New government guidelines mean we are now able to travel for holidays in one household, so we have rounded up the best forest holidays with self-catering accommodation close by for you to enjoy with your family – and in some locations – the pet pooch!
Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
As the largest forest in County Durham, Hamsterley forest offers ample activities for the whole family including multiple adventure play-grounds for all ages and various mountain biking trails – with full mountain bike hire facilities.
If you fancy something a bit more relaxing, you can simply enjoy the range of walking routes this extensive forest has to offer, and part-take in some peaceful stargazing once the sun sets. Also on site are scenic picnic areas and BBQ’s, perfect for an outdoor meal, and dogs are welcome too.
This beautiful places is ideal for your forest holiday and it really does offer something for everyone. We have found luxury retreats close-by:
Skyline, Barnard Castle, County Durham, North of England
Set in the idyllic town of Richmond in County Durham, this stunning property can accommodate up to ten guests and is sure to take your breath away – almost as much as the High and Low force Waterfalls and Hamsterley forest which is just 10 miles away.
Spacious, and tastefully decorated, this striking property is a mix of old and contemporary living, with opening glass doors looking out onto a spacious terrace enclosed with flagstone walling and completed with furniture, BBQ and hot tub so that you can sit back and soak up the stunning views of the River Tees.
Key Amenities:
• 10 miles from Hamsterley Forest
• Sleeps up to 10 people
• Stunning decor
• Hot-tub on sight
• Pets welcome
Prices vary based on season and duration, but you can book this property for around £700 per night at www.hottubretreat.com
Burnhill Hishop, Consett, North of England
Nestled on a working farm, this property is great for an action-packed get-away as it is perfectly located for trips to Northumberland National Park, Hadrians Wall, Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.
Create an action packed holiday filled with cycling, walking or touring then come home and step out from the kitchen into a stunning garden area, relax and enjoy the views.
If you head on to the right on the gable end of the cottage you will find your very own private enclosed patio area with seating and pretty lighting and not to mention eco-friendly wood fired hot-tub to soak in.
Key Amenities:
• Close to Northumberland National Park and
• Within driving distance to Hamsterley Forest
• Sleeps up to 7 people
• Hot-tub on site
• Pets are not permitted
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Derwent Reservoir, County Durham
Although not a forest, Derwent reservoir sits within picturesque woodland and is perfect for families with younger children. Derwent Reservoir has a large outdoor play area, as well as a range of scenic walks and bike routes, also perfect for pooches that are keen to explore.
There is an on-site cafe to buy food and drink or you can opt to dine Al-Fresco in one of the scenic picnic areas. For water-lovers, fishing, water sports and swimming is an option.
Come night time, enjoy England’s Dark Skies – meaning this is a place with low light pollution, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky – and you can even see planets like Jupiter and Saturn and have the best view of meteor showers that take place across the year – wow!
We have found the perfect luxury retreats for you nearby to make this the perfect forest holiday:
Burnhill Hishope, County Durham, North of England
A perfect couples get-away, this stylish cottage is situated close to the Cathedral City of Durham and near to Derwent Reservoir. With lots to do close by; fish angling at Waskerley and walking and cycling routes at Pennine Way, it’s the perfect escape for hikers, dog walkers (dogs are welcome in the property) and cyclists.
Or if you prefer to unwind, you could enjoy a luxurious relaxing spa treatment at Slaley Hall or play a round at the prestigious championship standard 18 hole course then come home, take a seat in the spacious and tastefully decorated lounge and throw open the doors to your own private patio complete with woodturning hot tub – perfect!
Key Amenities:
• Close to Derwent Reservoir
• Sleeps 2 perfect, for a couple retreat
• Hot tub on site
• Pets welcome
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Derwent Cottage One, Consett, North of England
This picturesque holiday cottage is an excellent choice for those who like to exercise while away as this offers access to on-site leisure facilities as well as being in prime position for experiencing a wide range of outdoor sports and pursuits throughout the county.
When you’re not exercising, strolling through the 20 acres of private ground or exploring the surrounding areas of Northumberland, you can perch in the 6 state hot-tub situated in the walled grass garden and relax – you earned it!
Key Amenities:
• Close to Derwent Reservoir
• Sleeps up to 6 people
• Hot tub on site
• Gym facilities
• Pets are not permitted
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Riverbank, Consett, North of England
Perfect for families, this impressive holiday home is nestled in a quiet spot adjacent to the River Derwent and enjoys views of National Trust woodland from the house which you can enjoy through the bi-folding doors or step out into the spacious garden (perfect for pets) that’s boasts its own private access gate to the woodlands.
