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WELSH GRAND NATIONAL – Chepstow, 27th December 2016

Are you staying with us between Christmas and New Year? Well, we still have Kensley Lodge available, while you are with us you could visit the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow Racecourse. Gates open at 10 a.m. for first race at 12.20, entry payable in advance (under 17s go free). What are you waiting for?  Email us now to book your  Betwixt and Between break for 27/28 December (info@forestofdeanlodges.co.uk) or call Erica 0n 07909 766542.
 

AUTUMN …

…Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness; lazy days at the back of summer; warm sum, relaxed evenings, um – thunderstorms? Wait – rewind a bit – Christmas is coming!

As the Autumn days shorten and the evenings grow chilly why not look for somewhere comfy and cosy to spend your holidays? Then look no further than our warm and welcoming cottage lodges in the beautiful Forest of Dean. Everything you need is either on-site at the friendly Forest Of Dean Lodges or within a stone’s throw – metaphorically speaking, of course!

Ideally situated, in a naturally scenic area, for walking or cycling holidays; activity week-ends (Stags? Hens?) or just get-away-from-it-all breaks: our lovely Lodges are fantastically flexible. Self-contained and dog-friendly, they are available to book separately, in pairs or all three – to cater for that extended-family holiday or the amazing break you and your besties (and their families) have been planning since you met at toddler group – and those tots are how old now?

Whether you want to go all-out, thrills and spills, extreme action and adventure – or have a quiet, leisurely little pootle around the region’s tea-rooms and market towns. You can take a nostalgic tour around the local Castles and Churches (including Clearwell Castle – a great Wedding venue, or the ruins of Chepstow Castle or Tintern Abbey – all with stunning scenery and amazing photo opportunities). Or go for gold, canoeing at Symond’s Yat; take to the tree-tops and do the funky gibbon at GoApe; or go underground and discover the deep, dark delights of Clearwell Caves.

Too much for one holiday?

Plenty left to do next year then – Y’all come back now!

 

 

 

23/08/16

 

Are you an extreme guest?

Do you like thrills, Spills and adventures- why not get active, from now until the end of December, with the “Year of Adventure”. Based in Chepstow, just down the A48 from our cottages in the Forest of Dean, there is something to suit every taste- from culinary adventures in Michelin Restaurants, to the adrenaline pumping activities of off road cycling and zip- lining.

And relax. Breath. Enough crazy for one day?

Why not treat yourself to a luxurious spa Aromatherapy massage- feel those worries just float away… Little aches and pains become a distant memory. Spend the evening lazing in the lodge grounds or go for a meal in one of our local eateries – what do you fancy? Pub Grub, Chinese, Indian, Thai or traditional Fish and Chips- whatever tickles your taste buds.

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22/08/16

 

Looking for that perfect Autumn break? Our Lodges have it all…

The solitude of the forest- peace and quiet: relax in our comfortable holiday cottages, complete with purpose- built barbeques, and indulge in a dip in the hot tub while the sun goes down. Listen to the sounds of the wild- the deer rut, the wild boar rooting among the trees – maybe spot one if you’re extra careful.

The Forest of Dean is amazing at this time of year. The first nip in the air begins to turn the green leaves into kaleidoscope of reds, russets and golds. Ripening nuts and hedge low fruits attract all kinds of birds and small mammals. Whether walking or cycling (we have new bike storage racks for your convenience)- you can get out and about with your pet dogs and explore!

Until the end of August you can even go to the beach. A short car ride to tourist crafts at Lydney, brings you to our ‘local’ beach- no need for lifeguards, the ocean is still far away; children of all ages can build castles, eat ice creams and enjoy a day at the ‘seaside’. On this accessible site, not far from our self-catering lodges there are other attractions for you to enjoy. In September there are a number of art- based for you, our guests to enjoy- the work of Amanda Hamilton (watercolours) and the acclaimed “art in the marshes” installation.

 

06/04/16

 

ACTIVITIES IN THE FOREST OF DEAN

Dean Heritage Centre-

Set across a five acre site, the centre protects, preserves and promotes the unique history and heritage of the beautiful Forest of Dean.

