A mate has just got himself a midlife sports car, very nice it is too. Just right for putting the roof down and going on road trips. We recently decided to treat ourselves to a holiday to celebrate his new hot wheels.
First thought, was to head over to rural France, to explore the valleys, forests and chateaus they do so well over there.
But then we remembered the expense of ferries, the queues at customs and all the faffing about that comes with foreign travel, so we decided to move our attention closer to home. Much closer. To the Forest of Dean, in fact.
Now, that may not sound like the perfect alternative to a French adventure, but actually, it was even better. A complete joy from start to finish. It had all the fab things you might expect from a foreign jolly; endless sunshine, superb scenery, fabulous food, wonderful local wines, pretty market towns, but without any of the headaches and hassles that overseas travel can bring these days.
Getting There
Our destination was Forest Barn Holidays, an opulent oasis of pleasure, snuggled down in a quiet and cosy part of the Forest of Dean, just outside Cinderford, Gloucestershire.
The quickest way to get there for us, was to jump on the M4 and head across the Severn bridge. We then took a very pleasant pootle, making our way north, beside the river. Before turning off into the trees, just in time to enjoy a few miles of fairy tale forest sights and sounds.
Really was a magical way to begin the adventure. I half expected to see deer, wild boar or tree trolls scampering off into the distance around every twist and turn. (Spoiler alert – there are no trolls in the forest.)
After reaching a picture perfect green glade, we turned up a quiet lane, drove past a pretty vineyard and found ourselves, in paradise. Forest of Dean style. All I can say is, “rural France, eat your heart out.” This place has got everything you could possibly wish for and far more besides. And, everyone speaks English.
The Setup
Our accommodation was one of five, beautifully converted, luxurious holiday cottages of various shapes and sizes. Ranging from a romantic retreat for two, all the way up to, ‘The Manor,’ sleeping eight in sumptuous style. The buildings are scattered around a secluded sunny hamlet, like wildflowers in a hidden meadow.
Each one with their very own parking, garden, great internet connection and, joy of joys, each with their very own hot tub burbling away on the patio.
The entire hamlet is also teenager, toddler, family and dog friendly, with activities and areas designed for all. There is also a rather fabulous function room where weddings are held.
Apparently folk come along, hire the whole hamlet for their guests and then have a two night celebratory knees up in the most grand and glorious style. Can imagine it makes for a some amazing memories.
Orchard Barn
We were staying in Orchard Barn, a 16th century, solid stone built, beautifully restored barn, which has been carefully converted into a perfect holiday getaway for six.
The front door takes you into the heart of the house, a double height living room complete with enormous wood burner for those winter nights, comfy sofas for lazing away the days and a kitchen diner big enough to feed an army of hungry holidaymakers.
Bedrooms
The three bedrooms were equally as excellent, with ensuite bathrooms, dreamy bedding, soft, fluffy towels and bathrobes aplenty. We both slept sound and long and happy. Which was hardly a surprise as the whole place was just so joyously relaxed.
Felt like we had travelled to a land of calm and contentment. As if we had gone back in time to a world without stress, worry or fear.
Falcon Fizz
Everywhere we looked there were thoughtful touches designed to make your day complete.
My particular favourite was the welcome hamper, which included a bottle of, “Falcon Fizz,” their very own (and stunningly superb) champagne style wine, made with grapes from their very own vineyard.
Yet another reminder that this place has more than enough sparkle to leave foreign holidays gasping in their wake.
If all of that isn’t enough, they’ve also got chickens too. Lynda, the very lovely owner, told us that younger guests sometimes join her to feed the hens and see if there are any eggs waiting to be collected. (There were some in our welcome hamper. Have to say, they were tasty. Very, very tasty).
Outside
Once you’ve parked up, there really is no need to use the car again, apart from the odd trip out to get food, there is so much to do around and about the hamlet. Which means children can basically be left to roam free as the birds. Which is always nice.
For smaller folk there is a play room, just right for under fives, whilst for older kids (and adults) there is a well stocked games room with table football, air hockey, pool table, dart board and ping pong.
If getting outside is more their thing, there was also a delightful play area with climbing frame, trampoline and an old tractor all just waiting to be clambered upon.
Garden
Outside our barn, there was also a sun soaked cottage garden, with wonderful views of the forest next door. This quiet corner was just right for sipping fizz (you can get extra bottles of their champagne from the lovely lady who runs the place), firing up the BBQ, or even just sitting back and watching the wind chase the tall grass up and down the meadow, like poetry in motion.
There is even a wood fired pizza oven on site, with benches and an open grassy area for family get togethers, if that’s on your to-do list.
Hot Tub
Of course, no gorgeous getaway would be complete without a touch of hot tub action.
Our very own hot tub was the perfect spot to watch the sun go down, see the stars come out and maybe even think deep meaningful thoughts, as tiny little bats swooped over our heads on their way out for supper.
Local Woods
Stepping outside the front door took us onto a track leading up towards the treeline. A couple of minutes gentle stroll took us into the forest itself, where peace and solitude reigned supreme.
The only soft sound to be heard, was the singing from an orchestra of hidden birds. Honestly, if hanging out with feathered friends is your thing, then this is the place to be.
But if bigger beasts are more your style, keep your eyes peeled for Muntjac deer. We saw one within the first few minutes of wandering through the woods.
Out and About
It would have been very easy to stay put for our entire stay, but we needed supplies so headed out in search of shops. There was a large supermarket just 7 minutes away by car, but we chose to head off in the opposite direction.
Quarter of an hours motoring through leafy lanes and tree lined tracks took us to the postcard pretty town of Coleford.
Built around a bustling little market square, it’s filled with friendly local shops who do a fine line in fantastic stuff. Within a few short minutes we managed to find; bakers, butchers, greengrocers, cafes, deli’s, a hardware shop and, for those of us who just can’t resist the middle aisle, there were even a couple of big supermarkets.
After spending quite some time strolling around with wide open smiles on our face, we weren’t surprised when a friendly local informed us that this place had recently been voted the best place to live in the whole of the UK.
Of course, then you are also only 20 minutes or so away from the glorious area of Tintern Abbey.
Factbox
Our 3 night stay at Orchard Barn cost £1,783
To book, go to Premier Cottages.
For details of weddings and civil celebrations, go to Forest Barn Holidays.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a carefree trip that takes you far away from the everyday, but isn’t too far from home, I can heartily recommend this place. We were only there for a few short days, but within moments it felt as if we had found a brand new happy place.
To a haven of tranquillity, where quality is king, days drift by like summer clouds through sunny skies and happiness flows unrestrained, like wine. Or rather, like, Falcon Fizz.
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