Gloucester and The Forest of Dean

Towns & Villages

CINDERFORD

Sculpture Trail, Forest of Dean  -
Photo: Terry Jacombs CCL

Encircled by splendid woodland in the heart of the Forest of Dean, ancient Cinderford was for more than a century a major centre for coal mining until the pits closed in the 20th century.


It is unusual in having rows of terraced miners’ houses which give it a rather northern air.


A recreation area known as Linear Park attracts many visitors and open-air enthusiasts, as does the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Littledean Hall – reputedly the oldest inhabited house in England.

Saxon and Celtic remains have been found in the cellars of the house and two officers were killed in the dining room during the English Civil War. It probably dates from before the 11th century.