Get in touch with nature in these idyllic forest stays

Studies show that time spent in woodland and green spaces is a great stress-buster for the whole family. Why not make it a focus of your next family break with one of these gorgeous UK forest breaks? All holidays are based on a family of four sharing.

1/10 Four nights in a two-bedroom Copper Beech cottage in the Forest of Dean

This modern, open plan woodland cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows is a great base for a back-to-nature stay this May half-term. Enjoy underfloor heating throughout the cabin, luxury eco-friendly Anyah toiletries and a fully equipped kitchen as well as the option to book an entertainment package including movies, internet access and all your favourite TV channels. Choose from two or three-bedroom lodges with private terrace, outdoor furniture and a specially designed lobby area for drying out wellies and outdoor clothing.

Guests can select from lodges in lush woodland or in open meadows and bike racks are outside each unit so the possibilities to explore are endless. All bed linen is included so all you need to bring is yourselves and a sense of adventure. Pet friendly cabins are available for those of you who wish to bring four-legged family members on holiday too.

For more information and to book visit Forest Holidays

2/10 Four nights in a two-bedroom Silver Birch lodge in Cropton, Yorkshire

Look forward to jumping in your own outdoor hot tub with this half-term break in the heart of Yorkshire. Enjoy the first barbecue of the year on your private deck after a long day exploring the countryside by foot or bike. The site offers convenient ways to kick-start your holiday including barbecue packs, pizza delivery and Indian takeaways brought straight to your door, meaning parents can really kick back and relax. Meet the on-site Forest Ranger to book hikes, woodland survival workshops (where you could whittle a branch to use for toasting marshmallows!), stargazing and more. There’s a laundry service to take a load of your mind and a cafe to grab a bite to eat before or after a long day’s wandering through the trees. You can even spot scenery from Harry Potter at Pickering Railway station before discovering the quaint market town.

For more information and to book visit Forest Holidays

3/10 Four nights in an off-grid wagon, Powys, Wales

A beautiful example of what can be done with natural materials and simple design, this four-berth wagon is nothing less than stunning. Nestled beside a river and accessible only by foot, bike or horse, the Black Mountain location makes it for an off-grid break. The tagine for cooking over the fire is an invitation to hone your traditional cooking skills, and a vintage suitcase packed full of board games and art supplies is a great feature for kids. A double bed and bunks for the kids create a cosy sleeping space.

For more information and to book visit Canopy and Stars

4/10 Four nights in a two-bedroom Woodland lodge, Suffolk

A firm favourite for family forest holidays, Center Parcs has everything to offer kids and adults alike. Stay in a sweet two-bedroom lodge amongst peaceful woodland and enjoy feeding the ducks and squirrels from your patio each morning. Spot the resident deer before heading to the fantastic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, complete with several pools, a lazy river, outdoor rapids and waterslides. There is a wide selection of restaurants and cafes as well as Treats, the sweet shop and toy store kids can’t get enough of. Extra activities include den building, a high-ropes aerial course, kayaking, teddy bears’ picnic, ballet classes, mini discos and more. Adults can kick back in the Aqua Sana spa and enjoy a relaxing massage or treatment.

For more information and to book visit Center Parcs

5/10 Four nights in a rustic cabin, Ceredigion, Wales

Unplug, unwind and take a digital detox while staying in this sweet cabin in the heart of Wales’ nature. The beach is just a five minute walk away and there is plenty of nearby woodland to get lost in. Outside, a picnic bench, open fire, and hammock make the perfect set-up for relaxing in the sunshine or under the stars. Inside the cabin, a simple open layout includes a double bedroom, bunk beds for kids and an earthy-vibe living and dining area complete with wood burning stove. If you fancy a bath head outside and take a dip in one of the two outdoor baths with panoramic views of the countryside (don’t worry there is a specially made cover for privacy). Paddle in the sea, stroll through the hills and toast marshmallows as the sun goes down.

For more information and to book visit Canopy and Stars

6/10 Seven nights in a National Park cottage, Cairngorms, Scotland

Check into this spacious wooden lodge on the edge of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Sleeping up to six people, the lodge is fully furnished with a large, open-plan bedroom, and covered outside balcony area. The ancient woodland of Anagach is on your doorstep, making this the perfect place to explore Scottish nature. Climbing, fishing and biking are all popular local activities, and the Cairngorm mountain range is also within driving distance for a trip on the funicular railway, plus there’s skiing or snowboarding in winter. Other family-friendly attractions nearby include a Reindeer Centre, a steam railway and an education outdoor centre.

For more information and to book visit Wilderness Cottages

7/10 Four nights at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

If you want the peace and quiet of nature combined with the luxury of a manor hotel, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in County Fermanagh is the perfect place for a short family break. The Family Guest rooms in the Lakeside Hotel offer complete indulgence, from complimentary full Irish breakfast for the whole family to high-speed WiFi and full access to the hotel’s health club and spa. Tea and coffee making facilities and daily newspapers are provided in-room and the hotel offers three dining options from casual to formal. There are National Trust properties and country walks nearby as well as a large lake to explore, making it a great base to discover the surrounding countryside.

For more information and to book visit Killyhevlin

8/10 Four nights in a lakeside cottage, Upper Loch Macnean, Northern Ireland

Enjoy a peaceful stay in an eco-friendly cottage on the shores of Upper Loch Macnean, between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Get into the swing of country living by stocking the wood-burning stove with the complimentary firewood and going for a ramble to spot local wildlife. Nearby natural attractions that kids will love include Devenish Island, Marble Arch caves, Florencecourt Forest Park and Fermanagh Lakelands. The cottage has garden furniture and a barbecue, so after your outdoor activities come back to your solar-powered holiday home to enjoy some sizzling sausages. The cottage has one double bed and one set of bunk beds and sleeps four.

For more information and to book visit Corralea Cottages.com

9/10 Four nights in a countryside yurt, Cromarty, Scotland

Soak up the bohemian vibes in one of these beautifully decorated Black Isle yurts 30km north of Inverness. Made from locally sourced wood and located in secluded sites, they offer a fun and unique experience for families wanting to get close to nature. All the yurts have comfortable beds, a wood burning stove, a gas cooker and grill. Guests are surrounded by 150 acres of woodland, beaches and farmlands to explore, with mountain bike trails and quaint villages such as Rosemarkie and Fortrose filled with historic arts and crafts and lovely eateries.

For more information and to book visit Quirky Accom

10/10 Four nights in a three-bedroom caravan, Norfolk

This spacious caravan in north Norfolk has three bedrooms, sleeping a total of six – perfect for larger families or for when the kids want to bring a friend along. Situated on Woodland Holiday Park and surrounded by acres of trees, this caravan is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The park’s clubhouse has an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, arcade room, and bar and restaurant for a self-contained break that the whole family can enjoy. There are also tennis courts, a snooker room and two outdoor adventure playgrounds which make a great place for kids to make new friends – boredom is not an option at Woodland Holiday Park! Caravans have a living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, two twin bedrooms and a double bedroom.

For more information and to book visit Woodland Holiday Park

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