Willow Forest Stays

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

🌳 A walk to Buckshaft Woods 🥾

We've put together a little video showing you how to get to Buckshaft Woods from Wyldwood Cottage.

If you're staying at Casita Lodge or 24 at St Johns, you can follow the same route from Church Road.

It's about a 15–20 minute walk, with a fairly steep hill to tackle along the way!

But once you reach the top, it's absolutely worth the climb.

Beautiful woodland trails and a lovely place to wander and explore. 🌿🍂

26/09/2026

🍂 THIRD IN THE WORLD FOR AUTUMN COLOUR! 🍁

We’ve always known autumn in the Forest of Dean is pretty special, but now it’s official! 🧡

Icelandair compared 50 of the world’s most popular autumn walking destinations, looking at autumn colour, diversity and vibrancy.

The result?
🥇 Acadia National Park, USA
🥈 Mutianyu Great Wall, China
🥉 Forest of Dean, UK

Third in the world! 🌍🍂

Golden woodland walks, crunchy leaves, misty mornings and cosy evenings.

You really don’t need to travel far to see autumn at its best. It’s right here in the Forest of Dean. 🌲🍁

We still have some availability this October, just click on the link in bio to find out more and book instantly.

23/09/2026

20/09/2026

A dog-friendly stay should feel easy from the moment you arrive.

No awkward extra rules, no unexpected charges, and no feeling that your dog is only just being tolerated.

At Willow Forest Stays, dogs are treated as part of your family.

You’ll find bowls, blankets, towels, poo bags, toys and temporary ID tags ready for them, all there to make your stay easier.

Up to two dogs are welcome free, whatever their size, and the gardens are enclosed.

Because muddy paws, wet noses and happily tired dogs are all part and parcel of a proper Forest of Dean break.

Check out our FAQs on our website, link in bio, for further details of our dog friendly stays.

13/09/2026

There’s something lovely about that first little while after you arrive.

The bags are in, the dog’s had a good sniff around, and you can finally start to switch off.

Whenever we go away ourselves, one of the first things we want after a long drive is a drink and a few minutes to settle in.

So we make sure there’s tea, coffee, milk and sugar waiting for you, or a cool glass of fruit juice if you fancy something cold.

We believe first impressions really matter. So bring your bags in, settle down with a drink and have a little explore of your holiday cottage.

09/09/2026

A Relaxing Space

We are so pleased with how the garden at
24 at St Johns is looking after its recent makeover.

The old concrete bay has been transformed into a little seating area with decorative grass, a living wall and an egg chair, creating a lovely spot to sit and relax.

The raised beds have had a fresh coat of paint too, with new alpines, rockery plants, stone and slate bringing in more colour and texture.

With the recent sunshine and rain, we are hoping the new planting will settle in nicely before next summer. It already feels greener, fresher and much more inviting.




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06/09/2026

Sundays Re-imagined

After sharing our Sanctuary Sundays for a while, we’re gently changing the rhythm with something new: Sunday Snippets.

Each week, we’ll share a small thought from life here at our Forest of Dean cottages, the kind of moments that help a stay feel easy, warm and relaxed.

A little path leading the way. Stepping stones to the stairs, and the quiet sense of arriving somewhere you can settle for a while.

Follow along on Sundays for more small moments from our cottages.
Image : arriving at Wyldwood Cottage