Log cabins, an outdoor hot tub and fun for the kids in the Forest of Dean – The Sun

THERE’s nothing quite like escaping to the country and breathing in that fresh clean air – especially if you’re sitting in a hot tub.

That’s what I did every night during my mini-break to Whitemead Forest Park, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucs.

From last summer, the resort’s log cabins ramped up the wow factor with the addition of outdoor tubs.

Going for a soak under the stars was the perfect way to cap fun-filled days with my wife and three kids (aged nine, six and one).

Be it swimming in the resort’s heated indoor pool, field zorbing, Waterwalkerz or a nature trail, there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy before the night-time fun kicks in.The entertainment club The Venue boasts a packed schedule all year round from tribute acts, DJs and, of course, the ever-popular bingo.

Our stay happened to coincide with a talented Taylor Swift tribute act and brilliant kids’ entertainer Nutty Noah, who even had the adults in stitches.

A former Britain’s Got Talent hopeful, he’s known for playing instruments he has invented, including the buzzoffaphone, horny cowbells and boobaphone.

Should you want to venture out for the day, the park is just a five-minute drive from the family-friendly attractions Perrygrove Railway and Puzzlewood.

Perrygrove Railway features a miniature steam train, which takes a half-hour trip around the site, stopping at various other mini attractions including a tree-top adventure, den building, playground and picnic area.

A ticket lasts all day and allows unlimited rides so you get your money’s worth.

But across the road the magic really comes to the fore courtesy of Puzzlewood.

The 14-acre woodland park is like something you would see in a movie, quite literally, as scenes in recent blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens were shot there.

It was also said to be one of Tolkien’s inspirations for Middle-earth in The Lord Of The Rings.

Walking through the magical woodland, it’s easy for your imagination to run wild, putting yourself in a fantasy film where unicorns and dragons roam.

The area is a giant maze which you can explore via intricate pathways, some of which were laid down in the 19th century. They wind through deep gulleys of moss-covered rocks, the twisted roots of Yew trees and secret caves.

After a day of exploring, you can rely on a great meal at the Whitemead Forest Park’s Foresters Restaurant, which caters for all dietary requirements.

Or you could knock up a meal in your accommodation with food purchased from the park shop.

Should you need more choice, Tesco is nearby.

Barbeque facilities are located close to the camping areas for those who really want to maximise their time in the great outdoors.

If only I could have enhanced my moonlit hot tub experience by eating a burger in it.

GO: FOREST OF DEAN

STAYING THERE: Whitemead Forest Park has accommodation options for up to eight, including glamping pods, cabins with hot tubs, lodges and camping and caravan pitches. Glamping getaways from £60 a night.

Sun readers can use the discount code SUN10 to get a ten per cent discount on breaks at Whitemead on stays until December 31, 2020. Excludes camping and caravanning. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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