Parish in Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.791, -2.615 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SO 57 10 |
| Population: | 10,371 |
| Dialling code: | 01600 (Monmouth) |
Coleford is a small market town and civil parish sitting on the edge of the Forest of Dean in west Gloucestershire, England. Historically it grew up as a centre for ironworking and coal mining, and you can still see the compact stone-built high street and market square that reflect its 18th–19th century expansion; the town also acts as a local service hub for villages and hamlets in the surrounding woodland and farmland, close to the River Wye and the Welsh border.
Today Coleford is a gateway for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism, with easy access to places like Puzzle Wood, Clearwell Caves and the Beechenhurst sculpture trail, while independent shops, cafes and light industry keep the local economy ticking over alongside commuters to Gloucester or Monmouth. Community events and heritage trails give it a friendly small‑town feel, popular with walkers, mountain‑bikers and anyone interested in the Forest’s industrial past.
GL16 9SW, GL16 8HL, GL16 8RD, GL16 7DW, GL16 8AE, GL16 8PN, GL16 8NE, GL16 7HU, GL16 8DU … See all