Log Cabins & Lodges in Forest of Dean

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a log cabin in Forest of Dean?
• Log cabins in Forest of Dean: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Forest of Dean: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Forest of Dean?

• Cabins and lodges: Timber cabins and lodges sit tucked among the trees, most with Wi-Fi, a barbecue and a garden, and many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: Base yourself near Coleford and Symonds Yat for walking and views, or Lydney for the River Severn and gardens.
• What guests love: Waking up surrounded by woodland, walking and cycling straight from the door, and a cosy base after a day outdoors.
• Where to eat: Traditional country pubs and family-friendly cafés serve hearty, locally sourced food across the forest.
• Things to do: Climb Symonds Yat Rock, wander Puzzlewood, ride the Dean Forest Railway and cycle the family trails.

Log cabins and timber lodges are the classic way to stay in the Forest of Dean, set among the trees so you can step straight out onto the woodland trails. Built from natural materials that blend into their surroundings, most come well equipped for a comfortable break, whether you are a couple after a quiet retreat or a family looking for space to spread out. Expect the sort of home comforts that make a self-catering stay easy, including:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days on the trails
• A private garden or decked terrace among the trees
• A barbecue for long summer evenings outdoors
• Parking right by the cabin for easy arrivals
• Dog-friendly options so the whole family can come along

Many cabins sit within easy reach of a cycle trail, a country pub or a viewpoint, making them an ideal base for exploring. Prefer a different backdrop for your woodland escape? You can also compare stays across the New Forest, the Cotswolds and Norfolk.

What are the best areas to stay in Forest of Dean?

It depends on the trip you have in mind: Coleford and Symonds Yat suit walkers and families, while Lydney is handy for the River Severn. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking log cabins in the Forest of Dean through Holidu often highlight how peaceful it is to wake up surrounded by woodland, how well placed the cabins are for cycling and walking straight from the door, and how welcome dogs are made. Many mention the comfort of a warm, well-equipped lodge after a day outdoors, and return for the mix of adventure and quiet that the forest offers families and couples alike.

Straddling the Gloucestershire border between the Rivers Wye and Severn, the Forest of Dean is one of England's few remaining ancient woodlands. It is a landscape of oak and beech, deep valleys, old mining trails and storybook glades, with a human history that stretches back to Mesolithic times. For walkers, cyclists and families, it is an easy region to explore from a cabin among the trees.

🥗Where to eat in Forest of Dean?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Ostrich Inn at Newland is one of the best rated places to eat in the Forest of Dean. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers the Wilson family recommend the Glasshouse Inn near May Hill: a characterful country pub with roaring fires and generous plates, ideal for refuelling after a day on the forest trails.

1. Climb Symonds Yat Rock
2. Get lost in Puzzlewood
3. Cycle the family trails
4. Ride the Dean Forest Railway
5. Walk the Sculpture Trail
6. Go underground at Hopewell Colliery
7. Explore Lydney Park Estate

1. Climb Symonds Yat Rock

   One of the finest viewpoints in the region, Symonds Yat Rock looks out over a dramatic bend in the River Wye far below. It is a favourite spot for watching peregrine falcons, which nest on the nearby cliffs and can often be seen through the RSPB telescopes in spring and summer. Wear sturdy footwear for the short but hilly walk, and reward yourself with a drink at the café by the car park once you reach the top.

2. Get lost in Puzzlewood

   Puzzlewood is an atmospheric patch of ancient woodland where moss-covered rocks, twisting paths and little wooden bridges create a genuinely magical maze. It is easy to see why it has drawn filmmakers over the years, and children in particular love hunting for hidden corners among the trees. Allow a couple of hours to wander the trails, and visit on a dry day so the paths are at their most enjoyable underfoot.

3. Cycle the family trails

   The forest is superb cycling country, and the gentle Family Cycle Trail from Beechenhurst is a mostly flat loop with plenty to see along the way. The on-site cycle centre hires bikes and offers a pump, tools and a café, so you can set off fully prepared. If you would rather sleep close to the action, a scattering of glamping sites sit right on the edge of the woods, ideal for an active family break.

4. Ride the Dean Forest Railway

   Step back in time aboard the Dean Forest Railway, a heritage line that runs restored steam and diesel trains through the wooded Severn valley. Hop off at Parkend for a woodland stroll before catching a later train back, or simply enjoy the views from your seat. Friendly volunteer staff and a buffet stop make it a relaxed, nostalgic day out that appeals to all ages.

5. Walk the Sculpture Trail

   The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, which also starts from Beechenhurst, threads a well-marked path through the trees past striking outdoor artworks. Sheltered from the worst of the wind and rain, it is an easy, open walk that combines a gentle ramble with a bit of culture. It is a great option for families, with plenty of space for children to explore between the sculptures dotted along the route.

6. Go underground at Hopewell Colliery

   Hopewell Colliery offers a rare chance to head underground and learn about the forest's proud mining heritage. Guided by a working freeminer who knows the seams inside out, you will hear first-hand stories of life below ground and can ask as many questions as you like. Reasonably priced and genuinely memorable, it is a fascinating insight into a way of life that shaped this corner of Gloucestershire.

7. Explore Lydney Park Estate

   The gardens at Lydney Park Estate are a springtime delight, filled with rhododendrons and azaleas in glorious colour and a tranquil water garden alive with dragonflies. The estate also holds the remains of a Roman temple, and from the tearooms you can take in a sweeping panorama over the River Severn, often with deer grazing nearby. Check opening times before you go, as the gardens open seasonally.