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Beechenhurst Lodge

(Average user rating 5 unrated

4.4/5)

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.

The play area has recently undergone refurbishment with a new zip wire and picnic area installed. Beechenhurst is the starting point for the famous Sculpture Trail, the walk features pieces by famous artists set in beautiful woodland surroundings.

Harvesting operations are due to commence Monday 23rd January and will be located off the Sculpture Trail near Heart of Stone and Bois Mort. Shortcut A will be closed temporarily. Please take note of any safety signage when using the tracks.

Improvement works to the main car park will take place from Wednesday 25th January onwards during which time the start of the Speculation Trail will be diverted. Parking will still be available in the smaller front car park, please follow signage.

The Gavellers Cafe and restaurant 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. The tower has 36 colour coded climbs and 2 abseils. Individuals can 'pay and play' 11am - 5pm in the school holidays and weekends from Saturday 31 March until Sunday 28 October 2012. The tower is available for advanced group bookings all year round. 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.

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.

Please don't use our postcode in your Sat Nav! It will take you to Broadwell near Coleford, this is on the B4226 but a few minutes drive away from Beechenhurst.

Coleford is the nearest town or village.

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

Other places to go in Forest Of Dean

User Comments

4 Stars
I think this a fantastic place especially for families with toddlers & older. However the cafe really let's it down. The service is slow and the staff rude & disinterested plus it's costly! I went there today with friends all with toddlers, it was a very cold (but beautifully sunny day) and we were told we couldn't sit inside. All the indoor furniture was piled up outside. The lady behind the counter was obstructive & gave us drinks in horrid polystyrene cups despit there being lots of their usual ceramic mugs available. I'll continue to visit but won't spend any more money in the cafe. It's such a shame as it could be great.

Anonymous, 16/Jan/2012

4 Stars
Beechenhurst is a great day out, I have visited the forest of dean many times before with my family and would not hesitate in going again. The cafe offers a selection of foods and only requires a short wait. The woodland walks provide a beautiful setting and the climbing wall is fun for all the family. overall, it is a wonderful place to visit and should not be missed.

HC , 18/Dec/2011

If the Railway is pushed to Speech House then the path for walkers and Cyclists will disappear. Cannop would also be fenced in. Whilst the Railway serves a function within the local area, they need to talk to the local population firstly!

Forester, 11/Dec/2011

More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

Facilities and Activities

Picnic site and toilets are open every day (except Christmas day) Forest Connections open 10am - 4pm

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

Parking charge is �3.00 per day Nov - Feb and �3.50 Mar - Oct. This ticket is valid on the day of purchase at Mallards Pike Lake, Symonds Yat Rock, Cannop Cycle Centre and Beechenhurst Lodge. Discovery passes are available for �20.00(�25.00 from 1 April 2012) from the Forestry Commission office - tel 01594 833057, Forest Connections at Beechenhurst Lodge, Cannop Cycle Centre or on line (see link) The pass covers free car parking on all four sites for one year.

three trails and ramblers routes
Beechenhurst to Speech House Link Path
Speculation trail
Sculpture Trail

links to the Family Cycle Trail

Educational activities for all ages can be arranged through our Ranger service. Tel 01594 833057

sculptures of all sizes and shapes

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

several picnic tables on the lawn

Large play area with separate toddler area.

views over the forest from 'Place' (The Chair) sculpture

Site barrier locked at 5.00pm

Contact:

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