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Forest Hot Tub Breaks
Uncover some of the UK’s most impressive natural mazes with a forest hot tub break.
Forest Hot Tub Breaks in the UK
Undiscovered sanctuaries, leafy and hidden walkways, towering trees and wildlife hotspots – the UK’s woodland and forests offer some of the best adventures around. Commonly found in fairytales, today, these enchanting landscapes can be the start of your own story – whether travelling with family, friends, or your other half. There’s a variety of activities to enjoy too including hiking, biking and even horseback riding.
Of course, after a day outdoors, where better to head to than your own private accommodation? From London to Scotland, Devon to the Cotswolds, we have a range of properties to really make it a trip to remember. All of them have one thing in common too – they come with a private indoor or outdoor hot tub.
What better way to relax after a day exploring the UK’s woodland? And where else to take in the stunning views? From dog friendly lodges with with private hot tubs and luxury lodges and log cabins with hot tubs and shared swimming pools, we really do have a hot tub holiday for everyone. Plus, whatever time of year you’re heading off, our forests are picture-perfect and, if you’re asking us, a hot tub break in a UK forest is always a great idea.
Featured Hot Tub Properties
Discover our most popular hot tub holidays in the Forest
The best locations for forest hot tub breaks
New Forest
Where? Hampshire
Must do activity: Look out for the native ponies
The New Forest National Park really is unlike any other park in the UK because of its varied wildlife. Native ponies and wild pigs wander around and make for a fantastic picture opportunity. Not to mention, the thousands of bluebells that pop up in the month of May! The forest spans nearly 220 square miles and as well as dense woodland includes pastures, market towns and quaint villages. There’s plenty of history to be found here – William the Conqueror claimed the forest as his own in 1079 and he only allowed the rich to use it for hunting deer and boar. Today, it’s open to the public however and its animals are respected.
Sherwood Forest
Where? Nottingham
Must do activity: Bring a few ancient tales to life
Most famous for being the hiding place of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest in Nottingham has a lot going on – and there’s plenty of stories to recreate. For starters, it’s believed that Robin Hood spent time sheltering behind the oak trees here. Rumour has it, there’s more than 1,000 trees of this kind too and The Major Oak, which is the biggest in Britain, is said to be 1,100 years old. The forest is also home to sweet chestnut trees and birch trees – all with their own character and lots of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers and owls, and a game of wildlife bingo won’t go amiss here.
Delamere Forest
Where? Cheshire
Must do activity: Wildlife spotting
Wander through all of the forests we’ve mentioned and you’ll likely see some unusual plants and wildlife but Delamere Forest is definitely one of the best places to go if you want to spot some memorable faces. Deep inside, you’ll find Blackmere Moss – which is a reclaimed wetland area made from two hollow holes carved during the Ice Age, 11,000 years ago. Today, the swamp is surrounded by trees and is officially regarded as a sanctuary for wildlife. It’s even a SSSI – a site of special scientific interest – and visitors have spotted Canada geese, great-crested newts, and mallards. There’s plenty of hiking and walking routes too – many of which provide contrasting views of Manchester and Liverpool’s skyline.
Thetford Forest
Where? Norfolk
Must do activity: Mountain biking
Norfolk’s beautiful forest is the largest lowland pine forest in the whole of the UK, and boasts various types of wildlife and nature. Thanks to a number of marked out routes, it’s also a popular choice for walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Amongst the 18,000 hectares, there’s also a Neolithic flint mine called Grimes Graves and it’s the only place in the UK where you can travel underground to see one. It was dug more than 5,000 years ago and visitors have seen several rare plants and insects including the red-tipped cudweed.
Gwydir Forest
Where? Wales
Must do activity: Follow the old miners path
Gwydir and its forest surrounds the village of Betws-y-Coed in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Just like something out of a fairytale, Gwydir in Wales is home to lakes, mountains and incredible scenery – and the forest is no different. There’s also an old miners’ path that loops around the trees – and the locals will be sure to tell you a few myths and legends that took place right here in the forest. Some of our favourites include the forest-living dragon and the tale of Saint Elen.
The best activities in the forest
Treetop Adventures
Experience the UK’s forests like never before with a treetop adventure up above. Swing, jump, and step your way along a towering obstacle course and see if you’ve got what it takes to do the leap of faith! Ideal for all ages, this is a great forest activity for the whole family.
Picnics
After a morning spent exploring the UK’s forests, it’s likely that you’ll have worked up an appetite. While there might be an independent pub close by or a cafe in the local town, why not pack your own picnic and enjoy it under the trees? Just remember to take a blanket and maybe even some chairs for the ultimate cosy stop off. That’s before you head back to your lodge with hot tub.
Forest Trails
One of the best ways to explore our forests is to get out on foot – but don’t worry if you’re not sure where to go as there are plenty of routes to follow. Many are even rated for ages, fitness abilities and terrain so you can choose one that will suit your group. You could even create a wildlife bingo card and play a game as you go.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great way to see the true beauty of a forest’s landscape, at speed. And, it’s sure to get your heart racing too. You don’t even need to have biked before as there are expert-led tours for beginners and those who prefer to bike in a group. Attaching a video camera to your bike will guarantee out of this world pictures and videos too.
Stargazing
The UK is home to several Dark Sky Reserves which are areas of land that are officially rated as fantastic stargazing opportunities, and many can be found in our national parks and forests. Again, there are expert-led sessions for this or you can explore on your own. Stars aren’t the only thing that come out after dark either as much of the forest’s wildlife needs darkness to survive too.
The top 5 forest tours in the UK
- Forest of Dean (England): The Forest of Dean, located in Gloucestershire, England, offers various educational facilities and interpretive trails. The Dean Heritage Centre is a museum that showcases the forest’s history, culture, and industry, including exhibits on mining, forestry, and local traditions. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is an outdoor art gallery that combines sculptures with the natural environment, providing an educational and artistic experience for visitors.
- Sherwood Forest (England): Sherwood Forest, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is famous for its association with the legendary Robin Hood. The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre offers educational displays and exhibits on the forest’s ecology, wildlife, and folklore, providing insights into its history and cultural significance. The forest also has interpretive trails that allow visitors to explore the forest’s ancient trees and learn about its biodiversity.
- Kielder Forest Park (England): Kielder Forest Park, located in Northumberland, England, is the largest human-made woodland in England. The Kielder Forest Park Visitor Centre offers interactive displays and exhibits on the forest’s ecology, wildlife, and history, including information on the Kielder Water & Forest Park’s sustainable development and conservation efforts. The forest also has interpretive trails that highlight its unique features, such as the Kielder Observatory for stargazing and the Kielder Art & Architecture program.
- Glentress Forest (Scotland): Glentress Forest, located in the Scottish Borders, is a renowned mountain biking destination. The Glentress Peel Visitor Centre offers information on the forest’s ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts, as well as displays on the history and cultural significance of the area. The forest also has interpretive trails that provide insights into its natural features, such as its diverse flora and fauna.
- Coed y Brenin Forest Park (Wales): Coed y Brenin Forest Park, located in North Wales, is known for its mountain biking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre offers educational displays and exhibits on the forest’s ecology, history, and cultural significance, including information on the local myths and legends associated with the forest. The forest also has interpretive trails that showcase its diverse wildlife and habitats.