Whitemead Forest Park review: a fun woodland escape in the Forest of Dean

Set in acres of woodland in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean, Whitemead Forest Park is a lush holiday park home to log cabins, glamping pods and apartments. I stayed with my husband and our two-year-old twins for a long weekend of outdoorsy fun and we loved the range of activities, spacious accommodation and good food. 

From swimming sessions to teddy bear making to pottery making, there’s plenty for the whole to do. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate, and the nearby forest offers serene, nature-filled walks. All in all, it was a delightful stay with only a few minor areas for improvement, and we left feeling relaxed and refreshed.

How we tested

We visited Whitemead Forest Park as a family of four and stayed for three nights over a weekend. We opted for a self-catering cabin but also tried out breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant. We took advantage of some of the activities available for our children, including the teddy bear making session and pottery painting, as well as spending plenty of time at the resort’s swimming pool. We also explored the nearby Gruffalo trail, which was perfect for our little ones.

What’s the accommodation like?

Our Woodland Lodge was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. We had everything we needed for a self-catered stay including a well-stocked kitchen with plates, pans, and utensils. The resort also provided a useful welcome pack with essentials like washing up liquid and a tea towel. The accommodation had two bathrooms, which was handy for bathing the children.

One standout feature was the enclosed terrace area, ideal for relaxing while keeping young children safe. While we were there in autumn, I can imagine it being a great spot to enjoy during warmer months.

One small point to note - the front door can be opened from the inside; something that my toddlers figured out how to do. It's reassuring to know that there's fire-proofing in place but worth keeping an eye on small fingers at all times!

In addition to the Woodland Lodges there are also three-bedroom log cabins that sleep up to six as well as larger apartments sleeping between four and six and a bungalow for groups of eight. The cute wooden Glamping Pods offer a cosy alternative to camping and the Mega Pods are better suited to larger families. To make your stay more luxurious, consider booking a log cabin or bungalow with a private hot tub. 

What activities are on offer?

Whitemead Forest Park offers a range of activities, particularly for children. We signed up for teddy bear making and pottery painting, which were fun if a little basic. These activities took place in a dark room at the bar which could have been improved with better lighting or a bit of background music to create a more engaging atmosphere.

The swimming pool is open from 8am to 8pm, and we spent a lot of time there with our twins. While it doesn’t have slides or other water features, the pool is perfect for young children, with a good-sized toddler pool alongside the main one. The resort also runs activities like miniature golf and discos for older children.

What’s the food like?

The food at Whitemead Forest Park is what you’d expect from a family holiday park with pizzas, burgers and chips on offer. It’s good quality and there are lots of options for kids. The on-site coffee shop was a particular highlight, with delicious hot chocolates topped with cream and marshmallows - perfect for a treat after a day of activities.

There’s also a small on-site shop which sells bread, sausages, tinned foods, swimwear and sweets etc. All the necessities in case you forget anything!

What is there to do nearby?

The Forest of Dean offers plenty of outdoor activities, and we took advantage of the nearby Gruffalo trail, just a 10-minute drive away. It’s a fun, interactive trail for young children, and our twins loved spotting the Gruffalo characters. There are also other nearby attractions like bike rentals and a Go Ape adventure course, making it an ideal location for families that enjoy outdoor adventures.

Final thoughts

Overall, we had a wonderful stay at Whitemead Forest Park. The Forest of Dean location is ideal for nature lovers, and the resort itself offers plenty of family-friendly activities. While some aspects of the activity sessions and play areas could be improved, the comfortable accommodation, tasty food, and beautiful surroundings made for a relaxing and enjoyable break. We would definitely recommend Whitemead for a family getaway, particularly for those with young children looking to enjoy nature and some simple, fun activities.

About the author

Lizzie Fuller is the Head of Client Services at Mumsnet. Before joining Mumsnet, Lizzie worked at The Stylist Group and EMAP Publishing, where she gained experience delivering creative and commercial partnerships.

As a mum of two-year-old twins, Lizzie is no stranger to multitasking. When she's not navigating the world of client services, she enjoys unwinding with hot yoga, catching a show at the theatre, and spending quality weekends away with her family.