With a wide range of things to do and see, including 5 onsite galleries exploring the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day; a reconstructed Victorian cottage; a charcoal burner’s camp; an adventure playground; a chainsaw carving demonstration pitch; a variety of animals and an onsite gift shop; there’s always something new and exciting to interest, inspire or surprise you.

With a full programme of special events, exhibitions, art shows and educational workshops across the year, it’s a great day out for all the family.

And if that’s not enough, then you can always sample the homemade snacks and cakes served in our heritage cafe overlooking the millpond.

Pedalabikeaway-

Llocated at Cannop in the Forest of Dean, is a family run business that has been dedicated to helping everyone benefit from cycling since 1987.

Situated in the centre of the forest, adjacent to the way marked Cycle Trail of 12 miles, Pedalabikeaway provide a range of cycles for everyone, from the less adventurous cyclist to the very experienced.

Whether you fancy a casual cycling encounter or something more challenging, there is a ranged of way marked routes to suit all abilities, including gentle off road family rides, technical cross country routes, and full on downhill lines (where you may even see some World Cup riders in training!).

The cycle centre contains a large fleet of regularly replaced bikes, plus it has a workshop if your bike needs a service, and a great café if you fancy some refreshments. The friendly and enthusiastic team are always on hand to offer advice and point out some of the best trails in the area.

These are just a couple of local activities that you can enjoy whilst staying at Forest of Dean Lodges. All Lodges are full equipped and totally self- self-catering. So you can enjoy the hot tub, sauna and beauty treatments as well as the surrounding forest.

 

 

05/04/16

 

Forest of Dean Lodges is set just tucked away in the woods very close to a scenic route and many of the local attractions. Beautiful forest walks can be enjoyed directly from our self-catering cottages. Due to our rural location visitors can be delighted by seeing deer, foxes, wild boar, buzzards and a huge variety of bird life including the Green Woodpecker.

Self-catering holiday cottages set in tranquil surroundings with hot tub, sauna and full spa treatments available. Our Forests of Dean Lodges are Ideal for walkers, cyclists, wildlife watchers and photographers; In the centre of all the activities that the Forest of Dean has to offer. Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, privacy, peace, quiet and tranquillity; the ideal relaxing haven, a place to truly re charge your batteries. Ideal for couples, families, groups

Now we have the beautiful spring flowers but soon the forest of dean will be carpeted with blue bells and their perfume will permeate the air. The arrival of wild ponies in the Forest of Dean is proving to be most popular.

Look out for our new retreat breaks starting this Autumn!

Places you can visit…

Harts Barn- Our Cookery School is located at Harts Barn with stunning views, magnificent Norman Hunting Lodge, award-winning tea room, craft centre with gift shops. Free parking.

• Bespoke Group and Family Sessions catered for

• Parties for Kids and Adults, Hens and Stags

• Seasonal foraging

• International cuisine, Fish & Game, Vegetarian, Baking

• Monthly Supper Clubs – last Friday of every Month “Chef’s Table”

Go Ape- Get off the beaten track and Go Ape Forest Segway – our epic new forest adventure with a down-to-earth twist. You can go off exploring the forest on the latest in green technology – a self-balancing electric segway.

Our popular Segway experience has now landed at the Forest of Dean – our 10th adventure UK wide! We’re bringing you down from the trees and onto solid ground, from two legs to two wheels – it’s a totally unique way to tackle the trails and explore Gloucestershire’s finest woodlands.

 

 

22/03/16

 

Photography and Canoe Safari- 8th May Symonds Yat Way2go Adventures has teamed up with David Broadbent from FOD School of Photography to offer a Full Day guided canoe and Photography Safari experience on the River Wye.

Enjoy a full day in the Wye Valley experiencing the Scenery and hopefully some of the wildlife that can be found in this area while meandering gently along the River Wye. Being on the River offers a totally different view and perspective when seen from the River.

Come and stay with us Forest of Dean Lodges- this is just one adventure that you can experience in the Forest of Dean!

 

07909766542
info@forestofdeanlodges.co.uk

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Forest of Dean Lodges is just 2 miles away from Forest of Dean Adventure! The whole family can have an action packed, fun filled day and then come home to our cosy Lodges in the heart of the forest.

