Holiday Rentals & Lettings in Forest of Dean

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in the Forest of Dean?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in the Forest of Dean: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring the Forest of Dean: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in the Forest of Dean?

• Choice of accommodation: From cosy log cabins to cottages and lodges with hot tubs, the Forest of Dean suits families, couples and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: Near Coleford and Symonds Yat for walking, or by Lydney for the River Severn.
• What guests love: Ancient woodland on the doorstep, walking and cycling trails from the door, and abundant wildlife.
• Best time to visit: Summer for long days outdoors, autumn for golden woods, and cosy winters by the fire.
• Things to do: Climb Symonds Yat Rock, wander Puzzlewood, ride the Dean Forest Railway and cycle the trails.

The Forest of Dean's holiday lettings sit amid one of England's oldest woodlands, from cosy log cabins and lodges to characterful cottages and spacious holiday homes. Many open straight onto the trees and trails, and there is something to suit couples, families and groups. Whether you want a snug retreat for two or room for a crowd, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for an outdoorsy break. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days on the trails
• A private garden or decking among the trees
• A wood burner or open fire for cosy nights
• A hot tub at many properties
• Dog-friendly cottages so the whole family can come along

Wherever you base yourself, a trail, a river or a viewpoint is rarely far away.

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

It depends on the trip you have in mind: Coleford is central for the woods, while Lydney is handy for the river. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in the Forest of Dean through Holidu often rate properties 9.0+ and highlight how peaceful it is to wake surrounded by woodland, how well placed the properties are for walking and cycling, and how welcome dogs are made. Many mention the wildlife, the railway and the hot tubs after a day outdoors, and return for the mix of adventure and quiet this ancient forest offers.

In Gloucestershire between the Rivers Wye and Severn, the Forest of Dean is one of England's oldest and largest ancient woodlands, spanning some 42 square miles. It is a magical landscape of oak and beech, deep valleys and storybook glades, rich in wildlife from deer to wild boar. Superb for walking, cycling and family adventures, it makes a wonderful base for an outdoorsy holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to the Forest of Dean?

Most visitors arrive by car, with train links via Lydney and Gloucester. Here are the most common ways to get to the region:

• By car: The forest is easily reached via the M50, M48 and A40, a couple of hours from London and close to Gloucester, Bristol and Cardiff. A car is handy for exploring the scattered villages and trailheads, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Lydney station, on the Gloucester to Chepstow line, sits on the southern edge of the forest, with connections via Gloucester to the wider network. From there, buses, taxis and the heritage Dean Forest Railway help you explore without a car.

🥗Where to eat in the 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 restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends The Glasshouse Inn near May Hill: a characterful country pub with roaring fires and generous plates, ideal after a day on the forest trails.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather for walking and cycling, while autumn sets the woods ablaze with colour. Winter is cosy and atmospheric, ideal for crisp walks and firesides.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Walking, cycling and outdoor adventures
• Weather: Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Busy on the main trails, quieter deep in the woods

Autumn (September–November)

• Best for: Golden woodland walks and wildlife
• Weather: Cool and often crisp and bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with spectacular colour

Winter (December–March)

• Best for: Cosy retreats, crisp walks and firesides
• Weather: Cold and sometimes frosty
• Atmosphere: Peaceful and snug, with roaring fires

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Forest of Dean hosts recommend an early climb to Symonds Yat Rock to watch for peregrine falcons over the Wye, then a leisurely lunch at a forest pub. Ask your host for their favourite quiet cycling loop and the best spot to spot wild boar at dusk.

1. Climb Symonds Yat Rock
2. Get lost in Puzzlewood
3. Ride the Dean Forest Railway
4. Cycle and walk the forest trails
5. Explore the Wye Valley

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 RSPB telescopes in spring and summer. Wear sturdy footwear for the short hilly walk, and reward yourself at the café by the car park.

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 love hunting for hidden corners among the trees. Allow a couple of hours to wander the trails, and visit on a dry day when the paths are at their most enjoyable underfoot.

3. Ride the Dean Forest Railway

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

4. Cycle and walk the forest trails

   The forest is superb cycling and walking country, from the gentle, mostly flat Lydney Docks route to the family-friendly Family Cycle Trail at Beechenhurst. Longer walks like the Christchurch to Biblins Bridge circular reward you with river views and the striking Rock Boulders monument. Bikes can be hired locally, and there are trails to suit every level, so everyone can get out among the trees.

5. Explore the Wye Valley

   The forest borders the beautiful Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty threaded by the meandering river. Try rock climbing and canoeing around Symonds Yat, cross the famous Biblins suspension bridge, or simply follow the riverside paths past woodland and limestone cliffs. Rich in wildlife and scenery, it is a wonderful place to slow down and soak up one of Britain's most picturesque valleys.