What's on location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
What you'll find on location at Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Things to do on location
Our location at Forest of Dean comprises of 120 cabins, sheltered beneath the protective canopy of oak woodland, or situated in the open meadow at the forest edge. Beneath the trees are the Silver Birch, Golden Oak, and Golden Oak Hideaway cabins, along with our amazing Golden Oak Treehouses. You can also meet the Forest Ranger, book activities, and hire bikes. There is also a children’s play area and outdoor terrace seating area.
Forest Retreat
At the heart of the location is the Forest Retreat, housed in a cabin style building where our friendly team are on hand to help you make the most of your holiday, answer questions, and offer advice. You will find a well organised shop where the emphasis is on locally sourced produce, along with a comfortable seating area and bar where you can enjoy restaurant style meals in a café atmosphere.
Restaurant, bar and café
Our restaurant at Blackwood Forest is open from 9am for all-day dining. Choose from breakfast, brunch, small plates or British classics, with draught beers, cocktails and a full wine list to complement your meal. With an outdoor seating area, it’s just the spot to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest.
We also offer a takeaway menu, so you can have your favourites delivered to enjoy in the comfort of your cabin. Simply pop in and order with us or place an online order from your cabin. Then sit back while we take care of the cooking and deliver your meal right to your cabin door.
Shop
In our Forest Retreat shop you’ll find all the essentials you need during your stay, from groceries to gifts to take home. Head here for essential supplies or grab a cuppa in our café. Browse our collection of treats and gifts and take back to your cabin to enjoy. Or you can take a little bit of Forest Feeling home with you!
Try our collection of sustainable treats. Choose pampering products from L’OCCITANE and Green People, nature-themed games, or activities to help you unwind together.
We’re usually open 9am – 8pm each day (8.30am - 8pm on Mondays and Fridays).
Vehicle Charging Point
There are two vehicle charging points available on location at Forest of Dean. These can be found outside the Forest Retreat.
Do not use extension leads to charge your vehicle from a cabin socket - this is not permitted as it can cause fires, circuit overload and loss of power to your cabin or the entire location.
Pre-bookable on-site activities
Add onto your booking through my account
Forest Survival
Mini Forest Rangers: 5-10 years
Little Wild Ones (2-4 years)
Guided Woodland Walk
Nature by Night (Sept - March)
Foam clay activity
Pottery painting
Archery
In-cabin spa treatments (1-5 hours available)
Photography lesson
Night sky photography lesson
Check Point outdoor escape game
Participating adult required for Forest Ranger*
Paw-fect treats to get tails wagging
Pick up the ulti-mutt in doggy dining with Sir Woofchester’s dog menu
Pre-book your bikes online so they are ready on arrival
Adult break bike hire from £32 | Child break bike hire from £28
Bike hire is available at Forest of Dean, simply visit the Forest Retreat and speak to a member of the team. Don’t forget to pick up a handy Walking and Cycling Trails leaflet. There are easy starter trails or for the more experienced of cyclists, challenge yourself with a longer more difficult route. We recommend the circular 8.5km route that meets the River Wye at Symonds Yat Rock known for its spectacular views.
Children's play area
There is a children’s play area available at Forest or Dean, but please bear in mind that children must always be supervised by an adult.
Bug hotel and wildlife
At Forest of Dean there is a bug hotel, attracting lots of bugs and insects. This means they can pollinate our flowers and keep unwanted pests to a minimum like aphids and slugs.
River WyeGloucestershire trails
Drop in at the Forest Retreat to find out about our self-led trails at Forest of Dean. With trails from under 1km up to 8.5km. The magnificent River Wye can be reached at two spots. The quickest route is 3.8km through the woods, but it is worth taking the slightly longer route to Symonds Yat Rock for the beautiful views.
Looking to book a self-catering UK staycation?
With so much to see and do in Gloucestershire, our cabins at Forest of Dean offer a welcome retreat for families, groups and couples. Unwind from day-to-day life and make wonderful memories with your loved ones. Give yourself something to look forward to with a self-catering break at Forest of Dean.