The Dean Heritage Centre

Registered charity and community founded venture dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the unique history and heritage of the beautiful Forest of Dean. The Centre is many things to many people - whether it's a tourist attraction, an educational facility, a museum, a registered charity or simply an exciting events venue, there is a wide range of things to do and see for all ages. With five onsite galleries exploring the history of the forest from the Ice Age to the present day; a reconstructed Victorian cottage; a charcoal burner's camp; an adventure playground; daily chainsaw carving demonstrations; a variety of animals, an onsite gift shop and newly refurbished café, there's always something new and exciting to interest, inspire and surprise you. Ffull programme of special events, exhibitions, art shows and educational workshops across the year. Dogs are allowed in the car park (on a lead) but not on the main site. Assistance and guide dogs are allowed on the main site.

Facilities

• Parking
• Gift Shop
• Refreshments
• Part Disabled Access

Photos

Full Description

FOREST HISTORY
With around 20,000 artefacts in our collection, the Dean Heritage Centre is truly a great resource for exploring the rich heritage of the Forest of Dean.
The Museum holds a wide-ranging collection of historic objects, covering subjects such as archaeology, industry (coal mining and iron making), transport, childhood history, music and costume.
These artefacts are based in five modern galleries housed in a former Mill building, complete with its own running waterwheel.
Major treasures include a working Beam Engine, Sopwith's unique geological model of the Forest of Dean depicting the underground workings and minerals and an extensive collection of Voyce clocks, all of which are on display in our galleries alongside hundreds of other local treasures charting the history of the Forest from the Ice age to the present day.
Our aim for the future is to expand the possibilities for research, learning and cultural enrichment to present and future generations. With your help and generous support, we can:
Bring our exceptional collections to life through our engaging exhibitions, displays, research, outreach and loan box programmes for visitors, students and lifelong learners alike.
Acquire important new collection items, preserving our shared cultural heritage and opening up previously unexplored research opportunities
Safeguard rare, precious and fragile items for future generations by conserving those in most urgent need.
Transform access to our collections through the use of innovative new digital technologies in order to secure a lasting legacy and safeguard our collection for future benefit.
ACCESS
There is wheelchair access to Galleries 1, 2, 3 and 5. Gallery 41 has limited access. Please telephone in advance if you have any special requirements to help facilitate your visit. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed within the grounds and galleries of the Dean Heritage Centre.
EDUCATION
The Dean Heritage Centre is committed to education for all and life-long learning. Central to this is use of the collection as a learning resource for all and to stimulate learning across the Curriculum.
We provide pre-booked workshops for age groups ranging from Nursery through all of the Key Stages to GNVQ and undergraduate level. Whether your visit is self-directed or part of a planned activity, each workshop can be geared to your specific needs or national curriculum requirements.
There are lots of hands-on activities for your pupils or students and we aim to stimulate and educate our young visitors in an entertaining way!
VENUE HIRE
If you're in need of a meeting room in Gloucestershire, both the location and the facilities available at the Dean Heritage Centre make it the perfect venue for your corporate conference or business meeting.
In a picturesque location with views over our mill pond and the Forest of Dean, our conference/meeting room is ideal for small business meetings, business lunches, seminars, board meetings, training and workshops.
Located away from the hustle and bustle of city life but in the M5, M50, M4 triangle, we are conveniently placed for those travelling from London, the Midlands and South-West regions, and of course, those from the Welsh side of the border.
Our large car park is able to accommodate 100 guests, and the space and conference facilities inside the Centre also enable us to ensure your group is looked after in comfort and style.
Our friendly atmosphere and beautiful location are perfect if you're looking for a peaceful haven for your business meeting or conference. Our conference/meeting room is 32ft by 14ft allowing space to easily accommodate 20 attendees in boardroom style or 30 in theatre style. We also have a variety of catering options to choose from, so whether your stay is for one day or several, you can guarantee you will be looked after by our helpful team of staff.
We can offer coffee and a Danish, full working lunch and afternoon tea. All diets can be catered for - just specify what you would like when booking and we will do our best to help.