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About Us
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure.
There is a family activity trail which has a different theme each year. This year it is the Gruffalo Trail, based on the Julia Donaldson book of the same name. Help us celebrate The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday with a forest party to remember. Follow the trail to find the missing party items, and help us choose the perfect gift for The Gruffalo. For extra fun pick up an activity pack from the Ranger Hatch or Beechenhurst Café for lots of activities to do along the trail.
Beechenhurst is also home to a large forest themed play area with a separate area specially made for toddlers. The play area is located next to the café, perfect to refuel ready for some more play! The café is a family-run business serving quality food and drink made from fresh ingredients every day. There are also have a bookable barbecue if you fancy cooking your own family feast.
If you are looking for more adventure, there is a Go Ape high ropes course. Built for the whole family, this is the ultimate tree top experience of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings, and an awesome zip wire finale.
Or why not bring your bikes and access the wider forest on the Colliers Trail, our family friendly cycling route. This is a waymarked circular route mainly on former railway lines with connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. It has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Beechenhurst is also home to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. Founded in 1986, the Sculpture Trail is a partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust. Some of the sculptures are temporary, while others will last for years. They have all been designed to evolve over time as the forest changes around them.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Beechenhurst is free to enter but parking charges apply. The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests.
Cars
• Early bird (exit before 10.30am) - £2.00
• Up to 1 hour - £3.00
• Up to 2 hours - £4.00
• Up to 3 hours - £5.00
• Up to 4 hours - £6.00
• All day - £8.00
Minibuses
• Up to 2 hours - £8.00
• Up to 4 hours - £10.00
• All day - £12.00
Coaches
• Up to 2 hours - £16.00
• Up to 4 hours - £18.00
• All day - £20.00
Regular visitors could save money with a Forest of Dean membership.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled toilets
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Public toilets
Suitability
- School Trips
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
* The site opens at 8:30am 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
Beechenhurst is often quieter on weekdays (outside of school holidays), earlier in the morning, and later in the afternoon.
