Forest of Dean, Speech House Hotel

Discover the hidden heritage and rich nature of the Forest of Dean by hiring a Tramper at Speech House Hotel.

A variety of short and longer routes take you along woodland trails into the Forest south of Speech House:

• The Cyril Hart Arboretum is just a few minutes from the hotel and offers over 200 tree species.
• Speech House Lake makes another easy option, offering a tranquil spot to rest and take in the forest’s beauty.
• New Fancy – Around 1 hour into the Forest, this fascinating reminder of the Forest’s mining heritage used to be the site of New Fancy coal mine. Don’t miss the giant Geomap showing the Forest’s geology and Roll of Honour sculpture remembering the lives lost in the local industry.
• Mallard’s Pike Lake – A similar distance from Speech House, this is one of the Forest’s most popular beauty spots. It’s picture-perfect combination of lake and forest can be enjoyed with refreshments from the small cafe providing the perfect break before returning.

Speech House Hotel itself provides a fascinating place to spend time. One of the most iconic hotel’s in the area, the striking historic house dates back to 1669 with the Verderers Court, which has operated as a court for over 300 years, the highlight. Meals and light refreshments can be enjoyed in a range of beautiful rooms. One of the ground floor twin rooms is wheelchair accessible with a wet room en-suite fitted out for guests with impaired physical ability. There are two accessible car park spaces outside this ground floor room. Read the hotel’s accessibility statement.

Hire fee – At this location there is a hire fee of £2.50 per hour

As there is only 1 Tramper available and staff availability varies during the day it is highly recommended to book ahead.

Supported by…

Tramper hire at this location is part of two Heritage Lottery Fund initiatives – The Forester’s Forest led by the Forestry Commission and Heritage Ability, an initiative improving access at heritage attractions across the South West and operated by Living Options Devon (the same charity as Countryside Mobility). Delivery of the projects is being assisted locally by Forest Voluntary Access Forum through the Walking with Wheels element of The Forester’s Forest. The Tramper has been kindly sponsored by K W Bell.