21/03/16

Our Holiday cottages are the perfect dog friendly, self catering accommodation; the cottages are definitely a cosy, home from home environment and the beautiful Forest is right on your doorstep, your pet will be overjoyed with all the space to run free and experience new things. It goes without saying the Royal Forest of Dean is a paradise for outdoor pursuits, walking in the hills and countryside is high on the list of activities and well suited for visiting with your dog.

The beauty of our Lodges is that you can do as much or as little as you like. You will not be disturbed but we will always be on hand with a smile if needed.

Our brand new therapeutic hot tub is ready! Not only can you use this for a small charge but we will soon have installed the sauna!

The Forest of Dean really is a enchanting place, everywhere you turn you will see the stunning wildlife; from robins and Goshawks to Deer and Boar.

Our holiday lodges are set in an Oasis in the forest, whilst being private and secluded they are surprisingly close to all the main attractions within the Forest of Dean. Having all the luxury of a spa, including treatment rooms, hot tub and wood burning sauna plus the added advantage of the forest and access to all the forest trails right on your doorstep so it is perfect for dog walkers and the cyclists amongst you will be delighted at all of the bike trails available from literally our doorstep.

Here are some recent reviews from our happy visitors.

“we’ve had a great time and will certainly recommended it”- Elaine

“Erica came and introduced herself to us on Saturday and kindly showed us around the grounds and the new spa which will be amazing when it’s done.

Erica and Gavin were both very kind and the lodges (we stayed in Latimer) were gorgeous, modern, comfortable and very clean, they couldn’t do enough for us. It was definitely worth the money.

If you want to go for a meal but you have brought a dog with you there is a pub down the road called the Ostrich which is a 5 min drive, lovely meal and great selection of drinks”. – Mrs. Allsopp

 

18/3/16

We are 4 star graded Holiday cottages right in the middle of the forest, surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife and cycle trails. We pride ourselves on our warm and cosy, home from home lodges; you can even bring the dog! Your fluffy friend can enjoy miles of woodlands right on the doorstep.

We now have a huge hot tub and sauna for our holiday makers to enjoy; we are very reasonably priced for the standard and quality that you receive at our self catering cottages.

The wildlife around Forest of Dean Lodges is stunning; you will almost certainly see Deer and wild boar whilst exploring the forest along with beautiful birds and other animals.

Our Reviews say it all and we are very grateful to all our visitors who leave us a review! We look forward to seeing you here!

“Delightful Cottage- We were welcomed by lovely under floor heating, the cottage was cosy and well equipped, each person had 3 lovely fluffy towels – the weather could have been kinder but it was lovely to get back and draw the thick curtains and enjoy the peace and quite, def visit again” – Claire

“Superb accommodation in the forest- The Forest of Dean has been a destination for us over the last 15 years. We found Forest of Dean Lodges only this year. We have previously stayed in some excellent places but this has proved to be the very best. From the warm welcome to superb Lodge. Beautifully finished, everything you need for a restful stay. Superbly clean on our arrival. Items important to us are warmth of property, supply of hot water and shower, this excelled in all three, plus lovely large bath sheets. Our lodge was a credit to the owners. Fantastic location for Forest walking. We will without any doubt be using it again”.- Nick

 

18/3/16

Forest of Dean Lodges is happy to announce the arrival of our therapeutic hot tub and our spa treatment facilities. Over the winter we have made many improvements, including a fantastic new BBQ area. With a giant stone table and built in BBQ, Kensley Lodges had=s a new, larger patio to enjoy, plus, the arrival of the new bike shelter. Nowhere in the forest can offer such a perfect location for walking, cycling and for visiting the local attractions then us here at Forest of Dean Lodges.

Our holiday cottages are all 4 star graded. We get amazing reviews from our visitors, the self catering holiday cottages are warm and cosy with the added advantage of under floor heating, it is quiet and peaceful and the ideal spot for checking out the wildlife locally. The cycle routes are very close to us; no need for a car to start your bike ride from. For the pet owners amongst you, your four legged friends will absolutely love the instant access into the forest.

