Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
With 13 Forest Holidays parks across the UK, you may be wondering which site is best for families. A Forest Holiday is a great place to relax and reconnect in your very own log cabin with a hot tub. Many cabins are dog-friendly and have comfortable rooms for all the family. We take a look at our 8 favourite Forest Holidays with a list based on personal experience, reviews and on-site facilities. On-site you can hire bikes and explore the surrounding woodland or try one of their activities. Activities may include archery, fishing, forest rangers, kayaking, spa treatments and more. There is a range of cabins at each site and everyone has a hot tub. Most cabins include an outdoor BBQ or an outdoor kitchen. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Sherwood Forest – Nottinghamshire
Address: Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JH
About – Surrounded by acres of pine trees in Sherwood Forest you can immerse yourselves in the history of Robin Hood. Cabins here feel like part of the landscape, it is a truly natural setting and there are 5 cabin types to choose from which can sleep from 1 to 10 guests. There are 82 forest cabins situated within 3,300 acres.
On-site there is a children’s adventure playground plus a number of bookable activities listed below. Around the site are several self-led trails and their team will be on hand to offer you advice and recommendations. It is just a 700m walk through the woods to the Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre where you can hire bikes or book a Go Ape Treetop Adventure. We saw birds we’d never seen before while staying here.
Things to do nearby – Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre and Park – Sherwood Forest and the famous Oak Tree – Rufford Abbey Country Park – Clumber Park and Creswell Crags.
On-site accommodation for families – Cabins include – Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Golden Oak 1-8 people. New Style Golden Oak 1-8 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Silver Birch Wheelchair adapted for 1-4 people.
Key Facilities at Sherwood Forest – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Bike Hire, Walking Trails, Children’s Play Area. Pre-bookable on-site facilities with an additional charge include Forest Survival, Mini Forest Rangers, Nature Tots, Wildlife Wonders and Nocturnal Adventures. Plus pottery painting, archery, in-cabin spa treatments, air rifle shooting, axe throwing and outdoor escape game.
Keldy – North Yorkshire
Address: Keldy Cabin, Keldy Castle, Pickering YO18 8HW
About – Keldy is one of two Forest Holiday parks in North Yorkshire. Situated deep in the forest some of their cabins are just visible between the trees. Others look out onto grassy, sunlit glades. Located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park it is a great base for exploring. The Forest Retreat is where you can enjoy some food and drinks, stock up in the shop and get more out of your holiday via the friendly on-site team.
There is a range of pre-bookable on-site activities such as archery and mini forest rangers. See below for a full list. Bike hire is available at Keldy plus there is a children’s play area. New all-terrain mobility scooters can also now be hired. There is a range of self-led trails including some that are themed and others that are great for a family walk. Trails range in length and difficulty.
Things to do nearby – Visit York and its numerous attractions – North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Castle Howard – Eden Camp Museum – Rievaulx Abbey
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak Treehouse 1-8 people. Golden Oak 1-8 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair adapted Silver Birch 1-4 people. White Willow Premium 1-6 people.
Key facilities at Keldy – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Playground, Walking Trails. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Mini forest rangers, Pottery painting, zip wire and personal outdoor activity sessions. Plus air rifle shooting, archery, outdoor escape game, bike hire and in-spa cabin treatments.
Delamere Forest – Cheshire
Address: Ashton Rd, Frodsham WA6 6PA
About – With 66 woodland cabins dotted across 2,400 acres of Woodland on the Cheshire Plain is Forest Holidays Delamere Forest. There are cabins bordered by clusters of trees or others with sun-lit views of country fields. At the heart of this location is the Forest Retreat with a shop, cafe and bar. Here you can also hire bikes and book activities. Please see key facilities below for a list of bookable activities, these have an additional charge.
This site has some brand new natural playgrounds with one for ages 0-4 and another for children aged 6 and over plus any adults that want to give it a go. This play area is positioned around the existing trees and includes a wobble bridge, parkour ropes and more. You can enjoy scenic walks from your cabin with panoramic views. There is the family-friendly Old Pale Trail plus the more challenging Sandstone Trail.
Things to do nearby – Chester Zoo – Ice Cream Farm – Go Ape Adventure – Cheshire Aqua Park – Oakmere Alpacas
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak 1-6 people. Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Golden Oak 1-8 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair-adapted Silver Birch 1-6 people. White Willow Premium 1-6 people.
Key facilities at Delamere Forest – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Playground, Bike Hire. Walking Trails. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Forest Survival, Mini Forest Rangers, Nature Tots and Wildlife Wonders. Plus Nocturnal Adventure, Pottery Painting, Archery and In-Cabin Spa treatments.
Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire
Address: Bracelands Dr, Christchurch, Coleford GL16 7NN
About – At the Forest of Dean location, there is a choice of cabins with a view of an open meadow or forest surroundings. There is plenty to get you out and about exploring on-site and nearby. You can spend some time with their resident forest rangers and learn the secrets of the first. Plus, you can add a Forest School den kit to your booking and build a secret den in the forest. Activities on offer are listed below. All the family can enjoy foam clay and pottery painting for a small charge. You can also save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay here.
Things to do nearby – Visit Symonds Yat – Puzzlewood – Horse Riding Lessons – Llama Treks – Go Ape Treetop adventure
On-site accommodation for families – Meadow Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Meadow Golden Oak 1-8 people. Meadow Silver Birch 1-6 people. Meadow wheelchair adapted Silver Birch 1-6 people. Woodland Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Woodland Golden Oak 1-8 people. Woodland Silver Birch 1-6 people. Woodland wheelchair-adapted Silver Birch 1-4 people.
