It’s officially springtime, though with all the snow we’ve been having lately, you’d be forgiven for thinking we were still in the thick of winter!
While it’s tempting to dream of sunny beach holidays at this uncertain time of year, there’s a magical and evergreen beauty attached to the forest. The fresh, natural backdrop is ever-changing, providing the perfect complement for any season.
The soul-enriching benefits of green surroundings are well-known, and whether you love adventure or relaxation, you’re sure to return from a forest break feeling refreshed and revived.
Better still, you definitely don’t have to rough it in the depths of the woodland! With a Forest Holidays break, you can stay in ten of the most idyllic forest locations in the UK, without compromising on a single moment of luxury, adventure or relaxation.
Perfect for families, groups and four-legged friends, the magic and freedom of nature can be accessed right from your eco-friendly doorstep. You may well be surprised, too, at the diversity on offer in the UK forest land.
Choose a luxury, architect-designed Golden Oak, Silver Birch or Copper Beech cabin, located deep in the woodland (perfect if you’re looking for a little more seclusion), on the edge of a sparkling lake, or in sweet-scented meadowland. At some locations, you’ll even be able to stay in a Golden Oak Treehouse (above), living blissfully amongst the leaves!
Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’ll soon find that your new forest home has been lovingly designed with comfort and beauty in mind. Relax in a hot tub, indulge in an in-cabin spa treatment, watch the birds flitting through the trees, or simply kick back on the cosy sofa with a book or an afternoon matinee. The on-site Forest Retreat includes a friendly café and a well-stocked shop, so unless you want to, there’s absolutely no need to travel very far at all.
Meanwhile, plenty of fresh-air adventure awaits those with enough energy! You’ll find a programme of unique Forest Ranger adventures to try your hand at, along with private tours for you to really immerse yourself in forest life. Or how about exploring your surroundings by bike or canoe – making firm friends with the local wildlife as you go?
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, we’re sure you’ll want to know exactly where a Forest Holiday will await you!
We begin our natureful tour with Hampshire’s Blackwood Forest, where you’ll find a full range of 60 cabins set within 270 hectares of stunning beech forest. This is the ideal setting to try out treehouse living, with 10-person Golden Oak Treehouses on offer, and your location is ideal for exploring all the beauty of Hampshire.
In addition to treehouse living, you can try a spot of llama trekking, caving or 4×4 driving in The Forest of Dean, just a few of many adventurous activities on offer here! The cabins are located just a short distance from Symonds Yat, one of the area’s most beautiful gems, featuring some of the very best views of the River Wye. Look hard enough, and you may even catch a glimpse of a peregrine falcon during summertime!
Nottingham’s legendary Sherwood Forest needs no introduction, but you’ll soon find there’s far more to it than the enchanting story of Robin Hood.
With 82 cabins, you’ll find the widest selection of Forest Holidays accommodation here, not to mention a huge programme of adventure, all set amongst 3,300 spacious acres of flourishing forest land. Indulge your love of nature with miles of walking trails for all abilities, while further afield, indulge your love of Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the historic village of Edwinstone.
Thorpe Forest, found on the banks of Norfolk’s River Thet, just couldn’t be more beautifully placed. Gaze at spectacular scenery, from soothing pines to soaring broadleaf trees and open heathland, from the comfort of your cabin, while your position on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk means you’ll have the perfect base from which to explore the delights of these diverse counties.
(That is, if you can tear yourselves away from your new forest friends, including Muntjac deer, pheasants and tawny owls).
Cropton Forest, Yorkshire, houses 57 cabins, with the North York Moors right on your doorstep, some of the world’s best mountain biking trails within easy reach, and the sandy beaches of Scarborough just a half-hour drive away. Treehouse-equipped Keldy is another Yorkshire favourite, with 59 cabins set within gorgeous glades, and with a Go Ape nearby for serious thrill-seekers!
Meanwhile, Cornwall’s Deerpark offers a veritable chocolate box of forest delicacies, from soaring pines to relaxing views from your cabin location on the edge of a tranquil millpond. Explore the famed Cornish coast, or visit the Eden Project with a Forest Holidays guest discount.
Heading to Scotland, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is the glorious Perthshire location of Strathyre. This is a truly magnificent location, with 35 cabins surrounded by imposing mountains that provide an exceptional hot tub view. Loch Lubnaig runs close by, and you’ll find this is the perfect position to drink in all the majesty of the Highlands.
Finally, discover Ardgatan Argyll on the captivating edge of pine-strewn Argyll Forest Park, for a breathtaking Scottish escape that’s ideal for exploring Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Whatever direction you decide to head in, you can relax even more in the knowledge that Forest Holidays build and manage each and every site with sustainability at the forefront, working in true harmony with the natural environment.
So, are you ready to refresh your mind, body and soul? Simply answer that unmistakable call of the forest, and get ready to step into a whole new magical world.
If we’ve whetted your appetite for a woodland break, then you might want to enter this competition from Host Unusual and LoveExploring, to win a £400 Forest Holidays voucher to use at any of the 10 fantastic Forest Holidays locations! Entries close on 21st March 2018 – good luck!
