A few questions ahead of my visit to the Forest (General)

by JaneyH , Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Sunday, October 19, 2014, 18:26 (3682 days ago)

This time next week I'll be in the Forest of Dean! There's so much I want to see and do, and no doubt we won't have time to fit it all in - especially as this is a family holiday for the three of us, not a family history holiday just for me.

With lots of internet searches I've found OS grid references to various places I want to visit properly, or just stop briefly for a few photos. However, I have a few questions that I hope people on here with local knowledge may be able to help with.

(1) The former New Zealand Inn is described on Geoff Sandles' excellent pub history website as being in "an isolated position, located up a bank, off the road from Littledean to Newnham between Grange Village and Cockshoot Farm." I'm wondering if the impressive-looking eco-house that stands close to the entrance to Grange Village might be the right location for this.

(2) Is the Swan public house in Cinderford (formerly the Swan Hotel) still boarded up and dilapidated? Or has it been renovated and should I therefore contemplate a lunch-time pint?

(3) 'Blaize Bailey' is given as the place of residence of various ancestors in more than one Census. I don't expect to find "the" house, but where might we drive/walk? Again, from internet searches/maps, I had thought to leave Littledean via Silver Street / Pleasant Stile, take the right fork then the left and follow the lane. Separately, I want to walk from Soudley Ponds up to the Blaize Bailey viewpoint.

(4) Lastly - and possibly most importantly of all - which local ales would you recommend? Here on the Kent/Sussex border Harvey's of Lewes is the local choice, but it would be good to know what to drink next week!

Many thanks, Janey