
5 PERFECT PICNIC LOCATIONS
It’s the first of May and Summer is on its way. Time to dig out the picnic blanket and make plans to meet with family
Hello! We are Zoe and James and we would love to introduce you to our family-run business Willow Forest Stays.
Our Hosting Story
Our story begins when Joshua was very young and we had family holidays with my parents. At the end of a particularly memorable holiday in Cornwall one of us (we can’t remember who!) thought that we might like to have our own holiday let one day.
Fast forward to 2010. I was on maternity leave when I saw an advert in the local paper for an old stables and hayloft and we got our chance to make our dream come true!
By October 2011 we finished creating Woodland Barn and welcomed our first guests and their canine companion. The serene dog-friendly holiday cottage with private terrace and stunning views soon became a firm favourite.
A decade passed where we enjoyed welcoming guests from all over the UK and from further afield too.
Then in 2021 we decided to purchase an old miners cottage with a well-appointed holiday lodge that was already welcoming couples for romantic stays. We founded Willow Forest Stays and welcomed our first honeymooners to Casita Lodge in August 2021.
The miners cottage needed refurbishing but finally we were ready and welcomed our first family to 24 at St Johns Easter 2022 and continue to welcome guests for family stays and short breaks with friends.
WOODLAND BARN is set in a peaceful location taking in the horse-shoe bend of the River Severn and surrounding countryside. This former split-level stables and hayloft conversion has retained lots of original features.
Fully equipped for self-catering, Woodland Barn has a garden with lawn, patio and terrace with private hot tub and stunning views.
This cosy conversion welcomes up to two dogs with an enclosed garden and walks from the door. The Forest of Dean is a dog-friendly destination so you will find many walks, activities and places to eat where your canine companion can go along too. Check out our blogs below to find out more.
Close to amenities and scenic woodland and riverside walks, nowhere is too far away! With lots of activities and experiences to share Woodland Barn is the perfect location for your next staycation
CASITA LODGE is set in a peaceful location opposite St. John’s Church. This former annexe sleeps two and has been converted into a well appointed comfortable and stylish holiday lodge with open plan living space fully equipped for self-catering.
This Lodge has several highlights including the log burner that turns the lodge into a cosy haven, the relaxing rain-head shower in the en-suite and the private hot tub, exclusive for our guests, the perfect spot for star-gazing.
Casita Lodge is set in a peaceful Square and is the perfect location for a romantic getaway.
24 at St. John’s is set in a peaceful location opposite St. John’s Church. It sleeps 6 with 2 bathrooms.
This spacious holiday cottage has an open plan fully equipped kitchen and dining space with breakfast bar, a cosy snug and a sunroom that leads out onto the patio and garden.
It has several highlights
Patricia Whatson
Executive Director
Emily Austin
Marketing Director
Michael Reed
Customer Care
Susan Mc Ryan
Creative Director
It’s the first of May and Summer is on its way. Time to dig out the picnic blanket and make plans to meet with family
There are lots of dog friendly places to eat in The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. I have listed 5 dog-friendly pubs some of
There is something a little special about Springtime in the Forest of Dean. It’s April and time for the bright green leaves of the beech
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