There is also a raised deck area complete with hot tub and fire fit for cosy nights under the stars or and even a summer house complete with sofas and TV. You can also maintain your fitness during your stay there is access to a small private gym. This beautiful property really has it all.
Key Amenities:
• Close to Derwent Reservoir with private access to woodlands
• Stunning views
• Sleeps up to 6
• Hot tub on site
• Summer House
• Gym facilities
• Pets are not permitted
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, this is the largest working forest in England. Kielder forest is not to be missed, offering up a range of exciting activities such as mountain bike trails and water activities such as canoeing, sailing and water-skiing (subject to weather).
If you want to opt for something a little more relaxing, enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake shoreline, or enjoy a truly unique experience and spectate the stunning ‘Darkest Skies in England” at Northumberland International Dark Sky Park which has been awarded making it the largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park area of protected night sky in Europe.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or romance, Kielder park has something for everyone, including on-site accommodation, making it the perfect forest holiday:
The Sky Den, Kielder Forest
A one-of-a-kind property, the Sky Den was built by William Hardie Designs with the creative and quirky George Clarke, for the second series of his imagination-catching Channel 4 programme George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces – so it is pretty impressive.
Composed of three parts that blend together to create a lifting roof, the den brings the outdoors indoors and allows you the opportunity to enjoy the scaling forest views and beautifully tranquil Dark Sky. You can be sure that you won’t find many places like this and it will certainly make your forest holiday one to remember.
Key Amenities:
• Situated in Kielder Forest
• Sleeps up to 4 people
• A unique experience
• Pets allowed
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.canopyandstars.co.uk
Kielder Waterside Accommodation
If you want to stay close to the action, Kielder Forest Waterside offers a fleet of fifty lodges which are available to book, some are pet friendly, and other options include; hot tubs, BBQ huts and Stargazing Pods so that you can tailor your perfect Forest holiday experience.
With a contemporary design and stylish amenities, you will feel right at home in this beautiful forest location set within the heart of Northumberland under the darkest skies in England, there is truly nowhere else like it.
Key Amenities:
• Situated in Kielder Forest
• Sleeps up to 6 people
• Range of options such as BBQs, star-gazing pods
• Pets allowed in some lodges
Prices vary based on season, to view prices and book, visit www.visitkielder.com
Thrunton Woods, Alnwick, Northumberland
Go walking, mountain biking or horse riding and discover wild scenery as you cut through the forests, breaking out into open moorland with striking views across the Whittingham Vale and the Cheviot Hills. There are no play-parks but dogs are welcome and the forest boasts an array of wildlife including deer and birds.
We have found some accommodation nearby that is almost as spectacular as the forest views views:
Ravenslaw House, Alnwick, North of England
Close to Alnwick and in driving distance to Thrunton Woods, this former home of William Hardy (the famous fishing tackle manufacturer) was built in 1892 in the style of a Scottish country house and has been lovingly preserved and modernised – still retaining its opulent character – to create a truly unique holiday.
The highly impressive property offers a unique experience and plenty of space both in and outdoors for children to explore, as well as pets. Spend quality time together in the spacious and elegant house or head outside the sheltered patio area for a dip in the hot tub with room for seven and spend some restorative time in the four-seater sauna.
The enclosed garden is a lovely place for children and pets to play. Benefitting from private parking for eight cars, this property is perfect for a large family trip that is sure to be memorable.
Key Amenities:
• Situated close Kielder Forest
• Sleeps up to 18 people
• Hot tub on site
• Pets are not allowed
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Northolme, Beadnell, North of England
This beautiful property is the perfect base for a fun-filled holiday near Thrunton Woods, that also allows a coastal aspect as it is located just metres from the beach at beautiful Beadnell Bay where you can enjoy activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, wakeboarding and waterskiing.
Also featuring a BBQ and separate gated area – you can add an extra bit of luxury with the use of the 7-seater luxury hot tub (additional fees will apply, by private arrangement with the owner prior to arrival).
Key Amenities:
• Situated close Kielder Forest
• Up to 8 guests
• Hot tub on site
• Pets are not allowed
Prices vary based on season, click here to view price and book, visit www.hottubretreat.com
Full details can be found on the Hot Tub Retreat website.
