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Beechenhurst Lodge


(Average user rating: 4 Stars 4/5)

About Beechenhurst Lodge

Formerly the site of Speech House colliery, Beechenhurst is now the ideal base for a family day out with walking trails, cafe facilities and a play area.

Beechenhurst is the starting point for the famous Sculpture Trail, the walk features pieces by famous artists set in beautiful woodland surroundings.

The Gavellers Cafe and restaurant opened on October 3rd 2008 in the new extension to the Lodge and provides a range of wholesome food with new items added to the menu each month. Coach parties should book with the cafe in advance on 01594 827357. To check cafe opening times please use the Gavellers website, link listed under useful sites.

Forest Connections, a shop area showcasing local products and the Forest of Dean area, is situated next door to the cafe. Charcoal BBQ hearths and a loft suitable for meetings and seminars can be hired from Forest Connections, please enquire on 01594 822612 or pop in for more details.

The Adventure Tower, 13m of crazy climbing and abseiling, can also be found on site. This recently opened in April 2009 and has 24 colour coded climbs and 2 abseils.  Individuals can 'pay and play' at weekends and in the school holidays, advanced booking is required for groups.  For more details contact Motiva on 01594 861762

A special events area with a group gas BBQ is available for hire from the Forestry Commission on 01594 833057.

How to get there:

Beechenhurst Lodge is in Forest Of Dean. Coleford is the nearest town or village.

Travelling from Coleford to Cinderford on the B4226, continue by the junction with the B4234 (Parkend to Lydbrook road) driving up the Speech House Road for 500m before turning left into Beechenhurst.

OS Grid Reference: SO614120
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

What's on in Forest Of Dean

Beechenhurst Lodge

Facilities:

ToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshmentsForest ShopOther Facilities
Visitor Centre

Picnic site and toilets are open every day (except Christmas day)

Refreshments

For cafe opening times please check the Gavellers website. Generally, 10am - 5pm summer and 10am - 4pm winter. Hot and cold food and drinks available.

Other Facilities

Parking charge is £3.00 per day. This ticket is valid on the day of purchase at Mallards Pike Lake, Symonds Yat, Pedalabikeaway and Beechenhurst Lodge. Season tickets are available for £15.00 from the Forestry Commission office - tel 01594 833057 or Forest Connections at Beechenhurst Lodge - tel 01594 822612. There is a Coach Parking charge of £10 in advance (contact the Forestry Commission) or £15 on the day (payable at Forest Connections)

Activities

Walking three trails and ramblers routes
Beechenhurst to Speech House Link Path
Speculation trail
Sculpture Trail
Cycling links to the Family Cycle Trail
Educational Educational activities for all ages can be arranged through our Ranger service. Tel 01594 833057
Arts sculptures of all sizes and shapes
Barbecue Three permanent BBQ stands free to use. Bookable charcoal hearths available via Forest Connections on 01594 822612. Large gas BBQ bookable for events, call the Forestry Commission on 01594 833057
Picnic several picnic tables on the lawn
Play Area suitable for 5-12 year olds. Separate toddler area.
View Point views over the forest from 'Place' (The Chair) sculpture
Other Activities Loft available for meetings and seminars above Forest connections. Phone 01594 822612 for details

Contact:

Recreation Ranger
01594 833057
e-mail: dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: m hughes (4 Stars)
9/Apr/2009
visited beechenhurst for afternoon tea & buffet after a funeral for a dear relative. not had much time to look around but was pleased with the setting and facilities.

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What's of interest

A coach visit charge is now in place, please book in advance with the Forestry Commission for a discounted rate.

Useful sites