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Set yourself down in one of the local inns and enjoy a hearty meal at one of these Forest of Dean pubs. With roaring fires in the winter and beer gardens in the summer, these Forest of Dean pubs are the perfect place to settle down.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal after a long walk or want somewhere to start your evening, the pubs near the Forest of Dean are a fantastic choice. Along the way, you can find dog-friendly pubs, family pubs and traditional pubs around the Forest of Dean.

See what our 6 favourite Forest of Dean pubs are and how to find them…


The Ostrich Inn – Newland

The Ostrich Inn

Located in the scenic village of Newland, The Ostrich Inn is a charming little pub that brims with atmosphere.

The owner Kathryn bought the pub in 2000 and has continued to refurbish and improve the Forest of Dean pub since. She aims to maintain the character of the pub whilst providing classic food and drink combinations.

What makes The Ostrich Inn one of the best Forest of Dean pubs is the pride Kathryn takes in providing a traditional pub atmosphere. You can find great food, refreshing drinks and several friendly faces to chat to.

Opening Times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 22:30
Wednesday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 22:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 22:00
Friday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 15:30

Where to go

Newland, Coleford, GL16 8NP


The Dog & Muffler Inn – Coleford

With fantastic views over the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Dog & Muffler Inn is a fantastic stop on your visit to Coleford.

The Inn is full of character and aims to serve its customers with a collection of ales, wines, and spirits. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere that The Dog & Muffler Inn has to offer.

If you are looking for something to eat, the dinner menu is a tasty range of classic pub bites. This Forest of Dean pub offers steaks, fish & chips, vegetarian lasagne and plenty more to fill you up.

Opening Times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Friday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00

Where to go

Joyford Hill, Coleford GL16 7AS


Moody Cow Country Pub – Ross-on-Wye

If you are near Ross-on-Wye, The Moody Cow Country pub is one of the best places to stop for food.

The head chef, Tom Piper, has driven the pub forward, creating exciting new dishes for the patrons. At The Moody Cow, the focus is on serving high-quality local ingredients. The team source the freshest ingredients from the local area and create classic wine pairings for your meal.

If you are in a rush, the Chuck Wagon has a fantastic selection of street food. Everything is cooked fresh, and there is no need to book from the Chuck Wagon.

With some of the regions freshest ingredients and quality chefs, the Moody Cow is one of the best pubs near the Forest of Dean. The pub can get quite busy at peak times, so it is worth booking a table on the Moody Cow website.

Opening Times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Friday: 12:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00

Where to go

Crow Hill, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7TT


The Woodman Inn – Parkend

The Woodman

In the heart of the Forest of Dean, The Woodman Inn is perfect for a refreshing drink after a long walk. Spend the day exploring Mallards Pike before heading back to the warmth of The Woodman Inn.

The pub is usually bustling with weary travellers that have settled down to enjoy a tipple or two. Throughout the day, there is a range of pub classics and snacks. Choose from ciabattas, pizzas and salads to fill up before setting out again into the wilderness of the Forest of Dean.

Opening Times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 11:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00
Friday: 11:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 23:00

Where to go

Folly Road, Parkend, Lydney GL15 4JF


The Malt Shovel Inn – Mitcheldean

The Malt Shovel Inn

If you are looking for an upbeat, lively pub in the Forest of Dean, The Malt Shovel Inn is a fantastic choice.

Serving up live music most weekends, The Malt Shovel Inn is an 11th-century inn that serves locally sourced food, bar snacks and a range of alcoholic beverages.

Located on the edge of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Malt Shovel Inn is near Ruardeans local highlights. In fact, a few doors down, the birthplace of Horlicks malted milk is a short walk away.

After a day of sightseeing on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean, a stop at The Malt Shovel Inn is a great chance to re-energise. Put your feet up and take a sip of one of the regions famous ales.

Opening Times

Monday: 15:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: 15:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 15:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 15:00 – 23:00
Friday: 15:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

Where to go

Forest-of-Dean, Ruardean, Mitcheldean GL17 9TW


Ye Old Ferrie Inn – Ross-on-Wye

Ye Old Ferrie Inn

Along the banks of the River Wye, Ye Old Ferrie Inn is a stunning pub to enjoy an evening meal with your friends and family. There is nothing better on a cold evening than cosying up next to the log fire.

Settle in for a few drinks as you admire the pub’s history. The stone floors and oak beams keep over 500 years flowing through this rural pub.

Alongside the refreshing drink selection, you can tuck into some locally-sourced grub. The menu offers a classical take on traditional pub food and is sure to fill you up.

Whether you are visiting with friends, family, children or your dogs, Ye Old Ferrie Inn is sure to have something for everyone.

Opening Times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 22:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 22:00
Friday: 12:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 22:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00

Where to go

Ferrie Lane, Symonds Yat, West, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6BL


The Forest of Dean is one of the best places to explore in the UK. Check out these Forest of Dean walks to make the most of your visit to the area.


The Forest of Dean is full of charming pubs and inns that maintain the culture and heritage of the area. There is no better way to enjoy an evening off than to soak in the atmosphere at one of these Forest of Dean pubs.

Book a Forest of Dean cottage online today and enjoy one of these stunning countryside walks.


Image Credits – Hugh Llewelyn – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Michelle – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Don Cload – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Grumpylumixuser – (CC BY 3.0)