The Roost - Mitcheldean

The Roost

My partner and I were kindly invited to stay at The Roost for three nights with Reggie. The Roost is a multi award winning Glamping site with two award winning luxury cabins. It is rated as one of the Sunday Telegraph’s Top 15 Great Cabin Escapes in the UK and has recently been awarded ’Best Rural Tourism Business of 2022’.

This hidden gem is located just outside the village of Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean. The Roost has 2 adult only cabins on site, the ‘Nook’ and the ‘Nest’, both built from locally sourced wood and reclaimed materials, next to the forest. We stayed in ‘The Nook’, which was set slightly further back than the other cabin. 

The Nook

Before we arrived we were Informed via email in full detail of everything about the cabin, places to visit in the area and plenty of information on dog friendly things to do. We arrived at the cabin when it was dark. On collection of the keys you are given a torch which you can use throughout the stay.

On arrival we were greeted with a lovely welcome note from Lorraine on the chalkboard and some fresh scones. The blinds were already down as the Roost is in a special area of conservation so there is limited external lighting. The blinds close automatically in the evening and open up in the morning to minimise the impact of lighting on nocturnal wildlife which is home to rare and protected horseshoe bats.

The cabin was exceptionally clean and the open plan room is beautifully decorated. The room was a perfect size and was extremely cosy with the indoor log burner and the eye-catching artwork above the bed.

Everything you need is provided in the cabin, even extras such as cooking condiments, fresh ground coffee, teas, rice, pasta and porridge oats.  There is very little to pack when visiting here. The owner is a short distance away if there are any problems.

 There is a stunning, immaculate bathroom with a power shower. Towels and robes were provided along with a natural shampoo and conditioner. The bed was comfortable and Reggie was happy in his  bed. This was a drawer made into a bed that pulled out from beneath our bed. I loved this unique idea! There was also a dog towel, poop bags and treats. There is a Dog wash area near the office which did get put to use a few times.

There were optional extras available on booking of high quality foods which can be ordered to the cabin which are ready for you on arrival. We chose the continental breakfast. The basket contained a crusty loaf, local free range eggs, 2 croissants, milk , organic apple juice, butter, yoghurt and fresh fruit.

We absolutely loved the romantic feel to this place and my favourite part of the stay in particular was the candlelit Japanese soak tub outside overlooking the gardens. Loved sitting under the stars surrounded by tea lights and lanterns, what a beautiful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on the outdoor chair swing whilst reading a book. This Cabin is certainly the perfect place to unwind.

The large outdoor cedar swing attached to the cabin and the Soak tub give this cabin its unique look like no other.

Local Area

Wow, there is so much to do here. There is something for everyone. There are endless trails in the forest, bike hire in the forest, watersports and shops. The list in the welcome book is endless. Unfortunately we were very unfortunate and went during the worst possible storm, storm Eunice. This meant that most places were closed in the area. We did manage to do two very wet but lovely walks to New Fancy View Point and the other to Wye Valley ,Eagles Nest. We also drove past the stunning Tintern Abbey. 

We would like to thank Pedal a bike Away who were kindly going to gift some rental bikes for a few hours. Unfortunately due to the wind forecast the Forest had to be closed that weekend.

 We popped in for an after-walk drink and snack at the recommended Farmers Boy Inn which had the most friendly staff who adored Reggie and made us feel very welcome.