Autumn is undoubtedly one of the best times of year to visit the Forest of Dean, when the ancient trees are burning with colour and the cooler climate is ideal for outdoor pursuits. And whether you're seeking family fun, a relaxing retreat or high-adrenaline adventure, the area has plenty to keep holiday-makers busy for a mini break, long weekend or family holiday this season.
With so many cosy cottages and unique glamping destinations to choose from, SoGlos has found 12 staycation destinations to book for an autumn getaway in the Forest of Dean.
Danby Cottage near Yorkley
With woodland walking trails to explore from right outside its gate, house guests at Danby Cottage can really immerse themselves in the ancient Forest of Dean — while enjoying the local amenities in the small village of Yorkley, which is only half a mile away.
The self-catering cottage can sleep up to six and is fully accessible for guests with additional needs, featuring a downstairs bedroom equipped with a ceiling hoist, an accessible ensuite wetroom, lowered worktops in the kitchen and a ramp to the garden. It also enjoys a log burner, great for getting cosy on blustery days, and welcomes pets.
The Old Railway Carriage at Broom Hill Retreat
Check in to The Old Railway Carriage for glamping at its finest, settling inside a former wagon which has been lovingly transformed into a small but perfectly formed holiday home at Broom Hill Retreat near Longhope.
Set in an acre of land, guests can soak up the gorgeous scenery from the decking, relax in the hot tub or cook up a storm in the outdoor kitchen — shielded from the elements by a wooden pergola. It sleeps two comfortably, but small families can make use of the folding bed or travel cot to bring their little ones along for the adventure. One small, well-behaved dog is welcome, too.
The Buckstone House Coach House in Staunton
Set in three acres of pretty gardens on the edge of Staunton, The Buckstone House Coach House has everything holiday hunters need for a memorable getaway in the Forest of Dean. It sleeps up to four guests, who'll be able to find walks from their doorstep or travel a short distance to explore Coleford, Monmouth and the surrounding area.
It's fully equipped for self-catering — and within walking distance of a friendly local pub, for the nights you don't want to cook — with added luxuries including use of the owner's tennis court and, in the summer months, their heated outdoor swimming pool.
Woodpecker Cottage in Blakeney
Tucked away in a wooded valley with its own stream running through the garden, Woodpecker Cottage offers both an idyllic escape and a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with walks and cycle tracks direct from its grounds. There's even a secure lock-up for cyclists to store their own bikes.
The cottage itself oozes with countryside charm, with exposed brick walls and farmhouse style décor, and there's also a roaring log fire and wood-fired hot tub to help guests warm up after a day of forest adventures. Dog owners are welcome to bring their four-legged friends to stay, too.
Orchard Barn near Littledean
Orchard Barn is a 17th century stone barn, converted from a former animal shelter into a striking three-bedroom holiday home on the edge of a small hamlet near Littledean. With space for six guests, it's a great option for a family getaway — with a wood-fired pizza oven for guests to cook their own feast, a private hot tub that's big enough for everyone and even a play barn to keep little visitors entertained.
Keen walkers can ask for planned route maps, with plenty of walks direct from the front door to blow off the cobwebs — and a lush glass-fronted wood-burner to relax by when they get back.
Broughtons Cottage near Newnham-on-Severn
This self-contained cottage is a private wing of The Broughtons, a seriously pretty Grade II-listed property near Newnham-on-Severn. House guests are encouraged to make the most of the plot, taking a stroll through the picturesque gardens, setting up a barbecue or even challenging each other to a game on the tennis court.
Holiday-makers are greeted with a welcome hamper, packed with everything from homemade cake to fresh garden flowers, and there's secure storage for bikes and canoes, making it a great choice for those seeking adventure during their Forest of Dean staycation.
Resilient Woodlands Retreat near Lydney
Guests can really immerse themselves in the Forest of Dean's natural beauty by staying in one of the two glamping log cabins at Resilient Woodlands Retreat. Both cabins have their own elevated private decks, which are fully covered, so guests can sit back and admire the spectacular views over the Severn Estuary whatever the weather's doing.
Each cabin sleeps four people and is equipped with a fully fitted kitchen and full size shower unit, so there's really no need to leave. And to top it off, both cabins are dog-friendly for anyone vacationing with their four-legged friend.
George Cottage in Mitcheldean
As well as being great overspill accommodation for large parties at Mill End, which is just next door, George Cottage is ideal for weekend breaks in the Forest of Dean, with space to sleep up to nine people across its two bedrooms and sofa beds.
The cottage caters for cyclists, with secure mountain bike storage and an area for them to hose down their bikes after a muddy ride, while keen walkers will appreciate the outdoor hanging space for their soggy coats and boots. There's even a hot tub jacuzzi and wood-fired sauna to soothe aching muscles after a day of outdoor adventures.
Highbury Coach House in Lydney
Holiday hunters can take their pick from four beautifully-decorated apartments housed in this 18th-century coach house, which is close to some of the area's biggest attractions — including Dean Forest Railway, which runs along the field at the bottom of the gardens!
Ideally located for wholesome family staycations, the accommodation is just a short drive away from Puzzlewood, Clearwell Caves and Hopewell Colliery — and it's dog friendly, with no additional charge to bring up to two four-legged friends along for the adventure.
Symonds Yat Rock Lodge apartments
A trip to the Forest of Dean wouldn't be complete without a visit to the iconic Symonds Yat Rock to soak up the views and spot soaring birds of prey — and Symonds Yat Rock Lodge is the closest accommodation to the famous viewpoint, making it a great base for walking, canoeing or adrenaline activities in the area.
With six contemporary apartments to choose from, sociable guests will love making the most of open-plan living, with each apartment boasting panoramic views out over the valley to help you feel at one with nature.
Tintern Abbey Cottage
With unparalleled views of the historic Tintern Abbey, heaps of 18th-century charm and all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay, this cosy cottage has won awards for being a self-catering holiday home — with space to sleep six guests across three bedrooms and dogs welcome, too.
While the Forest of Dean is just a short drive away, Tintern Abbey Cottage is ideally located for adventures in the Wye Valley, with both forest and riverside walks from its doorstep and the famous Offa's Dyke Path, as well as the Wye Valley Walk, Monmouthshire Way and Tintern Trail walking routes, all nearby.
Thatch Close Cottages near Ross-on-Wye
Light, bright and airy, this collection of three 17th-century holiday cottages are just five miles away from Symonds Yat, with walks from their doorsteps and 12 acres of re-wilded meadows and rolling fields to explore just outside.
The cottages sleep between two and four guests each — or, if you're planning a big family getaway, two of the cottages can be interlinked to create Threshing Barn, which is able to accommodate up to six people. All welcome dogs, too!
