Willow Forest Stays

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

30/08/2026

Our VIP Club is for guests who appreciate a simpler, more thoughtful way to plan their stay.

When you book direct, the price is always clear from the start. There are no added cleaning or pet fees, and no deposit to pay.

VIP members also enjoy:

- 10% off their stay

• Early arrival and/or late departure, subject to availability

• The option to extend a stay for £60 per night, subject to availability

• 10% off cycle hire at Dean Forest Cycles

• A curated seasonal guide to local activities, places to visit and favourite places to eat

To join, click the link https://willowforeststays.com and click the button marked 'Join our VIP Club'

24/08/2026

A little courtyard upgrade 🌿✨

We’ve added a new screen along one side of the courtyard, and it’s made such a difference to the feel of the space.

It now feels more enclosed, cosy and inviting, creating an ideal spot to relax, enjoy the afternoon sunshine or settle into the hot tub beneath the stars. 🫧✨

A simple change, but a lovely improvement.

We have some weekends available this Autumn https://willowforeststays.com/listing/casita-lodge