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The Retreat, Coleford

Gloucestershire » Coleford
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The Retreat is a spacious lodge in Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean, perfect for groups of up to eight guests. This property features an outdoor hot tub, ideal for unwinding after exploring the surrounding woodland. The lodge offers off-road parking for two cars and sits within easy reach of local attractions.

The Forest of Dean provides a peaceful countryside setting. Ancient woodland surrounds the area, with walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities nearby. The location balances rural tranquillity with accessible amenities.

Accommodation includes eight guests sleeping across the property. The lodge contains bathrooms for guest convenience. Social spaces feature an open-plan living area with kitchen and dining facilities.

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About The Retreat

The Retreat is a spacious lodge in Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean, perfect for groups of up to eight guests. This property features an outdoor hot tub, ideal for unwinding after exploring the surrounding woodland. The lodge offers off-road parking for two cars and sits within easy reach of local attractions.

The Forest of Dean provides a peaceful countryside setting. Ancient woodland surrounds the area, with walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities nearby. The location balances rural tranquillity with accessible amenities.

Accommodation includes eight guests sleeping across the property. The lodge contains bathrooms for guest convenience. Social spaces feature an open-plan living area with kitchen and dining facilities. Modern amenities throughout make this suitable for extended group stays.

Puzzlewood lies 2.5 miles away (8 minutes). Clearwell Caves sits 3 miles distant (10 minutes). Symonds Yat Rock offers views 6 miles away (15 minutes). Beechenhurst Lodge provides forest activities 4 miles distant (12 minutes).

The Retreat suits families and friend groups wanting forest exploration with home comforts. The hot tub and woodland location create a memorable group getaway.

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Local Insights: The Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Coleford, Gloucestershire

Weather & Local Conditions

11Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 23 Oct 2026, 4:13am

🌑️
10.50Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
9 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

67m

(220 feet above sea level)

The Retreat sits in a peaceful Gloucestershire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
67m
Elevation
πŸ“
Coleford
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Coleford are typical Gloucestershire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.8639530Β° N | Longitude: 2.460347Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Coleford (Friday, 23 October 2026):

6:48am

Sunrise

3:59pm

Golden Hour

4:59pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
6:48am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
4:59pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
3:59pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:59pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Coleford, you have approximately 10.19 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Gloucestershire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 23 Oct 2026 | Location: 51.8639530, -2.4603470

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Retreat

Hot Tub Relaxation

The outdoor hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to relax together after days exploring the Forest of Dean's ancient woodland trails.

Forest Location

Set within the Forest of Dean, guests appreciate the peaceful woodland surroundings and easy access to walking routes directly from the property.

Group Space

The open-plan living area gives groups plenty of room to gather, cook together and enjoy quality time without feeling cramped or restricted.

Parking Convenience

Off-road parking for two cars means groups arriving in separate vehicles have secure, convenient parking right at the lodge entrance.

Modern Facilities

Contemporary kitchen equipment and two bathrooms ensure larger groups can self-cater efficiently and manage morning routines without queuing or delays.

Nearby Attractions

Families love the proximity to Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves, both under ten minutes away, making day trips easy to organise and enjoy.

Getting To The Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Retreat by car, take the A4136 through the Forest of Dean and follow signs towards the property location. The lodge offers convenient off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Lydney, approximately 8 miles away. From there, a taxi journey takes you through the forest to your accommodation.

Off-road parking for two cars
Lydney station (8 miles)
Accessible via A4136 through Forest of Dean

