10 Man-made Structures- Other to Explore in Gloucestershire

A fine example of a Neolithic long barrow, with a false entrance and side chambers. Excavated in 1863 and 1865, the remains of 31 people were found in the chambers. It was probably constructed around 3000 BC and was used for successive burials over a period of years until eventually the burial chambers were deliberately blocked. It is a type of monument known as the Cotswold Severn Cairn, all of which have a similar trapezoid shape, and are found scattered along the River Severn.

Cannop Cycle Centre is a small woodland cycling centre, comprising mountain bike trails, a visitor centre, car parks and uplift service. It is located on the former site of Cannop Colliery in the Cannop Valley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The nearest village is Parkend, 3 miles away. The cycling centre has been an active supporter of the Hands off our Forest campaign and hosted a 'cycle protest rally' in January 2011.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles. It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham which used to run via Stratford-upon-Avon. The 28 mile round trip on steam and heritage diesel trains follows part of the route of the former Great Western main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham.

Hopewell is a working coal mine managed by Rich Daniels, a freeminer of the forest. It offers a unique visitor experience in that you can actually visit the mine workings. See how coal, the power source of Britain for many centuries, is mined. Understand the extreme conditions that miners have to work in and so more.

Littledean Jail in the Forest of Dean is a unique visitor attraction and home to the crime through time collection and the quadropehnia collection. Behind the austere gatehouse entrance, the prison, with it’s formidable sandstone façade remains much as it was when first built. Steeped in history and infamy, its awesome appearance provides a stark reminder of the hard labour and craftsmanship needed to build this architecturally important jailhouse.

Perrygrove Railway is a fantastic family attraction based in the forest of dean, offering a great day out on our railway lines, picnic facilities and treetop adventure and so more. The railway was inspired by the minimum gauge estate railways or British narrow gauge railways developed by Sir Arthur Heywood at the end of the 19th century, including his pioneering Duffield Bank Railway and the later Eaton Hall Railway.

One of the largest outdoor pools in the country, set in landscaped gardens within Sandford Park. The 50 metre main swimming pool as well as a childrens’ pool and paddling pool are heated to over 70 degrees. Basketball, volleyball and table tennis are also available – all included in the entrance charge. Light refreshments are available at the poolside cafe.

Taurus Crafts is a vibrant visitor centre where you can see a wide range of arts and crafts. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to discover your own creativity, As well as being the home to a fantastic range of independent businesses, we run two shops with a mixed ability team.

The Thames & Severn Canal was built ten years after the Stroudwater Canal and extended its route to Lechlade. With many locks climbing through the picturesque Golden Valley to the famous Sapperton Tunnel it then winds its way to Lechlade on the Thames – a 36 mile cross-country route.

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal was once the broadest and deepest in the world. Even today, it stands out from other navigations because of its sheer scale and impressive engineering. With huge swing-bridges and pretty bridge-keepers’ houses to pass along the way, you’ll never be short of landmarks or beautiful viewpoints.