Activities
6 Stunning Stately Gardens to Explore
All six of these stunning stately gardens are located within an hour’s drive of our holiday cottages. Five of them warmly welcome your furry friends on
Tucked between the Rivers Severn and Wye, our four holiday cottages sit on the edge of one of England’s oldest forests.
Each one has its own character, but they all share the same thing: a proper place to slow down and remember what a good break feels like.
Whether you’re coming with dogs, children, or each other, everything you need is already here. Private hot tubs, enclosed gardens, log burners, and woodland just moments away.
Book direct for the best rate, with everything included and no hidden fees.
Step inside each cottage and you’ll find a slightly different way to slow down. From cosy couples retreats to spacious homes for family stays.
This is Willow. She knows our holiday cottages and the Forest of Dean inside and out, and she’s here to help.
Just press the button below, ask her anything, whether it’s finding the right cottage for you, what to expect when you arrive, or the best local walks and eateries, Willow’s got you covered.
Just a quick note : Willow can help with Woodland Barn, Casita Lodge and 24 at St. John’s. For Wyldwood Cottage, press the chat button and come straight through to us.
Every holiday cottage is ready when you arrive. Fresh bed linen, soft towels, a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TV and WiFi all included.
The hot tub is warmed, and complimentary refreshments are waiting for you in the kitchen, so you can walk in, put the kettle on, and truly start your break.
No fuss. Just a comfortable space that feels like home.
There's something special about a hot tub surrounded by clean forest air, something worth protecting. All our hot tubs run on air-source heat pumps, offering quiet, efficient warmth.
Woodland Barn and Wyldwood Cottage use air-source heating, and Woodland Barn and 24 at St. John's also harness solar power.
Plus, we use eco-friendly cleaning products, so your stay is both comfortable and kind to the planet.
The Forest of Dean isn't just a place I discovered; it's where I grew up, and every path here is part of me. And now, I get to share that with you.
When you book direct, you get the best price, no hidden fees and no extra charges. You'll be in touch with me directly, and I'll help you plan your perfect stay from start to finish.
Simply pricing, personal service, just the way it should be.
The forest is truly better with a dog by your side; we truly believe that.
Wyldwood Cottage, Woodland Barn, and 24 at St. John’s all welcome up to two dogs, any size, completely free. When you arrive, a dog-friendly pack awaits: bowls, towels, a handmade tug toy, and a small ID tag with all the holiday cottage details.
So, from the moment you arrive, both you and your pup can settle right in and explore together.
The cottages sit between the Rivers Severn and Wye, in the heart of the Forest of Dean, close to Cinderford, Littledean and Ruspidge.
Scenic walks start from the door, and shops, pubs and supermarkets are within five minutes by car.
From there, the Forest opens up. Ancient woodland, sculpture trails, steam railways, viewpoints, cycling routes, canoeing, zip wires and some of the quietest walking in the country. And when you’ve had enough of the outdoors, Cheltenham Spa,
Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, Bristol, Cardiff and Hereford are all within an hour.
We put together a personal guest guide for every booking with our own recommendations for where to eat, what to do and some of the best local gems. And if you’d like to start exploring before you arrive, our interactive Forest of Dean map is waiting for you on the Local Attractions page.
0 – 5 minutes drive away
Local Amenities:
Just a 0 – 5 minute drive away, you’ll find all your local amenities: shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, takaways, coffee shops, a cashpoint, a medical centre and local hospital, a leisure centre with a pool and even an independent cinema.
5 – 30 minutes drive away
Local Attractions :
Just 5 – 30 minutes away, you’ll find a wealth of local attractions: ancient forests, the arboretum, nature reserves, gardens, museums, sculpture and art installations, steam railways, mines, craft workshops, caves, castles and sweeping hills with breathtaking viewpoints.
Local Activities :
Local activities range from gentle walks and scenic running routes to challenging cycling trails. Try canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, or take a dip in the swimming spots. For thrill seekers, there are tree-top adventures, zip wires, and off-road driving. You can also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, archery, clay pigeon shooting, battle sports, laser tag and even crazy golf.
Local Experiences :
Local experiences bring the Forest to life. Enjoy a river cruise, a sensory garden walk, or a pony trek. Spot wildlife on a safari, unwind at the floatation centre or catch a film at an outdoor cinema. You can even join a cookery school, visit nearby vineyards and breweries or tour the local produce scene.
