Get More From Your Forest of Dean Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Forest of Dean gives you the perfect blend of ancient woodland exploration and pure relaxation. This 42-square-mile ancient royal hunting ground sits between the Severn and Wye rivers and offers everything from Roman ruins to modern adventure activities. You'll find luxury lodges tucked into the trees and secluded retreats where your private hot tub becomes the highlight after a day exploring one of England's most historic forests.
The Forest of Dean works brilliantly for hot tub breaks because you get proper countryside isolation without being miles from anywhere. We love how you can spend mornings hiking through 20 million trees and afternoons soaking in your jacuzzi. The area suits romantic breaks and family cottages equally well with activities ranging from wild boar spotting to underground mine tours.
Sightseeing in Forest of Dean
This ancient woodland has transformed from a working industrial landscape into an outdoor playground whilst keeping its heritage alive. You'll spot remnants of iron mines and stone quarries alongside modern sculpture trails. The forest canopy covers former coal pits and the wildlife has reclaimed what industry once dominated. Dean Heritage Centre tells this story brilliantly and makes an excellent first stop.
Top 5 Attractions You Have to See in Forest of Dean
The variety here surprises most visitors. You get proper adventure activities alongside gentle heritage walks and everything works for different group sizes.
Puzzlewood
This ancient woodland site features twisted pathways through moss-covered rocks and tangled tree roots. The maze-like landscape inspired Tolkien and provided filming locations for Star Wars and Doctor Who. Kids absolutely love the mysterious atmosphere and adults appreciate the genuine historical significance as a former iron ore mine dating back to Roman times.
Clearwell Caves
These natural caverns and iron ore mines go back 4,500 years and you can explore eight large caverns on guided tours. The temperature stays at 13°C year-round so bring a jacket. The Deep Level Tour takes you 100 feet underground through working areas where miners extracted ochre for paint pigments. Perfect for rainy days when you want something different.
Beechenhurst Lodge and Sculpture Trail
This Forestry England site serves as the main visitor hub with a café and bike hire. The sculpture trail winds through the forest showcasing works by local artists. You'll find the famous Cathedral sculpture here along with play areas for children. The Go Ape high ropes course operates from this location too if your group wants proper adventure.
Symonds Yat Rock
This limestone cliff rises 500 feet above the River Wye and delivers spectacular views across the horseshoe bend. Peregrine falcons nest here between April and August and you can watch them through telescopes provided by the RSPB. The walk from the car park takes about 10 minutes. Bring binoculars and visit the Saracens Head pub at the bottom where a hand-pulled ferry still operates.
Cyril Hart Arboretum
This 30-acre site contains over 500 tree species from around the world planted in memory of Cyril Hart who served as Deputy Surveyor of the Forest. Spring brings spectacular displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for gentle walks and the collection includes rare specimens you won't see elsewhere in Britain.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzlewood | Mystical woodland pathways through ancient rock formations and filming locations | Families |
| Clearwell Caves | Underground mine exploration through 4,500 years of history | Everyone |
| Beechenhurst Lodge | Forest activities hub with sculpture trail and adventure courses | Families |
| Symonds Yat Rock | Dramatic cliff-top views and peregrine falcon watching | Couples |
| Cyril Hart Arboretum | Peaceful walks among 500 rare tree species | Couples |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get around the Forest of Dean?
You'll need a car as public transport is limited. The forest covers a large area between Gloucester and Chepstow. Most holiday cottages and lodges provide parking and you'll find car parks at major attractions. Cycling works well on the family cycle trail which runs 11 miles on flat former railway lines.
What family activities work best here?
Go Ape at Beechenhurst offers high ropes and zip lines for ages 10 plus. Puzzlewood entertains all ages. The Pedalabikeaway cycle centre at Cannop provides bike hire including child seats and tag-alongs. Wild boar spotting excites kids and you'll often see them near Speech House. Many fishing lodges offer day tickets for families.
Where should couples go for romantic spots?
Symonds Yat Rock at sunset delivers stunning views. The Wye Valley walk between Symonds Yat and Monmouth offers peaceful riverside sections. Book a boutique cottage with a secluded hot tub for proper privacy. The Speech House Hotel does excellent meals in historic surroundings. Clearwell Castle provides a dramatic backdrop for walks.
What shopping options exist nearby?
Coleford serves as the main town with independent shops and supermarkets. Gloucester lies 30 minutes away for major retail. Ross-on-Wye offers antique shops and galleries. Local farm shops sell Forest of Dean produce. Most visitors prefer the outdoor activities over shopping trips.
Why choose a cottage with hot tub here?
The forest environment suits hot tub stays perfectly. You get genuine seclusion in remote self catering properties where your nearest neighbours might be deer. After hiking or cycling all day your muscles will thank you. Large family groups and couples both benefit from the luxury. Dog friendly options mean your pets can join the forest adventure too.
Cottages with hot tubs in Forest of Dean combine outdoor adventure with genuine relaxation. Whether you're booking a 1 bedroom retreat for romantic breaks or large cottages for group getaways the forest delivers. The mix of heritage sites and natural beauty means you'll find plenty to fill your days before returning to your private hot tub. Visit for a long weekend or book last minute deals for 1 night escapes. The ancient woodland and modern luxury create the perfect country breaks combination.