The Wilderness & Colchester-Wemyss family connection
Wilderness Drive, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HA
The Wilderness Centre is a Georgian country estate nestled within 30 acres of private grounds in the Forest of Dean, with ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and gardens. It enjoys commanding spectacular views over the River Severn to the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills over 20 miles away. Thought to be built by Maynard Colchester in 1710, the house was the residence of the Colchester- Wemyss family, throughout the nineteenth century. In the early twentieth century the site became a children’s hospital, specialising in infectious diseases. In the 1960’s Gloucestershire County Council acquired The Wilderness Centre, turning it into an outdoors education and nature studies centre serving the county’s schools.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000- 1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1000- 1600
Location & directions
Wilderness Drive, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HA
- Directions:
- Follow signs up Wilderness Drive from A4136
- Telephone number:
- +441594542567
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Please email [email protected] to pre book
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
Accessibility details
The parking is limited and driveway is single carriageway, with only one point of access.
