ACCOMMODATION REVIEW: A stay in a log cabin at Whitemead Forest Park
Last time I was in the Forest of Dean for a short break was during the very cold April on a 'Bushcraft Weekend' with my digs for the night being a makeshift wooden shelter. An amazing experience but a far cry from the cosy benefits my family and I experienced at Whitemead Forest Park for a few days in June – yep the sun shone too.
Accommodation at Whitemead comprises of log cabins that cater for up to eight people and apartments that can cater for up to six. There are also excellent facilities for tents and caravans.
Treating ourselves to a traditional deluxe log cabin our high expectations were not greeted with an anti-climax on arrival. The serene woodland setting with ponds and river set in a wooded glade oozed a tranquil and relaxing environment. Whitemead Forest Park is set in an ideal location to explore The Forest of Dean and if you’ve never visited before you will be surprised at the number of activities and attractions that the Forest has to offer.
The wooden two bedroomed accommodation came complete with everything you would expect, including a dishwasher, fridge freezer and microwave. The living area was open plan with kitchen and dining areas with double doors leading to the veranda, complete with outside table and chairs. This area was also gated and ideal for small children and pets. Our two delightful Springer’s found it the ideal place to view the local wildlife! (Although pets are welcomed at Whitemead some cabins are strictly dog free so everyone is catered for). The bedrooms had lots of cupboard space and ours also had a wall mounted plasma TV and en-suite with shower. Another couple of cupboards ensured that you could quite happily stay for a couple of weeks if you wanted.
Central to Whitemead is the leisure complex. It has everything you need for an enjoyable break away. There is a shop that stocks the basics, newspapers, maps camping requisites and gifts. A self-service eating facility during the day also provides takeaway meals and a restaurant ensures that you always have the choice of eating in or out. On the weekends and during school holiday’s entertainment is provided in the large Venue. Use of the facilities is included in your stay. If you fancy a pamper session there is health and beauty salon on site providing various treatments including fish pedicures. Prices for this are very reasonable. Various events throughout the year are also open to the public so if you’re local to Whitemead then keep an eye out.
The swimming pool at Whitemead has various sections and was bigger than expected comprising of a children’s pool, two Jacuzzis, a steam room and sauna. A lifeguard is always on duty. The kids loved it and it was certainly the first and last port of call for our two. The communal changing room means that it is also great for families (nothing worse than a struggle with small children and babies in a very confined space). After a swim you can pop toddlers into the soft play area to really tire them out or outside there is a huge grassy area and a secure play area.
Whitemead’s ‘Foresters Family Restaurant’ was reasonably priced with something for everyone. The service and food were extremely good, and although we were unable to manage a shared Whitemead Super Sharing Sundae I can thoroughly recommend the chocolate fondant! We retired to the light airy bar to finish our evening.
After a just a few days we can honestly say that we had a very relaxing break - a break much needed after a very manic week. We are sure that it is much busier during the school holidays and it’s great for children. However, if you want a quiet break out of school time, this would take quite a lot of beating. We did notice that visitors during this period included quite a few retired people and some who had obviously taken their grandchildren.
Explore Gloucestershire
28 June 2012
Whitemead Play Area
Whitemead log cabin
River by Whitemead
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