Secret Escape to the Forest

View prices & book 9.6 21 reviews
Outdoor seating and fire pit to relax outside the Shepherd's hut
Outdoor seating and fire pit to relax outside the shepherd's hut
Exterior
Picnic table by the hut
Path to the hut
Rural views around the hut
Steps up to the door
Shepherd's huts with outdoor space
Space to relax outside
1/36
Exterior
Picnic table by the hut
Path to the hut

  • Ensuite shepherd's huts on a quiet site in the Forest of Dean
  • Puzzlewood, Clearwell caves and canoeing within 10 minutes' drive
  • Barbecues, picnic tables and firepits provided; hot tubs for a fee
Psst… fancy fleeing away for a forest adventure? Slope off quietly if you can – the whole point of Gloucestershire getaway Secret Escape To The Forest is to keep things as peaceful as possible. The forest you’ll be secretly escaping to is the fab Forest of Dean, on the cusp of the border between England and Wales. It forms the stunning surrounds for this family-run site five minutes’ drive from Coleford and 10 minutes from Monmouth. Many a mile of track awaits for folk who fancy wandering in the woods (keep your eyes open for deer as you go…), and the River Wye’s a 10-minute drive away for riverside rambles and canoe trips. Even closer than any of these is the little village of Staunton, 10 minutes’ walk away and home to a splendid country pub with a tasty food menu. If you’d rather stay squirrelled away serenely on site, you can cook meals at your shepherd hut’s little kitchen area or settle down outside, where each hut has a picnic table and barbecue or firepit for alfresco meals. That firepit’s a handy thing to have around on chillier evenings, too, as is the woodburning stove inside the hut and the two woodfired hot tubs that are available to hire for an additional cost (bring your own towels).

Campground type

Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 3
Open all year
Opens
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • Facilities/activities including hot tubs are subject to extra charges payable on arrival.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
  • No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • As the shepherd's huts have steps they may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Languages spoken

English

Campsite types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCamper sitesRV sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsMobile homes for rentRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children

Reviews

9.6

Overall rating from 21 Pitchup.com customers View breakdown

  • 85%
    10
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    9
  • 9%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 4%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    4
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    3
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    2
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    1
Peaceful

95% would recommend this campground to a friend

95% would stay here again

Reviews page 1 of 3
Arrival date (latest first)

Everything. Cute and very clean little cabin, well equipped with everything…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Acorn 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked Everything. Cute and very clean little cabin, well equipped with everything we needed. Very comfortable stay.
Friendly host, made the stay easy.
Great to have firewood included.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect,

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Nicola S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Foxglove 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked Absolutely love this place, this was our second visit and it was perfect once again. Hut is immaculate and you get very good directions and instructions. Lots of walking through the secret gate.
Hosts have thought of everything!
We will be returning,

Recommend to friends Visit again

well located right by the forest with easy access to walks, quiet…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Emma W. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Bluebell 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked well located right by the forest with easy access to walks, quiet and relaxing, close to the A road for access but still feels like you are in nature we even saw some deer on our walks.
cosy, good use of space, good quality shower, bed was comfortable

Disliked a shower mat or sharp knife to cut with would have been useful

Recommend to friends Visit again

Hut and location lovely, a few things can improve.

Overall 6/10

Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 6
Facilities / Activities
 4
Customer service
 6
Child friendliness
 8
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 8
Theo K. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Bluebell 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked The shepherd's hut is in a field with a relaxing forest view, great for escaping into nature, lighting a campfire and stargazing. The inside is pretty, cosy and quite spacious for a hut. Hosts are quick to reply to messages. Mattress v comfy. Can hear cars from nearby road, but it was pretty quiet.

Disliked It wasn't clear that we had to pay extra for the hot tub until after booking. This is not stated on their website or the Pitchup website, so it felt a bit like false advertising to have images of it & reviews mentioning it. Also disappointed that we didn't have a fire pit and had to ask to use one from a neighbouring hut. A bowl was dirty and had not been washed. Finally, towels are not provided, which was a bit inconvenient (the pre-arrival info does tell you to bring your own though, but we didn't read it early enough).

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant location and facilities, little touches were great 😊

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 2
Amanda M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Foxglove 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked We were a group of 3 mums with our children, we all loved it. Location, facilities, set up. All brilliant! 🤩

Disliked I didn’t read the blurb properly so would have asked to include the hot tub (we ll do that next time!)

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic glamping experience!

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 2
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Acorn 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked Super location. Hut was very comfortable, clean and well appointed. Great communication. Would love to stay again!!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Good communication. Didn't use the hot tub, but great view if you do.

Overall 10/10

Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 8
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Sarah J. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Bluebell 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked Lovely quiet setting, even had deer visit one night. I was the only guest there the second night but felt safe and secure. Comfy bed all set up. Basic pans, cutlery, dishes etc provided. Great hot shower. Just needed my own towels and toiletries. Would visit again.

