Our pick of the best Forest Holidays sites in the UK

This ancient oak woodland in Gloucestershire offers impressive wildlife-spotting opportunities — from squirrels and deer to wild boar and even adorable pine martins. Families love the large meadow here as well as the outdoor play area and terrace from which to make the most of the evening sun. 

If you like to explore, there are several cyclical walking trails from this site, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes. You can even enjoy the thrill of canoeing on the local river Wye or clambering 500 metres to the top of Symonds Yat Rock for epic views. 

Further afield is the famous Forest of Dean sculpture trail and the ancient forest of Puzzlewood, inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth and filming location for Star Wars and Doctor Who. 

Mumsnet users love the Forest of Dean site for its luxury lodges and close proximity to fun family-friendly attractions.

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Forest of Dean: Children’s play area | Bug hotel | Walking and hiking trails | Pony trails (£) | Forest rangers (£) | Archery (£) | Watersports (£)

Reviewed by Mumsnet tester, Jasmin Chahal: read our in-depth Glentress Forest review

Set in scenic woodland on the Scottish borders, a 10-minute drive from Peebles and less than an hour from Edinburgh, Glentress Forest makes a perfect base for exploring southern Scotland

As with other Forest Holidays sites, all of the chic-rustic lodges come with a hot tub so families can soak up the views as well as the bubbles.

The surrounding forest provides a gorgeous setting for wholesome activities like guided woodland walks, mountain biking and bug hunts. We loved the outdoor archery session during our stay. We also loved the well-designed lodges which feature mod cons including underfloor heating and spacious wooden decks.

With its Forest Retreat Hub for food, fire pits and games, handy on-site shop and takeaway food options, it's well equipped for self-catering stays and offers a tranquil woodland escape with lots to do on the doorstep.

Famous for its connections to Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest needs no introduction. If you’re a family of nature lovers, there are lots of opportunities to spot wildlife between the giant oak trees in this ancient forest. You may even discover the legendary Major Oak, known to be Robin Hood’s secret lair.

The site is home to 82 forest cabins including the Golden Oak Treehouse which sleeps up to 10 guests. Mumsnet users rate the comfiness of the beds and furnishings in the cabins at this woodland site.

If you fancy something a little more energetic than soaking in your hot tub, kids will love embracing their inner heroic outlaw, trying their hand at archery or joining a forest survival session. 

While there are several walking trails around the site, the local Gruffalo Trail at Sherwood Pines Forest Park and nearby National Trust Clumber Park are also worth a visit nearby.

Mumsnet users rate the food and in-cabin services on offer at this beautiful site.

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest: Children’s play area | Bug hotel | Bike hire (£) | Go Ape Treetop Adventure (£) | Forest ranger activities (£) | Foam clay and pottery painting (£) | Archery (£) | Pony trekking (£)

Located within a woodland meadow in the heart of the Forestry Commission's North York Moors National Park, you can expect stunning scenery and rolling hills galore at Forest Holidays Cropton. With miles of walking and cycling trails, we recommend exploring your surroundings on two wheels — by hiring bikes onsite or bringing your own along. We love the fact that guests can also hire tramper vehicles (all-terrain mobility scooters) to make the most of the surrounding forest pathways. 

Don’t forget to pack your camera as you may just discover some deer hiding among the secluded moors and woodland. 

Further afield, families will love visiting the North York Moors Railway or paddling in the sea at one of Yorkshire's many beautiful beaches. 

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Cropton Forest: Children’s play area | Bug hotel | Walking and hiking trails | Archery (£) | Pony trekking (£) | Bike hire (£) | Forest nature trail (£)

Less than a two-hour drive from central London, the stunning 270-hectare beechwood forest at Blackwood is a great place for a family escape.  

With scenic woodland trails and cycle routes, you can expect carpets full of bluebells in spring and colourful beech trees in autumn. And there are also lots of country pubs in the local area, a convenient pit stop for little legs. 

Back on site, why not try your hand at some archery or air rifle shooting, or head to the local Go Ape centre for some tree-top exploring or a competitive segway rally?

Mumsnet users love the calm environment here as well as the awesome wildlife spotting opportunities. 

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Blackwood Forest: Children’s play area | Bug hotel | Bluebell walks| Walking and cycling trails | Archery (£) | Air rifles (£) | Pottery painting (£)

Forest Holidays’ most northerly location, Stathyre sits within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with the most breathtaking views of forest glades, mountains and lakes — it doesn’t come much more peaceful than this.

Right next to Loch Lubnaig and less than an hour from Loch Lomond, this stunning setting is perfect for hiking, walking, kayaking and fishing. And you can even try a spot of on-site canoeing on Loch Lubnaig. 

Cabins sleep up to eight guests and there’s a Golden Oak Treehouse for parties of up to 10. The White Willow Premium cabins offer luxury touches throughout including Ooni pizza ovens, L’Occitane toiletries, underfloor heating and egg chairs on the terrace. 

As well as walking and hiking routes, you can also head out on a guided cruise or add some of Loch Lomand’s most famous restaurants to your itinerary.

Mumsnetters love the views from this gorgeous site as well as the proximity to beautiful lochs and mountains.

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Strathyre: Outdoor play area | Bug hotel | Walking and cycling routes | Watersports (£) | Onsite canoeing (£) | Axe throwing (£) | Wildlife wonders (£)

Located in rural Cornwall about a 15-minute drive from the coast, Deerpark is one of the smallest and most intimate Forest Holidays locations with just 45 cabins. 

Set in a deep wooded valley with an abundance of wildlife, it's a 20-minute drive from the picturesque coastal town of Looe with its quaint shops and restaurants, and within easy reach of a string of Blue Flag beaches on Cornwall’s south coast. 

There are plenty of walking and biking trails through the forest and there’s an on-site play area for young guests. There’s also a pre-bookable personal chef service if you want to take advantage of some fancy in-cabin dining - a great feature if you’re celebrating a special occasion while away. 

Guests recommend following The Camel Trail cycling route through Bodmin Moors — with a reward of fresh fish and chips when you reach Padstow.

Mumsnetters do highlight that it's quite a remote spot but if you're after a truly relaxing escape with very few distractions apart from woodland and wildlife, then Deerpark delivers.

On-site activities at Forest Holidays Deerpark, Cornwall: Children’s play area | Bug hotel | Walking and cycling trails | Beach nearby | Bike hire (£) | Watersports (£) | Archery (£) | Go Ape Tree Top Challenge (£)