countryside on the doorstep. The Georgian marketplace, clock tower and conservation-status high street tick off the essentials – bakers, butchers, indie cafés and florists – without any flashy fuss. There’s a cinema, two golf courses, and the Great Western Railway Museum, plus family favourites like Perrygrove Railway and Puzzlewood, dubbed by <em>Star Wars </em>producer Kathleen Kennedy as “the most magical forest on the face of the earth.” Add a busy calendar of markets and festivals, easy access to Bristol and Cheltenham (50 mins each), and house prices that don’t make you wince, and this forest-fringed gem starts to look like a very tempting move.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1150" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/99-4.jpg" alt="chef making food in simply wild " class="wp-image-72129" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/99-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/99-4-800x613.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/99-4-1000x767.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/99-4-400x307.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Simply Wild</figcaption></figure>



<p>Coleford is a great place for quick bites or long, lazy dining. None more so than <a href="https://www.simplywildrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simply Wild</a>, a stand-out, independent restaurant headed up by chef Michael Fowler, serving up seasonal and locally sourced dishes that give Michelin energy. </p>



<p>The award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://forest-deli.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Deli</a>&nbsp;and Scoff&#8217;s Coffee House are very much worth a linger, and for authentic Italian dining go to <a href="https://www.amicicoleford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amici</a>, or <a href="https://www.ritmotapasbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ritmo Tapas Bar </a>for cocktails and small plates. Try <a href="https://boltersincoleford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolter&#8217;s</a> too, the only smokehouse restaurant in the FoD, serving up stacked burgers, milkshakes, sundaes and a mean bottomless brunch.</p>



<p>Want to spend the day in a pub with craft ales and a great atmosphere? The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Thedoghousemicropubcoleford/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dog House micropub</a>, the more traditional <a href="https://angelhotel.southcoastinns.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angel Hotel</a> and <a href="https://www.whitehorseinnstaunton.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Horse</a> pubs are a few of the offerings. Venture just 20 mins east for the very-much-worth it, award-winning restaurant at <a href="http://www.severnandwye.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Severn &amp; Wye.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP</h2>



<p>The town exists in its own self-contained micro-bubble, with three butchers, two bakers, florists, a greengrocer, a cake shop and a traditional DIY store. There are a number of other shops too, including kooky gift shop Moonstones, and&nbsp;<a href="https://reckless-designs.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reckless Designs</a> – a pottery creating covetable pots at sensible prices </p>



<p>Coleford Country Market is also a super wander on Fridays and Saturdays, bursting with fresh produce and crafts, from February to December.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Living well comes naturally in Coleford – quite literally, thanks to the forest air and endless green space on your doorstep. But beyond the nature trails the town also does body and soul self-care well. </p>



<p>Practical essentials? Tick. Brunston Surgery and Coleford Family Dental Practice can be found in the town centre. For those seeking a holistic hit, Lucy at <a href="https://makeandmove.me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Make+ Move</a> (winner of <em>Best Wellness Specialist in the Muddy Awards 2025</em>) has a yoga or mindfulness class for you, or join one of her regular retreats. And <a href="https://wildwoodyoga.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildwood Yoga</a> offers a rainbow array of wellness sessions from breathwork and yoga to wild swimming and summer retreats in the heart of the forest.</p>



<p>Want wellness with a side of weights? Head to <a href="https://www.rocketshealthandfitness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockets Health &amp; Fitness</a> for a sleek, fully-equipped gym, or the Freedom Leisure Centre for classes and a pool. Whether you’re powering through a HIIT class or stretching into warrior pose under a forest canopy, wellness here is a given.</p>



<p>Need a pamper? Try <a href="https://www.the-serenity-suite.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Serenity Suite</a> which has a tranquil vibe and seven calming rooms for treatments and tweakments galore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Coleford gives a very down-to-earth attitude, and it has an authentic and strong community heart. The <a href="https://www.16cafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16 Community Café</a> is one example of this, a not-for-profit place for people to come together over a cappuccino. There are choirs, and clubs for all ages, and in November each year everyone comes together for the <a href="https://colefordtown.net/events/coleford-christmas-lights-switch-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas lights switch on</a> and festive parade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1120" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/111-2.jpg" alt="forest of dean sculpture" class="wp-image-72134" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/111-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/111-2-800x597.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/111-2-1000x747.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/111-2-400x299.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Forest of Dean &amp; Wye</figcaption></figure>