Have a look at some of the local attractions that are coming up. This weekend it’s the spring half marathon, to be followed, in the Autumn September 25th by the Forest half marathon. Here is just one fantastic review:

“This was my first visit to the Forest of Dean. We booked the Latimer Lodge and I must say I was very impressed. The lodge was spotless. Everything we needed was there including towels, bedding and all kitchen utensils. The lodge was finished to a very high standard and found there was plenty of room, yet felt very comfortable. The lodge was central to all places we wanted to visit. We will book again for later on in the year.

Stayed March 2016, travelled as a couple” – Maria K

 

14/03/16

The Forest of Dean Half Marathon is this weekend 20th March! We have the perfect Holidays Cottages for your family and friends to enjoy. Whether you are participating in the Marathon or keen to watch. Forest of Dean Lodges is the perfect place to call home for a break.

“The race course for 2016 will be the same as for the Spring trails event of the past three years, utilising well maintained forest trails. The officially-measured half-marathon course (13 miles 192.5 yards) is run via way-marked trails laid out by the Forestry Commission. Special permission has been given to stage the race over this course.

The course begins at the Speech House hotel literally on the next hill, the road and then follows the trails in a clockwise direction through the Forest of Dean to return to the finish at Speech House. The multi-terrain route will be fully signed and marshalled, marked by yellow paint on the ground. Mile-markers are provided. The route generally uses well-maintained tracks with gentle inclines.

The race will be led by lead cyclists. Roads will be closed to allow runners to cross freely. There are three water stations at approximately 5 km intervals, and drinks will be available at the finish.

This year, the Forest of Dean Half Marathon is delighted to be associated with the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity. This charity raises funds to make a real difference for the patients, their families and the staff who treat them and work at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals as well as the Stroud Maternity Unit”.

Forest of Dean Lodges can offer you a beautiful place to stay in the heart of the forest. Just a few steps out the front door and you will be surrounded by majestic woodland, cycle tracks and wildlife, including Wild Boar and Deer. Pets are also welcome to come along and stay. Book in with us now for the perfect get away.

Don’t forget the September/ August Marathon the in the Forest!!

 

07/03/16

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Stay with us for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, 15th- 18th March this is a fantastic, popular racing event which is situated at Cheltenham Racecourse just 25 miles away. Have a great day at the races and relax in the evenings with us at Forest of Dean Lodges.

Prices for this midweek break range from £195- £210

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Not only will visitors be able to see wild boar and two species of Deer in our beautiful surroundings, but Exmoor ponies are being introduced to the Forest of Dean as well! They will arrive to graze the Cinderford area later this month and if it’s successful they will be introduced to various parts of the forest.

The idea behind it is to assist the forest sheep in keeping the undergrowth down. We are fortunate enough to have a huge variety of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, Goshawk and many, many other species. This makes the Forest of Dean one of the best locations in the UK to observe wildlife. Prices for this midweek break range from £195- £210

 

16/12/2015

 

Kick start your new year’s resolutions with a lovely break in the Forest of Dean, working off all that Christmas excess with the beautiful footpaths and cycle ways in the forest, literally on your doorstep at Forest of Dean Lodges. At this time of year, the prices are extremely low, and you can take advantage of a great bargain. The forest is an amazing place to be in the winter to see Wild Boar and Deer as they can’t hide under the summer canopy.

After an exhilarating day cycling and hiking you can enjoy a lovely relaxing aromatherapy massage right here on site. Very soon we hope to install a hot tub and a sauna, but in the meantime, a full range of massage, beauty, hair and holistic treatments are available right here at the Forest of Dean lodges.

 

30/09/2015

 

October is a fantastic month to explore the Forest of Dean’s woodland for foraging wild mushrooms, including; Parasol mushrooms, Ceps, chanterelle, Shaggy Inkcaps and many more. There are various foraging groups being held over the month, for information about these please contact ourselves or the tourist board. Many of these courses will teach you about all the different types of mushrooms, and some of the courses will even teach you how to cook and prepare them.

Not only is October a fantastic month for wild mushroom hunts; It is also the rutting season where many Stag’s can be seen challenging for supremacy of the herds.

The stunning Autumn Golds of the forest with their large quantity of broad leaf are outstanding in October. A short drive along the river Wye or down the long, meandering hillside to Monmouth is simply stunning.

