A town filled with music

There's something magical about live music that isn't on a huge stage.

You turn a corner and discover someone singing beneath old stone buildings. A guitarist is entertaining shoppers. A saxophonist echoes through the streets while children dance without a care in the world.

That's exactly the atmosphere returning to Coleford this summer.

After a break of several years, the Coleford Busking Festival is back, filling the historic market town with musicians performing throughout the day. Visitors can even register to perform themselves on the Clock Tower Open Mic stage before heading off to entertain crowds around the town. The festival is also raising money towards the return of the Coleford Music Festival.

Even if nobody in your group is remotely musical, it's impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere.

Grab an ice cream, wander between performances and simply enjoy discovering unexpected talent.

Perfect for every generation

One of the nicest things about busking festivals is that nobody has to commit to sitting in one place.

Grandparents can pause on a bench.

Children can dance.

Teenagers can wander off for a coffee before returning twenty minutes later.

Nobody needs expensive tickets or strict schedules.

It feels wonderfully relaxed.

If you're staying in one of BHHL large holiday houses nearby, everyone can head into town together before returning later for an evening barbecue, games tournament or lazy soak in the hot tub.

No rush.

No timetable.

Just a genuinely enjoyable day out.

Free summer fun

The school holidays can become surprisingly expensive.

Every attraction seems to involve tickets, parking, snacks, drinks and "just one more ice cream."

That's why the Dean Heritage Centre's Summer Holiday programme is such a welcome addition.

Running throughout the school holidays, families can enjoy free entry while discovering local history, woodland surroundings and activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained.

It's an ideal option for mixed-age groups where not everyone wants adrenaline-fuelled adventures.

Instead, you can spend a relaxed few hours exploring together before heading back to your holiday house for dinner.

The closest of our large houses are these:

Forest House, right in the centre of Coleford

Brookside in whitchurch

Hollytree at Symonds Yat

Make a full weekend of it

These events fit beautifully into a longer break.

Friday evening:
Arrive, unpack and enjoy dinner together.

Saturday:
Spend the morning at the Busking Festival before stopping for lunch in Coleford.

Sunday:
Visit the Dean Heritage Centre before exploring nearby woodland walks or riverside villages.

By staying together in one large property, the day doesn't end when the attraction closes.

That's when the best memories often begin.

The children start a football match.

Someone lights the barbecue.

The grown-ups compare photographs from the day.

A few people disappear into the hot tub.

Others challenge each other in the games room.

It's everything summer weekends should be.

The Wye Valley bonus

One of the joys of visiting this area is that there never has to be just one activity.

If you've finished listening to music by lunchtime, you could head to:

• Symonds Yat Rock for spectacular views.
• Riverside walks beside the River Wye.
• Independent cafés and pubs.
• Forest cycling routes.
• Pretty villages filled with local shops.

Even driving between locations becomes part of the holiday as winding country roads reveal another amazing view every few minutes.

Syd and Coco's verdict

Syd was absolutely convinced the buskers were performing especially for him.

Every time applause started he struck what he believed was a celebrity pose.

Coco remained unconvinced.

She spent most of the day strategically positioning herself near anyone carrying chips.

Her musical review?

"Needs more sausages."

Fair point.

Stay together, enjoy more

The beauty of large group accommodation is flexibility.

You don't need everyone to do everything together.

Some might head off to the festival.

Others might enjoy a slower breakfast.

Someone could stay behind reading in the garden.

Later, everyone reunites for food, stories and laughter.

That's often what people remember most—not just the attractions themselves, but sharing them together.

Whether you're visiting with extended family, old friends or three generations under one roof, summer events like these give everyone something to enjoy.

And when your accommodation is only a comfortable drive away, there's no need to squeeze everything into one day.

Take your time.

Enjoy the music.

Explore somewhere new.

Then head home to your own private countryside retreat where the holiday continues long after the last note has faded.

Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050