
Beechenhurst Forest of Dean
Beechenhurst offers a vibrant mix of adventure play, interactive trails, and a unique sculpture trail within the stunning Forest of Dean.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks

Beechenhurst Forest of Dean
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Beechenhurst offers a vibrant mix of adventure play, interactive trails, and a unique sculpture trail within the stunning Forest of Dean.
"A brilliant place for everyone of any age and abilities, with extensive trails and a great cafe."

🚗 Parking & Payment
Pay for parking via cash or the Ringo app. Machines are located at key points.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various trails.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stick Man Trail
Beechenhurst
An interactive family adventure following Stick Man's journey through the woods with fun activities.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Beechenhurst
Explore a 4.5-mile route with 18 unique sculptures nestled within the beautiful woodland.

Adventure Play Area
Beechenhurst
A fantastic, recently upgraded play zone with areas for different ages and abilities, including accessible swings.

The Cathedral Sculpture
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
A striking art installation by Kevin Atherton, evoking the imagery of a cathedral within the forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Family Fun Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Payment
Pay for parking via cash or the Ringo app. Machines are located at key points.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various trails.
📱 Interactive Trails
Use the interactive app for Zog and Stick Man trails to bring characters to life.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Forest
Dogs are welcome in the forest areas, but not in the children's play zone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Payment
Pay for parking via cash or the Ringo app. Machines are located at key points.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various trails.
📱 Interactive Trails
Use the interactive app for Zog and Stick Man trails to bring characters to life.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Forest
Dogs are welcome in the forest areas, but not in the children's play zone.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy local produce, coffee, and pizza at the newly refurbished cafe with an open fire.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Beechenhurst, highlighting its excellent family-friendly facilities, including a superb adventure play area and engaging interactive trails. The Sculpture Trail is a popular choice for combining art with nature walks. While parking is paid, the free entry and the beautiful forest setting make it a highly recommended destination for a day out.
"Great walking. We combined bits of the Colliers Trail, Hicksters Way and Sculpture trail. Surface wise the Colliers is best but busy and shared use - many cyclists don't use bells or call out so keep your ears open.
Been here at different times of the year, it is always beautiful."
Anne Coomber-Briggs
"Beautiful place, we walked the sculpture trail and was quiet enough that our dog could be off lead for most of it and explore the forest🍂🥰 Cafe is lovely and staff are friendly."
Courtney Gough
"We arrived just as a storm had broken, the smells and sounds were incredible, barely anyone around until later on in the walk, signposted well so you can easily make your way around - we did the sculpture trail, didn’t have a map for it but that kind of make it exciting when we saw something we weren’t expecting to see."
Danielle Appleby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beechenhurst is located within the Forest of Dean. It's accessible by car, with ample pay-and-display parking available on-site. For those using public transport, check local bus routes as services may be limited.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Beechenhurst. It's a pay-and-display system, and payment can be made with cash or via the Ringo app.
Cycling is a popular way to explore the Forest of Dean. There are designated cycle routes that can lead you to Beechenhurst, offering a scenic approach to the site.
Nearby towns include Coleford and Lydney, which offer accommodation and amenities. Beechenhurst is a central point within the wider Forest of Dean area.
Public transport options to the Forest of Dean can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance, as direct routes to Beechenhurst might not be frequent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Beechenhurst itself is free to visit. You only need to pay for parking.
No, the trails like the Stick Man and Sculpture Trail are free to access. Activity packs for some trails can be purchased for a small fee.
Beechenhurst is generally open daily, with the cafe opening for breakfast at 8:30 am. Specific trail access may vary with daylight hours.
Yes, activity packs for trails like Stick Man are available for purchase on-site, adding an extra layer of fun for children.
The adventure play area at Beechenhurst is free to use for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the Stick Man and Zog interactive trails, a fantastic adventure play area with accessible swings, and picnic spots. The Sculpture Trail also offers a longer walk for older children.
The Sculpture Trail is a 4.5-mile route featuring 18 artworks. It's a great way to combine art appreciation with a forest walk, offering a unique experience.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site, and they are generally reported to be clean and well-maintained.
Absolutely! There are picnic areas available, including a nice flat grassed area outside the cafe, perfect for families to relax and enjoy their own food.
Beechenhurst strives to be accessible. There are accessible swings in the play area, and many of the main trails are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though some sections of the Sculpture Trail may be more challenging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Beechenhurst has a cafe that opens for breakfast at 8:30 am, serving local produce, coffee, and snacks. There are also on-site coffee and pizza huts.
While specific menus can change, cafes in such locations often offer a range of options. It's best to check with the cafe directly for current vegetarian and vegan choices.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great option. There are designated picnic areas, and it's a popular choice for families to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The cafe offers a range of drinks, including soft drinks and hot beverages. While not a traditional bar, it provides refreshments for visitors.
The cafe serves coffee, along with a good range of teas and soft drinks. They also offer seasonal specials like Pumpkin Spice Lattes in autumn.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sculpture Trail offers many artistic and natural photo opportunities. The 'Cathedral' sculpture is particularly photogenic. Woodland scenes, especially in autumn, are also stunning.
Yes, the Forest of Dean is rich in wildlife and diverse flora. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide beautiful light for capturing the forest's atmosphere.
Drone usage in Forestry England sites often requires permission and adherence to specific regulations. It's best to check Forestry England's guidelines before flying a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for landscapes and sculptures. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the forest, and a macro lens is great for close-ups of flora and fauna.
The 'Cathedral' by Kevin Atherton is a standout piece. Many of the other sculptures are also designed to be visually engaging and make for excellent photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a more artistic and extended walk, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a must-do. This 4.5-mile loop showcases 18 diverse sculptures scattered throughout the woodland, offering a unique blend of art and nature. While the trail is well-signposted, some visitors enjoy the serendipity of discovering artworks without a map.
Beyond these specific trails, the wider Forest of Dean offers numerous other walking routes of varying lengths and difficulties, allowing visitors to tailor their experience to their fitness levels and interests. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some paths can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
Family Fun and Play
While the play area is a highlight, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted within the fenced play zone, though they are welcome throughout the rest of the forest. The adjacent picnic area provides a convenient spot for families to refuel and relax after playtime, with a nice, flat grassy space for games.
The interactive trails, such as the Stick Man and Zog trails, complement the play area by extending the fun into the surrounding woodland. These trails encourage active participation and imaginative play, making Beechenhurst a destination that truly caters to a day out with children.
Art and Nature Integration
One of the most iconic pieces is 'The Cathedral' by Kevin Atherton, which uses the forest canopy and light to create a sense of sacred space. The trail is designed to be explored at your own pace, allowing for moments of reflection and appreciation of both the art and the surrounding woodland. The ever-changing seasons in the Forest of Dean also add a dynamic backdrop to the sculptures, making each visit potentially different.
This integration of art and nature transforms a simple forest walk into an engaging cultural experience. It encourages visitors to look closer, engage with their surroundings, and consider the relationship between human creativity and the natural world.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit