The Robin Hood Inn

The Robin Hood Inn sits in Coleford, a proper slice of old Gloucestershire that doesn't try to be anything it's not. It's one of those places where you walk in and genuinely wonder what the building has seen - the sort of historic pub that's been serving locals for centuries, with low beams, creaky floors, and the kind of atmosphere you can't manufacture.

What you're really after here is the sense of place. This isn't a museum or a tourist trap - it's a working pub with genuine history embedded in its walls. The name alone hints at the local folklore and the Forest of Dean's outlaw heritage that still clings to the area. It's the kind of spot where history feels lived-in rather than curated.

Historically minded visitors will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're interested in how ordinary buildings shaped community life. It's also solid if you want a proper drink and a bit of character during a Forest of Dean holiday. Families will get the most from it if the kids are old enough to appreciate an old-fashioned pub experience without needing activities.

Coleford itself is manageable on foot, and if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Bracelands or Doward Park are closest at just over 3 miles - it's an easy evening stroll or short drive. Allow an hour or so to take it in properly with a drink. The real value comes from combining it with walks through the surrounding forest rather than treating it as a standalone visit. Winter's atmospheric; summer's busy.