Coleford, Gloucestershire
A small market town it may be but technically Coleford is the biggest community in the Forest of Dean; go check it out when you're staying nearby on your large group holiday - it's always good to get a feel for the area, to see what's about. In the middle of town there's a market cross and several handsome Georgian buildings which give it that attractive quality you often find in country towns; likewise it isn't exactly a hive of activity but you could quite happily pass a few hours mooching about here. Train buffs will like The Great Western Railway Museum in the main car park, you can browse the family shops that are mostly family run, and find a cafe for a bite to eat - though if you like Italian you should head to Amici, and if tapas is more your thing there's Ritmo Tapas Bar.
Just outside of Coleford is The Speech House where there's a lovely Orangery for lunch after a walk in the woods, or tie it in with a family visit to Perrygrove Railway or Puzzlewood.
All information correct at the time of writing