It seems to me that the autumn is a hive of activity in the forest, not only amongst the wildlife of which we had a four-legged visitor last night, of the wild boar variety, but also amongst the events being held in the local area. Puzzlewood is holding Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, between now and the 4th of October and The Speechhouse are playing host to the Forest Food Festival this coming weekend. There is also a variety of fun and frolics for Halloween in and around the Forest of Dean, there will be a hive of activity with high rope courses, climbing walls, trekking along the Sculpture Trail, cycling on a family cycling trail and canoeing along the river Wye. After such an active day, coming back to a lovely cosy, comfy, warm, welcoming lodge in the middle of the woods sounds like the perfect way to bring in the autumn.

More information will follow about my favourite two festivals of the year, Halloween and Fireworks Night.

 

 

18/09/2015

 

Here at Forest of Dean Lodges we are delighted to announce that our lovely country, 17th-century Lodges have been graded at 4 star/rosette by Visit England. The Lodges are in the Forest of Dean on the edge of the stunning Wye Valley and just a stone’s throw from South Wales. They are tucked away in a clearing in the woods, down a long driveway far away from the road. There is a fantastic array of wildlife that can be seen, Deer, Boar, Foxes, Buzzards, Goshawks, to name but a few. The site and surrounding area is one of the most historic sites in the Forest of Dean and is currently being considered to become a historical & nature reserve.

Within 30 seconds of leaving your Lodge, you can find yourself on a forest trail, either by foot or by bike. We are located within easy reach of many attractions both locally and further afield. Within a few minutes’ drive you could be at Beechenhurst Lodge, The Sculpture Trail, Puzzle Wood, Go Ape, Mallards Pike, Nags Head Nature Reserve, Symonds Yat, the Butterfly Centre, Canoe Centre, Peddle a Bike Away, Perry Grove Treasure train, the Steam Railway are just a few of the local attractions. We are within easy reach of Hereford, Gloucester, Cardiff, Bristol, the Brecon Beacons and the Malvern Hills.

The Lodges date back to 1675, they maintain many of the original features such as Oak Beams, Stone Walls and Flagstone Floors, but with all mod-cons including Underfloor Heating, Free Wi-fi, TV, DVD, dishwasher, microwave and so on.

Our lodges are Ideal for families and couples alike. Later in the year we will be opening treatment rooms on site that will offer Sports Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy and all standard Beauty Treatments.

 

28/08/2015

 

Yesterday evening my husband and I popped over to Ross on Wye for a meal at Yaks & Yeti, on the way back when we were near the lodges we saw several young wild board by the side of the road, then, in the pond opposite the Cycle Centre there was a Heron towards the end of the road a female Deer popped out from the trees. As we ascended the hill a Tourney Owl swooped across the road. It was a lovely reminder of what a special place we live in.

 

26/08/2015

 

We are so lucky with the huge variety of wildlife that continue to flourish and develop here; species reported already found on this site and within a 1/4 of a mile are as follows:

Goshawk, Buzzard, Tawny Owl, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Cuckoo, Treecreeper, Bullfinch, Wood Warbler, Swift, Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Jay, other native hedgerow birds i.e. Blackbird, Sparrow, Robin, Bluetit, Greytit, Willowtit Etc. Horseshoe Bat, Adder, Grass snake, Slow worm, Weasel, Shrew, Mole, Rabbit. Deer and Boar visit the site on a daily basis, and the field is fast becoming a rich habitat for Butterflies including the Small Heath, Moths incl. Elephant Hawk-moth to name but a few.

We can arrange for you to go on guided wild mushroom forages, Chanterelle and Cepes are around at this time of the year, plus many others. Have a look at what some of our recent guests have to say about us…

“Fantastic stay at Kensley Lodges, warmly welcomed by owner Erica, who was a delight to speak to. She acquired us with local information and directions on the best walks in the Forest of Dean. Barnabas and Dodger our two Golden Retrievers accompanied us on our stay and thought it was fantastic as not many places allow pets. We are looking forward to returning in the summer and have the chance to experience one of the other lodges and local attractions.”

“Heart of the Forest- Loved this place! Clean, quiet and well equipped. Fresh wild Boar tracks all round the enclave and even at the end of the drive- shame we failed to see any. Lovely walks all round. Lots of bird species too.”

 

 

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