5 Reasons You’ll Love a September Getaway
in the Forest of Dean
There is something atmospheric about September in the Forest of Dean. The hustle and bustle of the summer months give way to a quieter, more reflective season, as the woodland settles into a gentler rhythm and soft sunlight spills through the leaves, painting the paths in patches of warmth. The days are perfect for woodland adventures, and the evenings are made for sinking into a bubbling hot tub or snuggling up in front of a crackling log burner.
If you’ve been wondering when to book your next short break, read on as we share our top 5 reasons you’ll love a September getaway.
Golden Days, Peaceful Walks
September is often called the golden month. With softer light and a slower pace, the forest feels as though it’s waiting to be explored. With the busy crowds of summer gone, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery without feeling rushed.
Picture yourself sitting on a picnic bench looking out onto Cannop Ponds as the sun shimmers across the water or standing on Symonds Yat Rock looking down onto the iconic view of the Wye Valley that stretches for miles, or meandering along the Sculpture Trail (an open-air art gallery) where each step leads to a new discovery.
A September getaway isn’t about seeing all the attractions, it’s about breathing in the fresh air, feeling grounded and letting the Forest set the pace.
A Season of Harvest
September is also a month of abundance. Hedgerows are covered with ripe blackberries. Farm shops are full of organic produce, delicious apple juice straight from the orchard, along with fruity chutneys and golden honey that bring the rich forest flavours straight to your table.
It’s an amazing time for food lovers to visit the area with local gastro pubs and restaurants creating seasonal menus full of locally sourced produce. Think bold 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, ales and beers to choose from, each offering its own unique taste.
Nature on Show
If you slow down enough you will notice that quiet dramas are playing out all over the forest. The deer are getting ready for rutting season when stags compete for roes through interlocking antlers and chasing off rivals. The wild boar are also active as its the start of pannage season when the wild pigs forrage for fallen acorns and chestnuts. Meanwhile on the forest floor, the first fungi of autumn appears in fascinating shapes and a range of colours. Above migrating birds can be spotted as the draw sweeping patterns across the skies at dawn and dusk. The beauty of a September getaway is that you don’t have to look hard to find these magical moments; they are happening all around, rewarding anyone who slows enough to notice.
Evenings to Treasure
What makes September getaways so memorable is the perfect contrast of crisp outdoor air and the cosy warmth inside our holiday cottages.
After a day full of discoveries, September evenings in the Forest are for relaxation. Back at one of our charming holiday cottages, you’ll be greeted by a touch of luxury, slipping into your own private hot tub under the stars. Or perhaps snuggling up with a soft blanket over your knees, the log burner glowing and a glass of something local. These are the evenings guests tell us they remember the most: it’s in the laughter, the pauses and the calm when you realise you are exactly where you want to be.
Why September Works for Everyone
For couples: golden sunrises and 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 create cherished memories.
Plan Your September Getaway
September is one of the most magical times in the Forest of Dean. It’s time to slow down and catch your breath. Days are golden and restorative, evenings are made for hot tubs and log burners. The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
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. Plus The Forest of Dean has just been named ‘ the UK’s best autumn walking spot” by the outdoor experts Go Outdoors.
https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/seasonal-guides/autumn/
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Wondering where to stay?
Check out our cosy holiday cottages blending rustic with a touch of luxury https://willowforeststays.com