Glentress Forest Holiday Park review: a luxury woodland escape on the Scottish borders with views for days

Our verdict

Set in scenic woodland on the Scottish Borders, Glentress Forest combines adventure, tranquillity and a little bit of luxury. An hour’s drive south of Edinburgh, it’s a dream spot for families wanting to escape into nature without giving up on mod cons like under-floor heating and hot tubs, and it's one of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids.

We stayed in a White Willow Premium Valley View Cabin and were instantly smitten thanks to the stylish interiors, sweeping forest views, and evenings spent soaking in the private hot tub with a glass of bubbly and calming forest sounds. The attention to detail here is what makes the lodges feel special: fluffy robes, posh toiletries and even an outdoor kitchen with a drinks fridge. 

There’s a real sense of calm, but plenty to do too. Archery sessions were a highlight - the instructors were brilliant with kids - and the guided forest walks are a great way to explore the surroundings. The on-site restaurant serves solid brunches and the takeaway burgers hit the spot after a day of activities, but we’d love to see a wider menu.

With its stunning setting, eco-conscious design and welcoming team, Glentress Forest feels both wholesome and indulgent, and makes a great base for an outdoorsy family escape in Scotland. 

How we tested

I stayed at Glentress Forest for three nights over the summer with my sister and her 10-month-old baby in a two-bedroom White Willow Premium Valley View cabin. We booked activities, sampled the food, and explored the site and the local area to give a family perspective.

What are the lodges like?

The new White Willow Premium Valley View Cabins are modern and stylish, with an open-plan layout that feels light and spacious. Ours had two bedrooms, but three-bed cabins are available for larger families. The decor strikes a balance between contemporary comfort and rustic charm, with large windows framing the incredible valley views. It was lush! 

The outdoor decking was perfect for relaxing after a day of activities and we fully appreciated the hot tub. We took an evening dip after a day of exploring and enjoyed the quiet surroundings over a bottle of bubbly. 

Each cabin has its own outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven, barbecue and fridge - a novelty for family dinners under the stars. And the setting felt private and peaceful - we barely noticed the neighbours. For those bringing pets, the dog-friendly cabins even include a pet shower and blanket. 

We enjoyed a summer stay so made the most of the outdoor space but all lodges feature a log burning stove to keep things cosy on winter escapes. 

What activities are on offer?

Adventure is on the doorstep here. Glentress Forest is home to world-class mountain biking trails, gentle cycling routes and a variety of walking paths, so it’s suited to adrenaline seekers as well as families that are looking for more peaceful pursuits and leisurely strolls. 

We started with archery which was a huge hit thanks to an enthusiastic instructor who was wonderful, patient, kind, and brilliant at tailoring the session to cater to kids of different ages and abilities. She explained everything clearly, made it fun and inclusive and ensured everyone felt confident. 

Guided woodland walks are another highlight, offering insight into local wildlife and history. And there’s an on-site play park with swings and climbing frames to explore. There’s also a Go Ape course in nearby Peebles (Forest Holidays guests get a 10% discount) where you can tackle rope bridges, Tarzan swings and Scotland’s highest zip wire. 

There’s an impressive range of wholesome kid-friendly activities on offer including nature trails, bug hunts and pottery painting, and the Forest Ranger team runs hands-on sessions like bushcraft, forest bathing and mindfulness walks - ideal for families wanting to reconnect with nature. 

The Forest Retreat hub serves as a central meeting point with fire pits, games and cosy seating for evening relaxation.

What are the food options like?

The Forest Retreat Café is a cosy spot for all-day dining and popular for family brunches and snacks. Breakfast is served from 9am but we made the most of the in-cabin kitchen facilities then indulged in elevenses at the café with a coffee and cake a little later on. 

Takeaway dishes like burgers, pizza, curry and fried chicken can be ordered directly to your cabin. We opted for the burgers on the first night (piping hot, delicious but not as tender as they could have been), and while we were too late to pre-order pizza, we tried some of the small plates on Saturday afternoon, which worked out really well. We had the truffle fries and hot chicken, which we found very tasty. The charcuterie board option looked good too. And the mini menu features child-friendly dishes like sausages and chicken tenders. Note that delivery is available until 7pm. 

The food options are somewhat limited but most guests stay on a self-catering basis, making the most of the spacious cabins and outdoor kitchens. And there are supermarkets (Sainsbury’s, Tesco, M&S Food) within easy reach in nearby Peebles, less than a 10-minute drive away. There’s also a small on-site shop for handy supplies. 

What is there to do nearby?

Peebles is a charming market town just down the road, home to independent shops, coffee shops and cosy pubs (we enjoyed Sunday lunch at The Crown Hotel). The Scottish Borders region offers endless outdoor adventures, from riverside walks and scenic cycle routes to heritage sites like Neidpath Castle.

Go Ape Peebles is a must for thrill-seeking families, while walkers can tackle nearby Tweed Valley trails for breathtaking views. Edinburgh is just over an hour away by car - perfect for a day trip if you fancy a city fix before retreating back to the forest’s calm embrace. 

About the author

Jasmin Chahal is an Account Manager at Mumsnet and works on commercial partnerships to showcase brands and products that make parents’ lives easier. She is part of our esteemed team of in-house testers. 

She appreciates good food, travel and art, and is especially passionate about experiences that bring these elements together for the whole family to enjoy.

About the editor

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids. 

About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet hotel reviews are written by real people after extensive hands-on testing. We travel with children to test out how each property caters to families and assess whether it's genuinely geared up for kids. We test the beds, amenities and food, and explore the local area to highlight stand-out features and address any concerns. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. We may be hosted on a complimentary basis and sometimes we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage and we will only ever publish an honest review.