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

Hi Janey,

1.The Swan at Cinderford is still undergoing restoration.

2.The Newzealand no longer exists.

£.There are 2 hotels in Littledean which are in reach of several places which you wish to visit.
If you are approaching by car via Gloucester,follow the A40 out of the city then after 2 roundabouts turn left onto the A48 for Westbury/Lydney.After approx 1 mile after Westbury turn right onto the A4151 which will take you to Littledean.Both of these hotels The Belfry (formerly The George ) and Littledean House are on the righthand side of the road.

3.I cant help you with the beer being a very infrequent lager drinker.

Have a good trip,
Maurice

Hi Janey. You might like to try the Freeminers' products. Their website is: http://www.freeminerbrewery.com/
I'm not up-to-date with their outlets but doubtless they'll advise.The brewery is in Cinderford.
Enjoy your visit - hope the high winds haven't taken all the leaves away!

Thanks for that, ScowlesBoy. Strangely enough my local Co-op here in Kent stocks Freeminer beer (albeit bottled) - we'll definitely look out for it come the weekend.

I've now put in a request for the documents I want to look at in the Archives in Gloucester, and I have a list of ancestors buried in various church-yards to look for. I appreciate that burial records won't necessarily mean head-stones, but we can try. Other than that we look forward to some good walks in the Forest, a trip to the Dean Heritage Centre, possibly Chepstow Castle (6-year old son likes castles!) and lots more beside.

Here's to this stormy weather passing and some bright autumnal days ahead!

There is also the Bespoke Brewery in Mitcheldean that has its own "brewery tap". http://www.bespokebrewery.co.uk/index.php?page=the-brewery-tap

Unfortunately, I don't get home to the Forest very often so that's a new one to me. Anywhere with a brewery tap, though, has to worth looking at!