Evans Holidays

Three self-catering cottages in the Forest of Dean, each with its own character and all surrounded by woodland. Whether you want to step straight onto the family cycle trail, walk through ancient oak woods, or just sit in the garden and watch the woodpeckers, these cottages put you right in the middle of it.

Pets welcome by arrangement across all three properties.

Soudley Cottage

Location: Upper Soudley, GL14 2TZ

Soudley Cottage sits in the backwaters of Upper Soudley, a quiet village in the heart of the forest. A five-minute walk in any direction takes you into woodland. The White Horse pub is just down the lane.

This is the one for a proper switch-off. No main roads, no noise. Just forest on your doorstep and a village pub within walking distance.

Oakwood Cottage

Location: 9 Cannop Villas, Cannop, Coleford, GL16 7EH

Sleeps: Up to 7 (double, twin, single, plus attic double with en-suite)

Oakwood is a 100-year-old cottage in the Cannop Valley Nature Reserve. The family cycle trail starts 200 metres from the front door, and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst is a ten-minute walk through the woods.

The cottage has a large garden with a raised deck, patio furniture and a barbecue. Bird feeders in the garden bring woodpeckers, nuthatches and finches right up to the dining room window.

Inside, there's a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, a dining room seating eight, and a lounge with a fireplace that can be opened up for a real fire on request. Wi-Fi throughout, off-road parking, and a storage shed if you're bringing your own bikes.

Coleford is three miles away for supermarkets and supplies. Cinderford is four miles in the other direction.

Woodside Cottage

Location: 10 Cannop Villas, Cannop, Coleford, GL16 7EH

Woodside Cottage is next door to Oakwood, set in the same stretch of the Cannop Valley Nature Reserve. Walk out of the garden gate and you're straight into oak woodland.

Like its neighbour, Woodside is 100 yards from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop, with bike storage available. The Sculpture Trail and Beechenhurst picnic area are a ten-minute woodland walk away.

The cottage has a large fenced garden with a barbecue, garden furniture, and bird feeders. Woodpeckers and nuthatches are regulars at the feeding station.

For full details, availability and booking, visit evansholidays.com.