ACCOMMODATION REVIEW: Forest Holidays, Forest of Dean
We were very fortunate this month to be able to escape from the Christmas shopping and have a three-night weekend break in a brand new log cabin, courtesy of Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean. The lure of a hot tub even enticed our two teenagers to spend a weekend with their family.
Our 'Golden Oak' cabin had two bedrooms, one being en-suite and complete with bathrobes and slippers. Under floor heating throughout was very welcome on our arrival on a chilly December evening. It was no more than half an hour after our arrival that we had ‘that Friday feeling’ and hopped into the hot tub! There’s something quite magical about sitting outside under a full moon in a big, hot bubbly bath (especially when the outside temperature was hovering just above freezing). Perhaps the Prosecco helped a little - ’Bubbles in Bubbles’ – perfect! The evenings in the hot tub certainly were very popular throughout the weekend, and the only other sounds heard being the distant laughter from other guests similarly enjoying themselves.
The cabins were well equipped with everything you need for a great break; a log burning stove adding to the cosy atmosphere during the evenings. One evening we were able to watch a couple of films via the ‘Entertainment Package’ (small additional fee), on comfy sofas, which easily accommodated the four of us.
The cabin also boasts a spacious, outdoor patio area complete with table and chairs and a facility for BBQ’s, which I’m sure would make those summer evenings very enjoyable.
The main reception, aka ‘Forest Retreat’ was situated nearby, with friendly staff to help out with any problems. It all smelt amazing due to the Christmas supply of scented pine cones. It also serves as a shop and café with Internet access should you require it (if not included in your accommodation package). You can also book a whole plethora of extras there to enjoy during your stay. They range from outdoor activities to even having your very own chef cook a meal in your cabin, although we opted for a pizza delivery to our cabin, which we ordered via room service through our TV – oh how technology has changed!
All activities/catering requirements can also be booked online in advance.
You can’t go to the Forest of Dean without venturing out at least once and enjoying the wonderful scenery. With numerous dog walks throughout the weekend through the many nearby woodland paths, we also chose to do something completely different one evening and went out with Richard (a Forest Holidays Ranger) on a ‘Night Vision Walk’ - equipped with a night vision scope. Sensible footwear was definitely the order of the day and we were lucky enough to not only spot rabbits but also a whole herd of deer - must have been around 30-40 in total. (Richard also supervises ‘Bush Craft’ sessions – useful if you ever get lost in the woods!)
Forest Holiday cabins are situated in a great location to explore the Forest of Dean, with lots of exciting activities and tourist attractions nearby. During our stay we visited the Christmas Market at Taurus Crafts, which was only 20 minutes away. Had our children been younger we could have had a great choice of places to visit Santa, such as Clearwell Caves, Dean Forest Railway and Puzzlewood.
Whatever the season, Forest Holidays have the amenities for an enjoyable weekend or midweek break with friends or family. It’s the ideal place to celebrate something special like a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday. Forest Holidays can provide cabins of various sizes to accommodate parties from between two to eight persons – there’s even a Tree House (double en-suite) connected on some of the cabins.
We all thoroughly enjoyed our break and found the whole experience very relaxing – and no question of doubt we will be booking another break at some point in the future.
Special Offer!
Explore Gloucestershire have teamed up with Forest Holidays to offer a very attractive 10% discount on any break away at Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean, but hurry the offer expires on 31 January 2015 – Book now…
Explore Gloucestershire
24 December 2014
For further information.
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