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With in excess of 20 pubs, restaurants and cafes/takeaways, a variety of retail outlets and a range of places to stay, you can easily base yourself in Cinderford while venturing out into the Forest of Dean.
An historic market town, it got its name from the iron ore which was mined and smelted in the area from Norman times. Cinderford continued to rely on mining, especially coal, right up until the 1960s, and its heritage is marked by a statue of a Forest of Dean Freeminer in the town center. Today the focus is very much on tourism and welcoming visitors to the surrounding area.
Want to know more? Here’s what Cinderford has to offer:
Learn about the Forest’s history and crime through time
Close to Cinderford you’ll find The Dean Heritage Centre, one of Gloucestershire’s leading family attractions.
Set in amongst five acres of stunning scenery, the centre is fully interactive and protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the Forest of Dean.
Young children in particular will love The Gruffalo Trail, with a series of carved montages depicting the story of the Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson.
A short drive away in Littledean is the infamous Crime Through Time Museum at Littledean Jail, which is not for the faint hearted, or children.
The Cinderford Town Trail, a 3 mile walk taking in many highlights of the town including several sculptures can be found here.
Catch a film at one of Britain’s oldest cinemas
Looking for something a bit more authentic than a pricey, out of town cinema multiplex?
A winner of numerous tourism awards, Cinderford’s Palace Cinema is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operating in the UK today. Catch a current blockbuster or a classic in the wonderfully restored Edwardian-era building.
See local artists at the Cinderford Artspace
The Cinderford Artspace showcases work by both local and national crafts-people.
Be sure as well to check out the online exhibition and virtual courses.
A town for foodies
Cinderford is a foodie’s paradise, with some great dining options.
For your traditional Sunday lunch or a full English Breakfast, you won’t do better than the Woodlands Pub & Restaurant. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, The Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant is the place for you.
The Lotus Chinese restaurant in the town centre is well known locally for excellent food and if you are after a takeaway China House in the Lower High Street is a popular choice.
Traditional hotels and self catering
A short drive from Cinderford is The Speech House, a former 17th-century hunting lodge nestled in the centre of a tranquil forest environment, The hotel has 35 bedrooms, several with impressive antique master four-poster beds.
In Littledean there are self-catering and B&B retreats at Forest Barn Holidays and Brayne Court. With sweeping Forest views, The Littledean House Hotel is a three star family-owned hotel and bar that features over 20 gins and a beer garden. The Belfry Hotel offers rooms, serves food in its bar or restaurant, and has its own skittle alley.
North of Cinderford in nearby Mitcheldean are self-catering gems The Brewery and The Old Dairy holiday cottages, or pitch your tent or awning in Drybrook where you’ll find Greenway Farm Caravan and Camping.
Everything you need
Cinderford has everything you need to stock up with supplies. You will find high street chains such as Boots, Lidl, and Coop which houses the Post Office all nestled near to independent retailers.
The town boasts some must-visit shops such as Jacksons and Camerons butchers, Carpenters DIY, Wye Dean Health Foods and for collectors of vinyl records, Forest Vinyl.
Bowketts Off Licence stocks one of the largest range of Ciders and local produce in the town. You can stop in the town centre’s Triangle and make use of the town's free wifi while shopping.
What’s on in Cinderford
From weekly markets to exhibitions, fireworks displays to live music and entertainment. See all of the events taking place in Cinderford here.
Plan your trip to Cinderford:
- Places to stay in and near Cinderford
- Things to do in and near Cinderford
- Places to eat & drink in and near Cinderford
- What's On in and near Cinderford
Want to know more? Contact the Tourist Information Office, or head over to our accommodation page to book a stay in Cinderford.
