Following on from -> http://forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=33183

I am off down to the forest of dean next week for 1-2 weeks i will be camping at beery hill.my family tree was professionly researched so i have a lot of detail .any advice wile i am down there would be welcome. Colin

Hi again, I may be too late but see following websites (you probably already have)
http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk
http://www.deanheritagecentre.com/
http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=1301355
http://www.royalforestofdean.info/attractions/index.shtml#hopewell_Colliery

My advice is:

MUST visit
1. Dean Heritage Museum, Soudley
2. Puzzlewood
3. Clearwell Caves
4. Hopewell Colliery is probably good, shamefully I've not been yet !

(DRIVE carefully around the Forest; gangs of sheep roam freely, do not have good road sense, and enjoying sitting on the roadside especially on blind corners. You don't need go overboard tho, they're well used to traffic so wont stampede!

ENJOY the countryside, park at Speech House or nearby Fancy View (now a naturalised ex colliery) and get walking or biking, on a warm day can see adders dancing, buzzards soaring overhead & great views, also the cooler woods and stream at Cannop although gets very busy with those darn tourists (oops ;-)).
If you want a nice river view (the word "picturesque" was literally created for the beautiful River Wye) visit the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. If you like a stiff uphill walk first (good for kids & dogs) the far less busy Wyndcliffe downstream near Tintern Abbey offers equal views across Wye & Severn
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1515252
http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/wyetour/content-21316.php
http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/discover/Things%20to%20do/i-4491-Wyndcliff_and_Eagles_Nest

If you like Cider tour Weston's mill at picturesque Much Marcle, they produce the world's best and have their own traction engine to boot. Needless to say, probably the best (but not the biggest) Steam Rally of the UK is held in their field in June, the Westons-run Refreshments Tent is great but mind the "effects" of the sun too!.

DON'T mention bears in Ruardean.

Visit the Bookshop in Coleford town centre (updated 2017, sadly now closed.. Cinderford public library is good though))

ABOVE ALL enjoy yourselves, hope the sun shines and the excitement is "intentse"...

ATB Jeff

LATER EDIT:
Colin et al, please be reminded and reassured I am NOT connected financially or otherwise with ANY of the above suggestions, and there are of course many other tourism attractions that are at least as good if not better than my choices.
Enjoy your stay in our beautiful Forest.