Key facilities at Forest of Dean – Walking Trails. Bike Hire. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Forest survival, Mini Forest Rangers, Nature Tots, Wildlife Wonders and Nocturnal Adventure.
Thorpe Forest – Norfolk
Address: Forest Holidays Thorpe Forest, Shadwell, Thetford IP24 2RX
About – Lying on the banks of the River Thet is Thorpe Forest in Norfolk. It is a great place to escape and enjoy some peace and tranquillity amongst a rich variety of wildlife. The Forest Retreat is the main hub of the site and you can book any additional activities here or hire some bikes. You have the option of booking a variety of things you can do on-site which we will list below. There is a children’s playground plus a range of self-led trails. For little ones, there is a 1.4km Junior toddle trail or you can try out their longer 4.3km forest walk.
Things to do nearby – Bewilderwood – Banham Zoo – Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre – Sandringham Estate – West Stow Anglo Saxon Village – Bure Valley Railway.
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Golden Oak 1-8 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair adapted Silver Birch – 1-4 people.
Key facilities at Thorpe Forest – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Playground, Bike Hire. Walking Trails. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Mini Forest rangers, pottery painting, archery, outdoor escape game, bike hire and in-cabin spa treatments.
Garwnant – Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
Address: Forest Holidays Garwnant, Cymtaf, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HU
About – Located in a peaceful valley with winding forest trails is Garwnant Forest Holidays. There are cabins tucked away in the woodland or you can stay in a unique spot high up on an open glade on the Brecon Beacons hills. Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park plenty is waiting to be explored. On-site their forest rangers run one-of-a-kind activities including the opportunity to toast marshmallows on an open fire. Activities on offer are listed below. Bike hire is available plus there are numerous walking and hiking trails. There is a choice of beautiful waterfall walks or you can enjoy a circular route. Mini explorers will love the Hay-on-Wye River and Rail Trail.
Things to do nearby – Castell Coch – National Showcaves Centre for Wales – Brecon Beacons National Park – Zip World Tower.
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak Treehouse 1-10 people. Golden Oak Valley View 1-6 people. Golden Oak 1-8 people. Silver Birch Valley or Restricted Views 1-4 or 1-6 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair adapted Silver Birch 1-6 people. White Willow Premium Valley View 1-4 people and White Willow Premium 1-6 people.
Key facilities at Garwnant – Walking Trails. Bike hire. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Forest Survival, Mini Forest Rangers, Nature Tots, Wildlife Wonders and Nocturnal Adventure.
Ardgartan Argyll – Loch Long, Scotland
Address: Forest Holidays, Ardgartan, Arrochar G83 7AR
About – Situated on the shore of Loch Long is Forest Holidays Ardgartan Argyll. Pine-covered mountains sweep down to meet the shore and there are 40 cabins nestled within the Trossachs National Park. Many of the cabins enjoy unique lochside views and it is a beautiful part of the country to explore. In the Forest Retreat, you will find a restaurant, shop, bike hire and bookable activities, these are listed below. You can enjoy scenic walks from your cabin including the shorter Riverside or Boathouse walks.
Things to do nearby – Guided cruises of Loch Lomond – Sealife Sanctuary – Go Ape.
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak Lochside 1-6 people. Golden Oak 1-6 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair-adapted Silver Birch 1-4 people.
Key facilities at Ardgartan Argyll – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Bike hire. Walking Trails. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Forest Survival. Mini Forest Rangers. Nature Tots. Wildlife Wonders. Nocturnal Adventures. Pottery painting. Archery. On-site canoeing. In-cabin spa treatments.
Deerpark – Cornwall
Address: Cornwall, Liskeard PL14 4QY
About – Far from the madding crowd and full of wildlife including roe deer is Deerpark in Cornwall. It is just a 15-minute drive to the Cornish coast plus the pretty fishing villages of Looe and Polperro. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hidden cabin or a treehouse with a rope bridge they have the perfect cabin for you. There are 45 luxury cabins on the side of a valley with a quiet millpond nearby.
At the heart of the site is the Forest Retreat with a shop, restaurant, bar, bike hire and bookable Forest ranger activities. These activities are listed below. Also on-site there is a children’s play area plus self-led trails. As you explore you will discover the ruins and remnants of the site’s colourful history. You can also join guided walks with their enthusiastic ranger and discover more about the landscape.
Things to do nearby – Eden Project – Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve – Walks on Bodmin Moor – Bodmin Jail
On-site accommodation for families – Golden Oak Treehouse 1-8 people. Golden Oak Waterside 1-6 people. Golden Oak 1-6 people. Silver Birch 1-6 people. Wheelchair-adapted Silver Birch 1-4 people.
Key facilities at Deerpark – Restaurant, bar and cafe. Shop. Playground, Bike Hire, Walking Trails. Pre-bookable on-site activities with an additional charge: Forest Survival, Mini Forest Rangers, Nature Tots, Wildlife Wonders and Nocturnal Adventure. Plus Pottery Painting, Archery, Pond and Stream Dipping and In-cabin Spa Treatments.
Why stay at Forest Holidays?
The top reason to book a Forest Holiday is that a hot tub is included in your stay as standard. With a booking at Forest Holidays you get a flexible amendment package so that you can amend and change your holiday dates should an issue arise. You can include Breakage protection so that all cabin contents are protected during your stay. There is in-cabin entertainment including the option to upgrade to premium Wi-Fi. Plus you can upgrade your stay so that you can choose a specific caravan.
When you are staying on-site there is the option to order food to your cabin such as burgers, pizzas and curries. They also have somewhere on-site for food which can include an afternoon tea. Extras can be added once you have created an account and booked your Forest Holiday.
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Photos are credited to Forest Holidays
