Rowan Tree Retreat Reviews
17 Reviews
Ardel Rageh, August 2023
I have visited this cottage on a couple of occasions and have had a brilliant experience every time. Everything you need for a wonderful dog friendly stay is provided including some lovely human treats too.
Ardel, June 2023
This was our second stay at Rowan Tree Retreat, it’s a lovely cottage perfectly located for all you want see around the Forest of Dean. The lovely friendly owners are very helpful and always keen to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your stay. It was the experience from our first stay that made us return and once again we were not disappointed. There is everything you need (for both humans and pooches) and a lovely welcome package (again, for both humans and pooches)
We would totally recommend it for a great stay in the area.
Pauline, June 2023
We had a wonderful stay at this very comfortable lodge. Audrey was a great host and kindly left some lovely welcome treats. The lodge was spotlessly clean and well equipped. It was great to be able to walk through the gate straight into the forest and onto the walking path to Symonds Yat. We enjoyed the hot tub and it was a real treat to relax in it, looking out at the forest in the evening after a long day of walking. The enclosed garden was great for our little dog too. Two great local pubs with good food. Would thoroughly recommend this gorgeous lodge.
Ardel Rageh, August 2022
Lovely accommodation in great location. Very friendly and the booking process was really easy.
Fran, April 2022
The Rowan Tree Retreat was a perfect escape for a week away with the dog! Location being right on the edge of the forest means you can literally walk right out of the back gate. The property was spotless, essentials were waiting for us on arrival plus a few treats, really made the difference. After a long day walking, the hot tub was very welcome and amazing to relax in it with nothing but the sounds of the forest! The owner was really helpful and puts a lot of effort into the details, highly recommend!
Stacey, April 2022
Fantastic stay, with great amenities near by. Lovely personal touches such a fresh bread, Prosecco and even treats for our dog! Hot tub was a lovely added bonus. Had a lovely few days- thank you!
Amy, April 2022
We had a great time in the cottage. It had everything we needed and was spotlessly clean when we arrived. It was warm and cosy with the underfloor heating. We loved relaxing in the hot tub in the evening. We took two dogs so it was great that the cottage backed onto the forest so there were lots of opportunities for walks. We enjoyed walking to Symonds Yat Rock to see the lovely view and then down to the pub by the river for lunch. Audrey was a great host and replied very quickly to any of my emails giving her advice on things to do in the area, where to eat etc. Overall I would recommend this cottage and would enjoy coming back to stay here again in the future. Thank you.
Edward, April 2022
If you’re a keen dog walker - this place delivers some great walks and just 10 mins drive and open up even more beautiful scenery.
Gemma, April 2022
The place itself is very clean, very bright and airy. The location is perfect for walking - our 2 dogs loved all the beautiful walks we went on! The hot tub was spot on for colder evenings after our long walks.
Tom, April 2022
Great place and location. Dog friendly and plenty of walks/runs on the doorstep to wear them out. Can recommend the pub up the road as really friendly and great food.
Zoe, April 2022
I can highly recommend Audrey’s cabin in the Forest of Dean for a relaxing break. Everything was perfect. The accommodation was attractive, comfortable and had everything you would need. We particularly liked how the garden led directly into the Forest and the hot tub really gave a touch of luxury to the stay. Audrey was very helpful in her suggestions, particularly for walks for our elderly dog. On arrival finding a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge was much appreciated.
Abi, April 2022
Thankyou Audrey for being a great host. Accomodation was spotless, comfy beds, and so many thoughtful touches. Fresh bread when we arrived, a bottle of prosecco, coffee/tea/milk already there.
The accomodation backs onto a great walk, wish we had brought our dog now! Will definitely look to book here again
Amanda, April 2022
Audreys retreat is lovely. The location is excellent with walks from the door . Immaculate presentation and cleanliness. Audrey was also very accommodating for our dogs . Lots of thoughtful touches . Hot tub was a great added bonus . Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a base to explore the Forest of Dean
Jackie, April 2022
Rowan Tree Retreat is a wonderful escape from it all. It is exactly as described by all the reviews you have read. We loved, above all, the fact that you genuinely felt welcome. With some hosts you get the sense that you are being ‘allowed’ to stay in their home. Audrey makes you feel like family - especially if you have a dog as there will be treats, a mud daddy and even a special waste bin. The retreat itself is very comfortable and cosy, the underfloor heating is a real bonus. The hot tub is fantastic, tucked away near the trees. We were unlucky in that we had only a short stay during storm Eunice and lost power for 8 hours. Audrey went out of her way to check on us personally, providing candles and a list of local places we could go to that she had gone out to check out herself first. Beat that!
Helen, March 2022
We had a fantastic stay at Rowan Tree Retreat with our dog. A perfect location with plenty of lovely walks right on your doorstep (literally!) with direct access from the property into the Forest Of Dean. No need to venture too far but if, like us, you want to explore the surrounding area, there are lots of places to visit/ things to do really close by. The property itself is modern & cosy with lots of little attentions to detail that make you feel at home. The hot tub was a real treat after long walks & it was lovely to sit under the stars with the forest as a backdrop. Audrey is a great host. Excellent communication before & during our stay. Lots of local information provided about activities, walks, cycle routes, places of interest, places to eat, etc. We would highly recommend a stay at this beautiful property & hope to get chance to return soon. Highly recommend Ye Old Ferrie Inn in Symonds Yat West-great locally sourced food & drink & dog friendly
Tora, March 2022
Absolutely fantastic place! Everything has been thought of, attention to detail and little extras that are so lovely.
Really easy to book and get information, Audrey was friendly and helpful throughout making it so easy to plan the trip and to help during our stay.
Super dog friendly, our 2 four legged companions loved staying here too! They enjoyed the treats left for them, the garden and beautiful walks right on the doorstep.
Place was spotless and very comfy (slept like a log!) and we loved relaxing the hot tub.
100% recommend!
Tips for other travellers So many great walks on the door step - Symmonds Yat Rock View point definitely worth a look, Biblins Bridge andcwalks either side. I (road) cycled through forest of dean (hilly but great fun) amazing scenery and wildlife - cycling alongside deer running through the forest was a 1st and so surreal! So many awesome looking mountain bike trails, if that's more your thing you are definitely in the right place!
We didn't get organised enough to book into Saracens Head for dinner but food smelt so good. We ate at both the New Inn & Dog & Muffler and I was pleasantly surprised by the vegetarian offerings though we did feel both a little expensive v quality, however enjoyed both evenings. We particularly liked The Dog House micropub in Coleford for craft beers, friendly service & roaring fire. All 4 pubs mentioned were Dog friendly, The Dog House especially. Also recommend Forest of Dean Parkrun on a Saturday morning, 3 min drive away and route through forest trails definitely beats our local parkrun in a fairly built up area!
Looks like there is a lot more to do in the area but recommend making the most of relaxing, peaceful place and beautiful walks on the door step.
Bethany, March 2022
Our stay at Rowan tree retreat was perfect for the 2 of us and our 2 dogs. The property was beautiful, spotless and we really appreciated the thoughtful goodies left for us and for our doggies! It’s in the perfect location for a peaceful getaway with plenty to do in the area but equally plenty to enjoy just relaxing at the cottage. We would love to visit again.
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