30 – 45 minutes drive away
Within 30 – 45 minutes drive, you can explore historic cities like Cheltenham Spa, Ross-on-Wye, Hereford, Chepstow, Bristol, Monmouth and the Wye Valley. For even more inspiration, check out the local attractions page.
If you fancy a change of scene, within an hour and a half, you can head to the coast for a beach day at Porthcawl.
Join The Inside Track for a monthly email with early access to late availability, special extras and a free seasonal map to inspire your planning. No clutter, just a simple guide to help you enjoy the forest at your own pace.
All six of these stunning stately gardens are located within an hour’s drive of our holiday cottages. Five of them warmly welcome your furry friends on
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Ready to get your Forest of Dean break in the diary? Just choose your holiday cottage and dates, then follow the on-screen steps for instant booking.
Prefer a personal touch? Book directly with us, just click the chat button, and we’ll confirm availability, price and finaize your booking by whatsApp or text.
Our Cancellation Policy:
We recommend that guests take out suitable travel insurance when booking their stay
Bringing the dogs? We’ve made it easy from the moment you arrive. Most of our dog-friendly holiday cottages welcome up to two dogs, and we provide a Dog Welcome Pack to help them settle in quickly and comfortably. Your Dog Welcome Pack includes fleece blankets, dog bowls, poo bags, an ID tag with our contact details, and a home-made tug toy — thoughtful extras that mean you don’t have to pack quite as much.
For practical muddy-paw moments, Woodland Barn and Wyldwood Cottage also have an outdoor hose and towels, and 24 at St. John’s has a downstairs shower, which many guests find especially helpful after walks in the Forest of Dean.
If you’re planning a break with your dog, choose a cottage and your dates and book your stay. Click the Chat Button if you’re unsure which cottage is best for your setup. We are happy to discuss things with you.
Need to stay connected while you’re away? All of our properties have Fast Wi-Fi at no extra cost. Whether you’re planning days out, streaming a film, or keeping an eye on emails, you’ll have reliable access without any added charges. We keep things simple: your log-in details are provided in your guest guide at your holiday cottage and in your online guide, which we send out the day before you arrive.
Arriving late, or want a fuss-free check-in? All of our holiday cottages have a key safe for smooth self-check-in, so you can arrive at a time that suits you. To keep things simple, we email and text / WhatsApp your key-safe code the day before arrival, so it’s easy to find when you need it. You’ll also have clear arrival and departure instructions in your Guest Guide , helping everything feel straightforward from start to finish. If you need any help upon arrival, reach out to us.
Want a little more time to settle in? Early check-in and late check-out are free to Inside Track members, giving you extra breathing room to arrive, unpack, and begin your break at a calm pace.
If you’d like to extend your stay, an extra night can be added for just £60, subject to availability.
Joining the Inside Track is a simple way to unlock these flexible perks and more. Just sign up using the link above, and start planning your stay today.
Arrive, unload, and settle in without the parking hassle. All of our holiday cottages have off-road parking right on site. That means your car is close by for easy unpacking, day trips, and bringing the dog, bikes or shopping in and out with minimal fuss. Choose your dates, and enjoy a straightforward arrival with free parking already sorted.
After each departure, our housekeeping manager carries out a thorough clean, ensuring every area is carefully prepared, fresh, tidy and ready for your arrival. We follow enhanced cleaning practices so you can relax with confidence. To support you, we also provide a multipurpose spray and cloth for your own use during your stay. Our aim is simple: so you arrive knowing your holiday cottage has been carefully looked after. If you have any specific questions about our cleaning practices, we’re always happy to help.
Our hot tubs are set outdoors without a gazebo or fixed cover, so you can enjoy the fresh Forest of Dean air and the open sky while you soak.
On clear nights, it’s a simple pleasure: warm water, quiet surroundings, and the chance to take in the stars. It also keeps the space feeling open and private, so you can enjoy every moment in the fresh air.
Yes! We love helping you celebrate. We’ll set up a banner and leave a bespoke celebratory card, just let us know what you’re celebrating, and we’ll take care of the rest.
When you book direct you’ll enjoy the best rates. Join our VIP Club for more ways to save!