Disliked Missed the gate twice (my fault not theirs!) But they did say it was secret!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The level of communication from kind and friendly owners. Beautiful setting. Stunning…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Loll N. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Bluebell 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked The level of communication from kind and friendly owners. Beautiful setting. Stunning accommodation. Log burner and bathroom facilities were wonderful. Very comfortable and cosy bed. Peaceful beautiful surroundings. Just the right size for my young daughter and me.

Disliked Got slightly confused at first because the small forest gate instructions made me think that that was the entrance to the shepherds huts but that was mostly my own stupidity ha ha. No other dislikes. Would book again!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Couldn't find anything wrong with the place or site.

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Andrew r. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Bluebell 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked The shepherds hut was ideal for our stay very lovely and quiet area lovely wooded walks and plenty of R&R. Communication with owners was very straightforward and easy to follow directions. If you are wanting internet access then this is not for you. It was great to be disconnected.

Disliked One thing which would make stay a little better would be a little welcome pack of local walks around the wood and area. Also a user guide for the hot plate.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful location. Lovely cabin, clean, comfortable & well equipped

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Foxglove 1 bedroom shepherd's hut

Liked Beautiful location.
Lovely cabin, clean, comfortable & very well equipped. The way the site is laid out means you have your privacy.
Easy booking with clear instructions on where to find site etc.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

No dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Hot tub Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed No pets allowed

Themes

Forest Hikers’ paradise Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Tennis nearby

Location

Secret Escape to the Forest

Staunton Road

Staunton

Coleford

Gloucestershire

England

GL16 8NT

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

51.80864°N
2.64738°W

Route directions

The entrance is next to the 30 mph sign, with big black gates and a space to pull in. You will be met on arrival by one of the family. Please check your email after you have booked for additional information and directions.

Nearest transport

Bus
3.1 mi Bus Station
7.8 mi Cantilupe Road
11.7 mi Bus Station
Rail
8.2 mi Lydney Rail Station
11.7 mi Chepstow Rail Station
13.9 mi Cam & Dursley Rail Station
Ferry
9.1 mi Lydney Harbour
9.1 mi Sharpness Old Docks
21.2 mi Bristol Docks Ferry Landing
Airport
21.7 mi Gloucestershire Airport
29.3 mi Bristol International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

You’ll want to start with a wander (or few) around the Forest of Dean… If standard woodland trails aren’t doing it for the kids, take them over to Puzzlewood (10 minutes’ drive) to meander along magic-themed paths in search of fairies, unicorns and dragons. And if that’s not their scene either, add a bit of adventure to the equation on the treetop rope courses at the Go Ape park (10 minutes), or sign up for raft building, climbing and other escapades in Coleford. Caves, canoes and castles should certainly be on the schedule too – start by getting underground at Clearwell Caves (10 minutes), then return to the surface for canoe trips from Monmouth (10 minutes) or Symonds Yat (15 minutes). If you pick the latter, you may end up paddling past Goodrich Castle; if not, it’s worth driving up there (15 minutes) to see the ruined Norman pile. If you’ve got an eye for all things that move, take the trip to Coleford (five minutes) to visit the Great Western Railway Museum and ride on the Perrygrove Railway. Should you prefer to peek at pretty little things, make your way to the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo (15 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Clevedon Beach 27.3 mi Estuary N/AGoodGoodGood

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Caldicot Castle & Country Park 3 mi

Goodrich Castle 4.4 mi

Raglan Castle 9 mi

WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre 11.4 mi

Chepstow Castle 11.5 mi

National Trust

The Kymin 1.8 mi

Skenfrith Castle 7.9 mi

Westbury Court Garden 10.1 mi

Woodchester Park 17.2 mi

Ashleworth Tithe Barn 18.1 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

A4136 - Longstone - Forest Trail - A4136 0.2 mi

Staunton - Highmeadow Woods - Symonds Yat 0.3 mi

Staunton - Buckstone - Hearkening Rock - Staunton 0.8 mi

A4136 - The Kymin - Wysis Way - A4136 1 mi

The Kymin - Monmouth - Wyesham 1.6 mi

Local events

  • Green Man Festival (Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Thursday, August 14, 2025)

    Crickhowell, Wales 22.9 mi

  • Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (Friday, August 8, 2025 – Friday, August 8, 2025)

    Bristol, England 25.3 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Offers

Conditions apply - see campsite type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Gloucestershire?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Secret Escape to the Forest have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Secret Escape to the Forest dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Secret Escape to the Forest? You’ll want to start with a wander (or few) around the Forest of Dean… If standard woodland trails aren’t doing it for the kids, take them over to Puzzlewood (10 minutes’ drive) … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Secret Escape to the Forest?
    On-park accommodation
    Arrive:  4 p.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Secret Escape to the Forest? From $136.74 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.