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Gloucester Cathedral
Distance: 10.2 miles (17 min drive)
GL1 2LR
Puzzlewood
Distance: 10.6 miles (20 min drive)
GL16 8QB
Cheese Rolling
Distance: 17.9 miles (28 min drive)
GL3 4SB
Gloucestershire Way
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Plump Hill Dolomite Quarry
Distance: 2.3 miles (4 min drive)
GL17 0EZ
May Hill
Distance: 4.7 miles (10 min drive)
GL17 0RF
Lidl
Distance: 5 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2LY
Camerons
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2SH
Skoops Cards
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2SQ
Gloucester Station
Distance: 10.7 miles (18 min drive)
GL1 1DE
Gloucester Transport Hub
Distance: 10.6 miles (18 min drive)
GL1 1SZ
Bristol Airport
Distance: 55.3 miles (1 hr 18 min drive)
BS48 3DY
Gloucester Cathedral
Distance: 10.2 miles (17 min drive)
GL1 2LR
Puzzlewood
Distance: 10.6 miles (20 min drive)
GL16 8QB
Cheese Rolling
Distance: 17.9 miles (28 min drive)
GL3 4SB
Gloucestershire Way
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Plump Hill Dolomite Quarry
Distance: 2.3 miles (4 min drive)
GL17 0EZ
May Hill
Distance: 4.7 miles (10 min drive)
GL17 0RF
Lidl
Distance: 5 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2LY
Camerons
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2SH
Skoops Cards
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
GL14 2SQ
Gloucester Station
Distance: 10.7 miles (18 min drive)
GL1 1DE
Gloucester Transport Hub
Distance: 10.6 miles (18 min drive)
GL1 1SZ
Bristol Airport
Distance: 55.3 miles (1 hr 18 min drive)
BS48 3DY

Is The Retreat Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will enjoy exploring Puzzlewood's magical woodland just 2.5 miles away, featuring twisted trees and moss-covered rocks used in film locations. Clearwell Caves offers underground adventures 3 miles distant. Beechenhurst Lodge provides Go Ape activities and forest trails 4 miles away. The hot tub at the property gives evening entertainment. Symonds Yat Rock allows wildlife spotting including peregrine falcons. The forest setting provides space for outdoor games and nature exploration.
Groups Will Love...
The outdoor hot tub at The Retreat provides excellent group entertainment throughout your stay. After days exploring Forest of Dean trails or visiting local caves, six guests can soak together under the stars. The hot tub creates a social focal point for evening gatherings. Woodland surroundings add to the peaceful atmosphere whilst you relax. This feature transforms a standard lodge stay into something more memorable for groups wanting both activity and relaxation.
Pet Friendly
The property details provided do not confirm whether The Retreat accepts pets. You must contact the property owner directly before booking if you plan to bring dogs. Many Forest of Dean properties welcome pets given the excellent walking opportunities, but policies vary between individual lodges. Always verify pet acceptance, any restrictions on breeds or numbers and whether additional fees apply before confirming your group booking to avoid issues.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Retreat

The Speech House Hotel

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL16 7EL

The Wyndham Arms

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL16 8JN

The White Horse Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL16 8AE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Retreat

Is The Retreat pet friendly?
The property details do not confirm pet acceptance, so you should contact the owner directly before booking if travelling with dogs. Always verify pet policies to avoid disappointment on arrival.
How many people does The Retreat sleep?
The lodge accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms, making it suitable for two families sharing or a group of friends. Two bathrooms help manage morning routines efficiently.
What cooking facilities are available?
The open-plan kitchen includes modern appliances for self-catering, allowing groups to prepare meals together. Full equipment means you can cook proper dinners rather than relying on eating out constantly.
Is there a hot tub at the property?
Yes, The Retreat features an outdoor hot tub for guest use throughout your stay. This provides excellent evening entertainment for groups wanting to relax after exploring the forest.
Where is parking located?
Off-road parking for two cars is provided directly at the property. Groups arriving in multiple vehicles should coordinate as space is limited to two parking spots.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Puzzlewood sits 2.5 miles away (8 minutes), whilst Clearwell Caves is 3 miles distant (10 minutes). Symonds Yat Rock offers panoramic views 6 miles away and Beechenhurst Lodge provides forest activities 4 miles from the property.
How far is the nearest train station?
Metheringham station is 7.3 miles from The Retreat, requiring a taxi for the final leg. Most groups find driving more practical for exploring the Forest of Dean's scattered attractions.
What makes this good for groups?
The combination of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living space and hot tub creates an ideal group setup. Woodland location and nearby attractions provide activities for various ages and interests.

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