<p>The world-famous <a href="https://www.puzzlewood.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puzzlewood</a> is well known as a setting for TV and film scenes. Explore miles of pathways winding through deep mossy gullies and rocks, criss-crossed by rickety bridges and Jurassic tree and rock formations along with the art trail. Then stay for the farm animals, playground, mazes and café.</p>



<p>The Forest of Dean is a veritable mini-Disneyland. Within minutes you have the <a href="https://www.perrygrove.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perrygrove Railway Adventure</a>, a narrow gauge steam railway that takes you through the woods and meadows of Perrygrove on a ¾ mile journey. The railway has four stations, and with an all-day ticket visitors hop on and off at one or more of the stations to explore the woods or have a picnic.</p>



<p><a href="https://clearwellcaves.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clearwell Caves</a> is a very cool day out, exploring the nine caverns 200ft underground. Love adrenalin water sports? The stunning <a href="https://wyeadventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Symonds Yat </a>is just three miles away for water-based wild times on the River Wye, from kayaking and canoeing to climbing, archery, paddle boarding and axe-throwing. Don&#8217;t miss a trip to the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey, just 20 mins away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE </h2>



<p>There&#8217;s lots going on at ground level, including the<a href="https://colefordmusicfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Coleford Music Festival,</a> a fantastic free outdoor festival in the town centre held every summer, featuring a mix of live music, art and culture. Head into the woods to see the brilliant and arty <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/beechenhurst/arts-the-forest-dean-sculpture-trail-beechenhurst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail</a>, a cool outdoor museum of 20 exhibits amongst the trees. The <a href="https://coleford.merlincinemas.co.uk/?forcechoice=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio Cinema</a> here is a quirky old-fashioned picture house, perfect for sharing a bag of popcorn and flick with your lucky date. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Cracking value – prices here are still almost half of what you&#8217;ll have to cough up a few miles away across the Severn in the Cotswolds.  House prices in Coleford have an overall average of £280,797 over the last year. The majority of properties sold were detached houses, selling for an average price of £365,995. Semis sold for an average of £243,722, with terraced homes fetching £178,567. (<em>Rightmove</em>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.cofes_.jpg" alt="house in coleford" class="wp-image-76748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.cofes_.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.cofes_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.cofes_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.cofes_-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This detached 4-bed home in Coleford is <a href="https://www.hattonsestateagents.com/properties/sale/coleford/coleford/with-seperate-one-bedroom-detached-cottage-staunton-coleford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market for £675,000.</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>You&#8217;ll find plenty of provision in the town and also further afield in surrounding villages and towns such as Lydney and Monmouth, including <a href="https://www.lsnursery.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Stars Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.greenwoodsnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenwoods Nursery</a> in the centre of Coleford, both of which are rated Good by Ofsted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.coalwayjunior.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coalway Junior School</a> and <a href="http://www.ellwoodschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ellwood Primary School</a> are two popular options, or the excellent <a href="https://www.5acreshighschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Acres High School,</a> which is in the top five per cent of schools nationally for results – all are rated Good by Ofsted.</p>



<p>If you can nab a place, <a href="https://www.denemagna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dene Magna School</a> is 15 mins away and rated Ofsted Outstanding. There&#8217;s not so much independent provision around these parts, you&#8217;ll have to travel about 40 mins to Gloucester and Cheltenham for that in abundance, but <a href="https://www.deanclosestjohns.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dean Close St John&#8217;s</a> in Chepstow is only 20 mins away and offers exceptional facilities and teaching for ages 3 &#8211; 13 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The magical and other-worldly Puzzlewood deep in the <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest of Dean</a> is famously the setting to many a memorable TV and film moment. It has been the backdrop to <em>Star Wars: The Force Awakens,</em> <em>Dr Who, Merlin </em>and <em>The Secret Garden</em> with Colin Firth in 2020, and many others – see them all documented at the Puzzlewood HQ. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Coleford may no longer have a working train station (it&#8217;s now a museum) but you&#8217;re not left high and dry. A short 10 min hop to nearby Lydney puts you on a fast train to most places in the country, getting you to London in about 2 hrs 20 mins. Wales&#8217;s buzzing capital city Cardiff is also just under an hour by car and Gloucester and Cheltenham are under an hour.</p>



<p><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>View the full Top 260 Places to Live</em></a></p>



<p class="has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-text-color has-small-font-size"><em>Main image credit: Visitdeanwye.co.uk</em></p>


Coleford

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