Nestled on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Oakdean Cottage Yurt offers a peaceful off-grid escape, surrounded by woodland and nature. It's the perfect place to slow down, relax around the campfire and explore one of Britain's most beautiful forests. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife; deer, wild boar, foxes and squirrels, while birdwatchers can often spot woodpeckers, red kites and a wide variety of woodland birds. Children love searching for glow worms, lizards and the many butterflies, dragonflies and other insects that thrive around the garden and woodlands. Whether you're five or fifty, there's always something fascinating to discover if you take the time to look. Set on a level deck within our hillside orchard, the yurt enjoys views across village rooftops towards the Gloucestershire countryside. Handcrafted by yak herders in Mongolia, it features traditional latticework, yak leather bindings and yak wool insulation, creating an authentic and cosy place to stay. Inside you'll find a double bed and a double sofa bed, making it ideal for couples or small families. The forest can be accessed right from the gate, and a map and local tips are provided for the miles of leisurely walking, running or cycle tracks. The Forest of Dean offers something for everyone, from young families and adventurous cyclists to walkers, wildlife lovers and local history enthusiasts. Many attractions are within walking distance, while others are just a short drive away, with excellent cafés and country pubs to enjoy along the way. While the yurt itself is without electricity, just across the path (approx. 4 metres) are your private bathroom with hot shower, kitchenette, electricity, covered dining/cooking area and separate fire pit, all for your exclusive use. Please note: Due to the naturally steep terrain, with steps and paths in most areas, it is unfortunately not suitable for people with mobility issues (under 3's must be supervised). Paths can be slippery when wet.

We live in the cottage next door, on site with our two young children, so we're usually nearby if you need anything during your stay. We're always happy to recommend our favourite walks, cycle routes, cafés and places to visit, but we'll also happily leave you to enjoy the peace and quiet if you'd rather be left to yourselves. We have lived here for several years, but the Forest of Dean still manages to surprise us. We love exploring new places and discovering hidden corners, so we're happy to share our favourite finds or help you plan your stay. As a family, we're always finding new places to explore. Our daughter loves using the Merlin Bird ID app to identify birds by their song (which there are many), while clear evenings often end with us using a stargazing app to spot planets and constellations. If you'd like to try either during your stay, we're always happy to point you in the right direction. One of our favourite moments is seeing guests catch their first glimpse of the yurt through the trees. We know you'll feel comfortable and at home from the moment you arrive.

Peaceful, quiet and wonderfully dark at night, the yurt sits right on the south-eastern edge of the Forest of Dean, making it an ideal place to switch off, relax and enjoy the stars, with almost no light pollution making it a fantastic place for stargazing. Deer, owls and squirrels are regular visitors, and if you're lucky, you might even hear wild boar snuffling in the neighbouring field after dark. A 15-minute walk from the yurt, Bradley Hill rewards visitors with spectacular carpets of bluebells in spring and far-reaching views across the River Severn towards the Cotswold Hills throughout the year. Soudley Ponds, around a 40-minute walk or 5-minute drive away, is one of our favourite local spots. Here you'll find beautiful woodland ponds (where you may spot the kingfisher if you are lucky), the Dean Heritage Centre, a Gruffalo Trail for younger visitors, and a welcoming café serving breakfasts, lunches and homemade cakes. Blakeney village is around a 15-minute walk away and offers a convenience store, fish and chip shop, café, and two pubs serving food. Whether you're looking for peaceful woodland walks, family days out, mountain biking, wildlife watching or simply somewhere to unwind in nature, the Forest of Dean has something for everyone.