Mount Of Olives Church Coleford

The Mount of Olives Church sits on a modest rise above Coleford, a small market town in the heart of the Forest of Dean. It's a working parish church with genuine character - the sort of place where you'll find locals at Sunday service rather than tour groups shuffling through pews. The building itself dates back centuries, though like many rural churches it's been modified and restored over time. Inside, there's the usual mix of hymn boards, memorial plaques, and that particular smell of old wood and stone that never quite washes out.

This isn't a destination church - you won't spend two hours here admiring monuments or intricate stonework. What it offers instead is authenticity. If you're camping nearby at Greenacres or Bracelands, it's worth a quiet walk up to pop your head inside, especially on a weekday morning when you'll likely have the place to yourself. The churchyard itself is pleasant for a wander, and from there you've got decent views across the town.

It works best as part of a broader Forest of Dean exploration rather than a standalone trip. Coleford itself is functional rather than pretty - the real draw of staying at any of the local campsites is access to the forest itself: woodland walks, the Sculpture Trail, and proper countryside. The church fits neatly into a morning before heading out for a proper hike.

Access is typically free, though do check locally for any special opening hours during quieter months. Allow twenty minutes maximum, unless you're genuinely interested in church architecture.