Get a feel for the Forest of Dean with a stay at Oakdean Cottage Yurt. This single off-grid yurt on a smallholding is surrounded by a wildlife-rich woodland offering plenty of opportunities to spot wild boar, foxes, squirrels, and deer. The wood-burning stove and campfire area help to make glamping in a yurt feel like an appropriate way to stay on the edge of this ancient forest. And although it’s rustic with wild surroundings, it’s comfortably domestic too. It’s set up on a steep hillside in a garden setting, overlooking rooftops and Gloucestershire farmland.
The yurt sits on a level deck in this sloping orchard garden and has its own bathroom and kitchen shed with running hot and cold water – and an electricity supply. There’s also a covered dining and cooking area. That’s all the functional stuff but the yurt itself is the interesting bit. It’s as authentic as it gets; crafted by yak herders in Mongolia. The insulation is yak wool and the latticework is held together with strips of yak leather. Inside, there’s a double bed and a double sofa bed, making it as good for families as it is for couples. It’s worth noting, though, that the yurt’s raised platform makes it unsuitable for those with children under three.
You can walk directly from site into the forest and you don’t even have to go that far to see and hear some of its wildlife. Birds, bats, and deer are all sometimes seen in the yurt’s immediate surroundings and just hanging about in the hammocks may be all the advantage you need. A handy walking map is provided in the yurt along with tips on places to eat, drink, and visit. Peaceful Soudley Ponds with the Dean Heritage Centre is a good place to head for, a walkable two miles away. There, you’ll find impressive trees, a good cafe to refuel at and all the information you’ll need to make your trip to the Forest of Dean memorable. Though, having said that, if you’re staying at Oakdean Cottage yurt, we'd say that much is already guaranteed.
Our Mongolian yurt is cut into steep hillside, between plum and hazel trees, with gorgeous views over the valley. A purpose built and self contained shower room and kitchenette is 25 meters away, and a covered picnic shelter and woodland campfire area are just next to the yurt. You have exclusive use of all facilities.
You can walk directly into the forest from the yurt, with amazing hillside walks and spectacular views. We are a short distance from Blakeney, which has a shop, chip shop, and pubs, and Soudley which has the Dean Heritage Centre, and the beautiful Soudley ponds.
The terrain is steep. There are steps and smooth paths in most areas but please be aware that it may be challenging.
