Beechenhurst
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Beechenhurst Forest of Dean

4.4
·630 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks

CrowdLow
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Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst Forest of Dean

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.4
(630 reviews)

"A brilliant place for everyone of any age and abilities, with extensive trails and a great cafe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stick Man Trail

Stick Man Trail

Beechenhurst

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

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Beechenhurst

Explore a 4.5-mile route with 18 unique sculptures nestled within the beautiful woodland.

Adventure Play Area

Adventure Play Area

Beechenhurst

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

The Cathedral Sculpture

The Cathedral Sculpture

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

A striking art installation by Kevin Atherton, evoking the imagery of a cathedral within the forest.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Beechenhurst offers a variety of trails, from the family-friendly Stick Man and Zog trails to the longer Sculpture Trail. Wear comfortable shoes and consider downloading trail maps beforehand, though many are well-signposted. Parking is pay-and-display.

Family Fun Focus

The enhanced play area is a major draw for families, featuring accessible swings and a separate zone for younger children. While dogs are welcome in the forest, they are not permitted in the play area. Pack a picnic or enjoy the cafe's offerings.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning fall colors and crisp air
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays
Why
Lively atmosphere, kids' activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You spend your birthday afternoon in one of your favourite places & have the whole place to yourself 🎈 📍 Beechenhurst has recently added more to the play area and it’s amazing 🤎🫶🏼 #forestofdean #beechenhurst #staylocal #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunplugged #motherhood #boymama #motherhoodquotes #motherhoodjourney
familyfunwithme
0 likes • 4.3K views

🚗 Parking & Payment

Pay for parking via cash or the Ringo app. Machines are located at key points. Reddit

👟 Trail Comfort

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various trails. Reddit

Ahhh, the sweet embrace of sunshine—how I’ve missed you! We had an epic day at the Beechenhurst Stick Man Trail in the Forest of Dean @forest_of_dean_fe where the kids ran wild, we got some much-needed fresh air, and no one (miraculously) got lost in the woods! Best part? It’s FREE TO VISIT and for just a few coins, you can grab an activity pack to keep the little explorers entertained. Highly rec...
alex_kosobucka
0 likes • 1.2K views
I’m so ready for the szn of crunchy leaves, cosy scarves, and glorious autumn walks. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte from📍 Beechenhurst Lodge and head into the Forest of Dean for miles of dazzling autumn colour, and a beautiful Sculpture Trail #Autumn #AutumnalVibes #AutumnAesthetic #VisitEngland #ForestofDean #Gloucestershire #TheCotswolds #Glos #gloucestershiregems #thingstodogloucestershire #AGa...
cotswoldsfoodblog
29 likes • 600 views

📱 Interactive Trails

Use the interactive app for Zog and Stick Man trails to bring characters to life. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Forest

Dogs are welcome in the forest areas, but not in the children's play zone. Reddit

'The Cathedral' by Kevin Atherton as part of Beechenhurst's sculpture trail is such a stunning piece of art. Made in 1986 🌿 “It always has been here in people’s heads, the analogy of the cathedral to the forest. The imagery in the window has just made that thought visible and it draws on the tradition of stained glass that goes back to medieval stained glass, and I like that. But it is also inte...
tigerlillyquinn
543 likes • 18.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking & Payment

Pay for parking via cash or the Ringo app. Machines are located at key points. Reddit

👟 Trail Comfort

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various trails. Reddit

📱 Interactive Trails

Use the interactive app for Zog and Stick Man trails to bring characters to life. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Forest

Dogs are welcome in the forest areas, but not in the children's play zone. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy local produce, coffee, and pizza at the newly refurbished cafe with an open fire. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(630 reviews)

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

Fantastic play area
Engaging kids' trails
Beautiful sculpture trail

What People Dislike

Paid parking

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Nearby towns include Coleford and Lydney, which offer accommodation and amenities. Beechenhurst is a central point within the wider Forest of Dean area. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Beechenhurst itself is free to visit. You only need to pay for parking. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Beechenhurst is generally open daily, with the cafe opening for breakfast at 8:30 am. Specific trail access may vary with daylight hours. Reddit

Yes, activity packs for trails like Stick Man are available for purchase on-site, adding an extra layer of fun for children. Instagram

The adventure play area at Beechenhurst is free to use for all visitors. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+3

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are toilets available on-site, and they are generally reported to be clean and well-maintained. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The cafe offers a range of drinks, including soft drinks and hot beverages. While not a traditional bar, it provides refreshments for visitors. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Beechenhurst is a paradise for families! The enhanced adventure play area is a huge hit, with separate zones for younger and older kids, plus accessible swings. Instagram+1 Don't miss the interactive Stick Man and Zog trails; they're fantastic for keeping little ones entertained with fun activities and an app. Instagram+1 Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, or grab a bite at the cafe. Remember, dogs aren't allowed in the play area. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers

For those who love to explore on foot, Beechenhurst offers access to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, a 4.5-mile route showcasing 18 unique artworks amidst beautiful woodland. InstagramReddit You can also explore numerous other trails of varying lengths. The forest provides a serene environment for 'forest bathing' and appreciating nature's beauty, especially during autumn when the colours are spectacular. InstagramReddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a major draw, featuring a diverse collection of artworks integrated into the landscape. Pieces like 'The Cathedral' by Kevin Atherton offer a unique artistic experience within a natural setting. Instagram The trail is regularly updated, providing fresh discoveries for repeat visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails

Beechenhurst is a gateway to a network of walking and cycling trails within the Forest of Dean. For families with younger children, the Stick Man Trail and the Zog Trail are highly recommended. These interactive paths feature fun activities and are designed to engage little ones, with some sections being buggy-friendly. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Family Fun and Play

The adventure play area at Beechenhurst is a significant attraction for families. It has been recently upgraded and features distinct zones catering to different age groups and abilities. This includes accessible swings, a zip line, slides, and climbing structures, ensuring a fun experience for all children. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

Art and Nature Integration

Beechenhurst is renowned for its Sculpture Trail, a unique initiative that integrates art installations into the natural environment of the Forest of Dean. The trail, approximately 4.5 miles long, features 18 distinct sculptures created by various artists, offering a thought-provoking experience for visitors. Instagram

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. Instagram 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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