Shire Hall Museum

The Shire Hall sits right in the heart of Monmouth, a handsome Georgian building that's been doing its job since the 18th century. Inside, you get local history done properly - no fancy audioguides or interactive nonsense, just straightforward storytelling about the Forest of Dean, the town itself, and the people who've lived here. The building is the real attraction as much as what's in it. Architecturally it's lovely, and the rooms have character.

It's the sort of place history buffs will linger over, picking through documents and old maps. If you've got restless eight-year-olds, they'll get bored within twenty minutes. The whole visit takes maybe an hour if you read everything, forty minutes if you're just having a browse.

Admission appears to be free, which is refreshing. It's closed Wednesdays and opens 11am to 4pm the rest of the week - useful if you're timing it around other activities. Coleford's just across the border in Monmouth, so you won't struggle to find it.

As a pit stop during a caravan or camping holiday based at Doward Park, Bracelands, or Greenacres - all within a few miles - it works well. Pair it with a walk along the Wye Valley or a proper explore of the Forest of Dean nearby, and you've got a solid half-day. On its own it's not a destination, but it's well worth an hour if you're in the area.