Gloucestershire glamping retreat wins Best Rural Tourism Business in the UK

Forest of Dean glamping retreat, The Roost, which was set up just over two years ago has been named Best Rural Tourism Business in the UK.

By Andrew Merrell | Published Tuesday 8 March 2022

Lorraine Robinson said with an award win and 70 per cent of available dates already booked at her staycation business, The Roost, 2022 looked like it was going to be a good year.

Forest of Dean glamping retreat The Roost has been named overall winner of the Best Rural Tourism Business in the UK in the annual Rural Tourism Awards.

Lorraine Robinson opened the doors to her two cedar cabins in 2.5 acres of meadow in a Special Area of Conservation near Mitcheldean in December 2019, just before the outbreak of Coronavirus in the UK.

Despite the tough economic climate, the business received plenty of recognition, including being featured in SoGlos’s 15 sustainable staycations and eco-retreats in Gloucestershire and being rated as one of the top 15 Great Cabin Getaways in the UK by The Sunday Telegraph.

Robinson said: ‘I can’t tell you how delighted I am to win this award – it’s great for me and for The Forest of Dean area to have this recognition.

‘The first 18 months of trading were tough – having to close only a few months after opening was difficult, so I feel really proud for what has been achieved in just over two years of business.

‘We have been consistently fully booked, with many being repeat customers.’

She added: ‘It looks like it is going to be another great year – already nearly 70 per cent of our 2022 dates have been booked so I’m feeling very happy indeed.’

The Best Rural Business in the UK Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes and vital contributions of businesses to the UK’s rural economy.

According to the awards organisers, England’s rural economy contributes an estimated £261 billion to the nation’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – nearly a fifth of the country’s total economic activity.