Choosing where to stay isn’t always about finding the “best” cottage. It’s about finding the stay that feels right for the kind of break you have in mind.
Each of our four Willow Forest Stays properties is a little different. Whether you’re planning a quiet break for two, bringing the dogs, travelling with family or getting away with friends, we’re here to help you find the one that suits you.
All four stays have their own private hot tub and put you within easy reach of the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and plenty of lovely places to walk, eat and explore.
WHAT KIND OF STAY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Casita Lodge is our cosy, dog-free retreat for two, with a private courtyard garden, hot tub and log burner. It is a lovely choice if you are looking for somewhere self-contained and peaceful for a birthday, anniversary or simply a few quiet days together.
Wyldwood Cottage is a characterful upside-down cottage, with an open-plan living space upstairs to make the most of the forest views and sunsets. It has a private hot tub, an electric ambient log burner and a nature trail right outside, making it easy to head straight out for a walk with the dogs.
Woodland Barn is a converted stables and hayloft spread over three levels, with two short flights of six steps. It has a private hot tub, an electric ambient log burner, a sunny private terrace and beautiful views across the River Severn and Vale beyond. Edgehills Nature Reserve is around a five-minute walk away, making it a lovely choice if you enjoy peaceful surroundings, countryside views and waking up to the sunrise.
So, what kind of stay sounds like you?
Cosy, private and dog-free → Casita Lodge
Dog-friendly with beautiful sunsets → Wyldwood Cottage
More space, wonderful views and sunrises → Woodland Barn
If your dog is coming too, you have three dog-friendly stays to choose from, depending on the kind of stay you have in mind.
Wyldwood Cottage is an upside-down cottage with forest views, sunsets and a small enclosed faux-grass courtyard. A nature trail runs right outside, leading to the Linear Park in around 15 minutes and the forest in around 20 minutes. There is one flight of stairs between the bedrooms and living space.
Woodland Barn is a converted stables and hayloft arranged over three levels, with two short flights of six steps. Outside, there is an enclosed lawn where dogs can play and a private terrace that catches the sun and is a real favourite with guests. Edgehills Nature Reserve is about 5 minutes walk away, so you can head out for a woodland walk without needing the car.
24 at St John’s has an enclosed garden and is a great option if you are travelling with family or friends and need a little more space. The nature trail is around a five-minute walk away, while most of the larger woodland walks are about a five-minute drive. It gives you the convenience of an enclosed garden at the property with easy access to the forest by car.
Which sounds most like your stay?
Forest views, sunsets and nature trail from the doorstep → Wyldwood Cottage
Enclosed lawn, sunny terrace and Edgehills Nature Reserve nearby → Woodland Barn
More space, enclosed garden and easy woodland access by car → 24 at St John’s
If you are planning a family stay, the best choice really comes down to how many of you are coming and the kind of space you prefer. All three family-friendly stays have their own private hot tub and enclosed garden, so you can enjoy plenty of private outdoor space whichever one you choose.
24 at St John’s is the best fit for larger or multi-generational family stays. It sleeps up to six and has two bathrooms, along with an open-plan kitchen, dining area and breakfast bar. There is also a snug and sunroom, giving you two reception spaces that can be separated by glass doors when everyone wants a little more room to spread out.
Wyldwood Cottage sleeps up to four with one en-suite and a separate bathroom and has a quirky upside-down layout, with open-plan living upstairs to make the most of the forest views. It is a lovely choice for a smaller family looking for something a little different.
Woodland Barn also sleeps up to four with one en-suite and a separate bathroom. The converted stables and hayloft offer split-level accommodation with views across the River Severn and Vale beyond, making it a great option for a smaller family who enjoy character and countryside views.
Which sounds most like your stay?
Larger or multi-generational family, sleeping up to six → 24 at St John’s
Smaller family, quirky upside-down living and forest views → Wyldwood Cottage
Smaller family, split-level character and river views → Woodland Barn
If you’re planning a few days away with friends, you have three quite different stays to choose from. Up to two dogs are welcome at all three, and each one has its own private hot tub and enclosed outdoor space. It really comes down to how many of you are coming, how you want the bedrooms to work and the kind of setting you’d enjoy.
24 at St John’s is a refurbished former miner’s cottage with a lovely mix of rustic character and modern touches. It sleeps up to six across three bedrooms and has two bathrooms, so it works really well if there are more of you or you simply want a little more privacy between friends. The open-plan kitchen, dining area and breakfast bar are perfect for spending time together, while the snug and sunroom give you two separate reception spaces. Outside, there’s an enclosed garden with a lawn area, raised patio with seating and a charcoal BBQ. You can also walk to two local pubs and a corner shop, and there is space for two vehicles on the driveway.
