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The Old Chapel Yorkley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

The Forest of Dean is a beautiful and unique area of south-west England with a magical and mysterious quality to it. The area was once a royal hunting ground for Norman kings. It is 12 miles from Gloucester, 10 miles from the border of Wales and 5 miles from the beautiful Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is an hour’s drive to the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, the roman baths town of Bath with its sweeping terraces, and a very short drive to the Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey. Chepstow racecourse is just 10 miles away.

The forest itself has the most beautiful scenery, and it is not only spectacular in the summer; spring and autumn are magical also. J K Rowling grew up in the Forest and gained inspiration for the Harry Potter adventures from the Forest's enchanting and mystical atmosphere. Dennis Potter, Wordsworth and JRR Tolkien have also been inspired by it. Puzzlewood is where Tolkien is believed to have got his inspiration for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings. The area is perfect for walkers, poets, birdwatchers, horse-riders, cyclists, canoeists, rowers, rock-climbers, abseilers, cavers, off-road drivers, clay pigeon shooters, mountain-bikers and fishermen.

The Old Chapel is situated up a small lane, the 3rd of 4 properties in a small village called Yorkley. You can literally start walking in the forest right from the doorstep! There are two local pubs in the village of Yorkley, one within a 3 minute walk and the other within a 12 minute walk; both serve food. The village also has two convenience shops, a medical centre and a post-office.

Local tourist attractions include Go-Ape (the very popular high-wire forest adventure); Puzzlewood; the international St Pierre golf course; the Offas dyke Walk; Clearwell Caves; the Shambles Victorian Village; the Dick Whittington Farm Park; Taurus Crafts; the Dean Heritage Centre; the famous Symonds Yat where peregrins can be observed; the Nagshead Nature Reserve and the National Birds of Prey Centre. There is also the family cycle trail with designated forest tracks, the Dean Forest railway and even llama-trekking.

Accommodation: The Old Chapel has a very large living/dining space (approx 30 ft x 16 ft), with lots of wood panelling, log fire, 42 inch flat-screen TV and 3 comfortable sofas. The dining area has a table and chairs for 6 people. There are two double bedrooms, one galleried bedroom with double bed and one downstairs bedroom with double bed (this room has no steps into it, so would be ideal for people who find stairs a problem). The kitchen is well equipped with oven and hob, dishwasher and microwave/convection oven. The large bathroom has a walk-in shower, bath, WC, wash-hand basin and bidet. There is a large utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Outside is a small courtyard garden with table and 6 chairs also, 4 reclining chairs for that essential relaxation. What's included: The prices are fully inclusive. Directions The cottage is just 13 miles from the M4 and about 20 miles from the M5. It is off the A48 Gloucester-Chepstow road. The nearest town is Lydney (3 miles). Change over day is preferably Friday - out by 10.30 am, in after 3.00 pm. Short breaks are available outside of peak weeks with 3 day stay minimum. To book this peaceful self catering cottage in the Forest of Dean, click the enquiry button below and see availability and prices.

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