St. Anthony's Well, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England

## Overview St. Anthony's Well is a historic public drinking spring located near the village of Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean area of Gloucestershire, England. Like many holy wells across Britain dedicated to St. Anthony, this spring likely has roots stretching back centuries — possibly to medieval times when such wells were revered for their healing or spiritual properties. St. Anthony is traditionally associated with healing and the protection of animals, and wells bearing his name were often sites of local pilgrimage and devotion. The well sits in a lush, green setting typical of the Gloucestershire countryside, with water feeding into a nearby pond via small streams. The area around Mitcheldean lies on the western edge of the Forest of Dean, a region rich in geological history with underlying carboniferous limestone and old red sandstone — formations that often give rise to natural springs with notably clear, mineral-rich water. Visitors have historically used the spring as a drinking water source, though water quality can vary with the seasons and conditions. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of Mitcheldean in Gloucestershire (GPS: 51.839082, -2.478683). 2. Look for the location marked as "St. Anthony's" on local maps — it is situated on a prominent, large round curve in the road. 3. Once at the curve, look for the pond nearby. 4. Follow the small streams running into the pond to locate the spring and well. *Note: The spring can be easy to miss if you're not watching for the pond and streams. The GPS coordinates above should bring you close to the correct spot.* ## What to Expect St. Anthony's Well is a charming, somewhat hidden natural spring in a pastoral setting. The water emerges and flows via small streams into a nearby pond, creating a peaceful and scenic area to explore. The surrounding landscape is green and wooded, characteristic of the Forest of Dean. The pond near the spring is large enough that some visitors have enjoyed a dip — if you're inclined, consider bringing a swimming costume. The area is generally quiet and off the beaten path, making it a lovely spot for a tranquil visit. As with all natural springs, water conditions can change. While the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source, it is always wise to assess conditions on the day of your visit. The flow may vary seasonally, with wetter months typically producing stronger output. The Forest of Dean area offers plenty of additional walking trails, historic sites, and natural beauty, so a visit to St. Anthony's Well pairs well with a broader exploration of this remarkable part of Gloucestershire.