Wyldwood Cottage is a lovely choice for three or four friends who fancy something a little more quirky. It sleeps four across two bedrooms, with one en-suite and a separate bathroom. Its upside-down layout puts the open-plan living space upstairs so you can make the most of the forest views and sunsets. Outside, there’s a smaller enclosed courtyard garden and your own private hot tub. Two local pubs and a corner shop are within walking distance, and the nature trail starts right outside the cottage. There’s a private driveway for one vehicle, with further private parking outside for another two.
Woodland Barn has a completely different feel again. This converted stables and hayloft sleeps four across two bedrooms, with one en-suite and a separate bathroom. It is arranged over three split levels, with two short flights of six steps. Here, it’s all about the River Severn and Vale views, the peaceful countryside setting and waking up to the sunrise. Outside, there’s a private sunny terrace, a separate enclosed lawn and your own private hot tub. Edgehills Nature Reserve is around a five-minute walk away too. There’s a private drive with space for one vehicle, with some additional parking available on the road.
Which sounds most like your stay?
Three bedrooms, more space for up to six and pubs within walking distance → 24 at St John’s
Two bedrooms, quirky upside-down living, forest views and sunsets → Wyldwood Cottage
Two bedrooms, split-level character, River and Vale views and sunrises → Woodland Barn
If you’re planning a stay with several generations of the family, 24 at St John’s is a really good place to start. It sleeps up to six across three bedrooms and has two bathrooms, so there’s plenty of space for everyone without feeling on top of one another. The open-plan kitchen, dining area and breakfast bar are great for spending time together, while the snug and sunroom give you two separate reception spaces when people want a little quiet time.
If you need even more flexibility, 24 at St John’s and Casita Lodge can be booked together. They sit next door to one another and sleep up to eight between them, which works especially well for grandparents, parents or another couple who would like their own space while still being right beside the rest of the family.
Casita gives two guests their own separate retreat with a private courtyard garden, hot tub and living space, while everyone else can stay next door at 24. It means you can share meals, days out and family time together, but still have a little privacy at the end of the day.
Which sounds most like your stay?
Up to six staying together with plenty of shared living space → 24 at St John’s
Up to eight, with two separate properties side by side → 24 at St John’s + Casita Lodge
And then there is the forest
Whichever stay feels right for you, you’ll have the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley to explore while you’re here. From peaceful woodland walks and lakes to viewpoints, country pubs and some of our favourite little places, there’s plenty within easy reach.
For further details check out our Local Attractions page
https://willowforeststays.com/local-attractions-in-the-forest-of-dean/
Take a closer look at our stays
Casita Lodge
Made with couples in mind.
A cosy, self-contained stay for two, with open-plan living and a private courtyard garden with your own hot tub. Casita is also completely dog-free, making it a lovely choice for birthdays, anniversaries or simply a few peaceful days away together.
Wyldwood Cottage
Quirky upside-down living with forest views and sunsets.
A characterful stay for couples, families of four or a few friends, with open-plan living upstairs, an enclosed courtyard garden and your own private hot tub. A nature trail starts just outside the cottage, up to two dogs are welcome, and there’s private parking for up to three cars.
Woodland Barn
A 200-year-old barn and hayloft with River and Vale views.
A characterful split-level stay for couples, families of four or a few friends, with a private terrace, enclosed lawned garden and your own private hot tub. Up to two dogs are welcome, Edgehills Nature Reserve is within walking distance, and there is a private driveway for parking. It also has underfloor heating, an air source heat pump, solar panels and battery storage.
24 at St John’s
A refurbished miner’s cottage with a mix of rustic character and modern touches.
A spacious stay for families or friends, with two reception rooms giving you a little extra room to spread out. There’s a private hot tub, enclosed garden and log burner, and up to two dogs are welcome. Solar panels and battery storage help make the cottage a little more energy efficient, and there’s private parking for up to two vehicles.
Still not sure which stay is right for you?
Sometimes it just comes down to the little things, like forest views or River and Vale views, sunrise or sunset, a cosy courtyard or a little more outdoor space.
If you’re still not quite sure which Willow Forest Stay would suit you best, just click the WhatsApp button and tell us who’s coming and the kind of break you have in mind. We’re always happy to help you choose.
If one has already caught your eye, you can take a closer look at the individual cottage page and check availability for your dates.