5 Reasons You’ll Love a September Getaway

in the Forest of Dean

There’s something truly enchanting about a September getaway in the Forest of Dean. The summer buzz softens, the woodland slows down, and golden light filters through the trees in a way that feels almost magical. The days are warm enough for woodland adventures, while the evenings are made for sinking into a bubbling hot tub or curling up in front of a crackling log burner.

If you’ve been wondering when to book your next break, let us share why September is one of the best times to visit.

Golden Days, Peaceful Walks

September is often called the golden month, and it’s easy to see why. The light is softer, the pace is slower, and the forest feels like it belongs just to you. With the busy summer crowds gone, you can take your time and soak up the scenery without rushing.

Picture yourself sitting by Cannop Ponds as the sun shimmers on the water, standing on Symonds Yat Rock with views that stretch for miles, or meandering along the Sculpture Trail where every turn brings a new surprise. A September getaway isn’t about ticking off attractions it’s about breathing deeply, feeling grounded, and letting the Forest set the pace.

A Season of Harvest

September is also a month of abundance. Hedgerows are brimming with ripe blackberries, farm shops are piled high with orchard apples, and jars of chutney and golden honey bring the flavour of the Forest straight to your table.

It’s a wonderful time for food lovers, too. Local pubs and restaurants across the Forest create seasonal specials that celebrate the harvest, full of hearty flavours and indulgent puddings that feel like a reward after a day outdoors. And if you enjoy a drink with your meal, you’ll find plenty of locally made cider, perry, and ales to choose from, each offering its own taste of the season.

Nature on Show

September has its own quiet drama. This is the time when deer rutting season for the deer and panage season for the wild boar begin, a stirring reminder of the wild lives that play out just beyond the trees. On the woodland floor, the first fungi of autumn appear in fascinating shapes and colours, like nature’s own artwork. And overhead, migrating birds draw sweeping patterns across the skies at dawn and dusk — a reminder that the seasons are always moving forward.

The beauty of a September getaway is that you don’t have to look hard to find these moments. They happen naturally, rewarding anyone who slows to notice.

Evenings to Treasure

After a day of exploring, September evenings in the Forest are pure bliss. There’s the simple luxury of slipping into a hot tub under the stars, steam rising as the air cools around you. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself back at your cottage, log burner glowing, a soft blanket over your knees, and a glass of something local in hand.

It’s that perfect contrast the crisp air outside, the cosy warmth inside  that makes September breaks so memorable. These are the evenings guests tell us they remember most: the laughter, the quiet moments, the feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

Why September Works for Everyone

For couples: golden sunsets, peaceful woodland walks, and evenings spent snuggled up in front of a fire.

For families: one last adventure before school routines take over, with space to explore and memories to make together.

For dog owners: cooler days and endless trails, perfect for long walks with four-legged friends bounding through leaves.

For friends: shared meals, golden-hour photos, and evenings filled with the kind of conversations that matter.

Your September Escape Awaits

For us, September is one of the most magical times in the Forest of Dean. Days are golden and restorative, evenings are made for hot tubs and log burners, and the whole woodland feels as though it’s slowing down just enough for you to catch your breath.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment, maybe this is it. Your September getaway in the Forest of Dean is waiting — and we’d love to welcome you.

✨ Golden walks, hearty food, hot tubs under the stars, and log burners to snuggle up by September really does have it all.

https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/seasonal-guides/autumn/

Visit the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley | The Forest of Dean Driving…

5 Instagrammable Walking Trails – Willow Forest Stays

A Bird Watcher’s Guide to the Forest of Dean – Willow Forest Stayf