Guests can unwind with a peaceful stay at The Riverside Retreat, nestled five minutes from the Forest of Dean with wonderful views of the River Severn. From homely touches to a comfy large king-sized bed, a wood burning stove, gas/charcoal BBQ and a lovely outdoor seating area, the site have got you covered. A range of orchard fruit trees are a backdrop to the stargazer and a hot tub can be added as an extra too!

Why you'll love it at The Riverside Retreat


Peaceful and cosy, fully furnished stargazer tent with beautiful views of the River Severn

Between Wye Valley AONB and Cotswolds AONB, five minutes to the Forest of Dean

Equipped with a king sized bed, a wood burning stove and gas/charcoal BBQ for nights in the open

About the site


Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside between the Wye Valley AONB and the Cotswolds AONB, this site offers a truly outstanding experience. Experience the perfect blend of nature and comfort with the site's Stargazer bell tent, offering you peace and quiet in a serene riverside setting. Nestled in a peaceful location, the bell tent is designed for ultimate relaxation. Guests can enjoy a private break away with there being just one bell tent onsite. The bell tent sleeps a maximum of two adults and three young children. Inside the bell tent is a king-size bed and there is one extra single mattress available. Bedding and towels are provided for the king-size bed, however if additional bedding and mattresses are required guests will need to bring their own. There is also solar powered charging for devices and a cool box. Guests have access to their own kitchen area with a wood-fired pizza oven, kettle, mini fridge and all the crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils they require. They also have access to a private bathroom with hot water. For the warmer evenings, hammocks are provided for outside as well as a BBQ. If you're looking to spend evenings under the stars, a hot tub is available for guests to hire. If you're there for two nights or more this is included for no extra charge. Cosy bath robes will also be provided. There is plenty to explore around the site, including some great walking and cycling routes. The Forest of Dean is just a five minute drive away, with Gloucester 25 minutes away for a spot of shopping or a day in the city. For sporting enthusiasts, Pedalabikeaway is 15 minutes from the site (mountain bikes, family cycling trails and jumps) and paddle boarding or open water swimming in nearby lakes (10 minutes drive) as well as walks. Secure bike storage can be available onsite with prior notice. This site is dog free.

The Riverside Retreat is open from 14/03 to 02/11.


Facilities and amenities

Adult only

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant

Disabled facilities

Drinking water

Family friendly

Fires allowed

Shop

Showers

Toilet

WiFi

Glamping

Hot tub

Peaceful

Facilities include a bathroom with a hot water shower, toilet and large sink. Please note that there is only cold water in the washing up area. There is also a kitchen/bar area with cooking equipment provided and a mini fridge.

If you're hoping to use the hot tub, this needs to be arranged with the site. This is free of charge for bookings of over two nights.

There is also a secure bicycle storage for overnight use if arranged prior to your stay.

The nearest newsagents and Post Office is a ten minute walk from the site. The nearest supermarkets and pubs are a five minute drive from site, the closest being in the village of Blakeney.


A note from the site themselves...

Our family have farmed here for several generations. The spot is a hidden gem and it is our privilege to share this with guests allowing them to escape to nature but still feel pampered and cared for. It's a more laid-back, comfortable way to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Knowing that guests are loving their time makes our day.

Deer can be spotted running across the field and there is an abundance of wildlife including several types of owls. Every season brings something different and unique. Sometimes guests can see planes practicing acrobatics. And in spring, birds practice their own acrobatics in and around the site at a break neck speed.

We love to welcome our guests and hope every visitor has a unique and thoroughly enjoyable stay.


Map and address

Park address

The Riverside Retreat,

Etloe , Blakeney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4AX

Coordinates

51.7477, -2.4729 | SO 67 5

View on Google Maps

The Riverside Retreat is ideal for...

Couples

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children


There are 1 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Stargazer Bell Tent

Max 4 people

6m Lotus Belle tent. Inside is a kingsize bed with bedding provided, a wood burning stove and solar powered charging. Additional camp/blow-up beds can be brought to sleep extra children. Outside is a charcoal BBQ. Facilities nearby.


The Riverside Retreat reviews

4.88 /5

5 reviews

100%

would recommend

Overall
4.88
Location
5
Value for money
4.6
Service
5
Facilities
5
Cleanliness
4.8

It was great!

Ellice B

0

0

Bell Tent - Stargazer Bell TentSep 2024

It was the cutest coziest place, I will definitely be going back, I loved it there! It was the best place to wake up on the morning of my birthday! Perfect for our Harry Potter sightseeing.

Site's response

That's so kind! Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you both and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay.

Great little find

Donna D

0

0

Bell Tent - Stargazer Bell TentAug 2024

Beautiful site and really nice setting and facilities. Great location for the Forest of Dean activities. Had a lovely 2 night stay, would happily return.

Lovely!

Jessica T

0

0

Bell Tent - Stargazer Bell TentJun 2024

We only stayed for one night as a stop on an onward journey, but soon wished we were staying longer. We were greeted upon arrival by the very nice helpful host. The scenery was so beautiful and amenities were great. There were BBQs, a pizza oven, covered seating area with a fun seat-swing! The bathroom facilities were fab and it was a comfortable nights sleep. Best of all is the view! Would recommend highly.

Site's response

Thank you so much, Jessica. We really enjoyed meeting you both, and thank you for leaving the place so very tidy.

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Interested in staying at The Riverside Retreat?

Call 07854853380 to book.

9am-5pm

Unfortunately The Riverside Retreat doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.


FAQ

Guests are able to check in from 2pm until 7pm, please let the site know if you are delayed. Check out is due before 10:30am on the day of departure.

Sorry, this site is dog free.

BBQs are permitted as long as they are raised from the ground, sorry campfires are not allowed.

No, sorry there is no WiFi at this site.

A hot tub is included in your booking for stays booked at least 25 days in advance and stays that are longer than 2 nights. If your stay does not meet these requirements you can book it for an extra fee, this will need to be arranged directly with the site.

Yes, the site does accept visitors but they must leave the site by 10pm.


From site, you can walk along the edge of the River Severn. The site is set on the edge of the Forest of Dean and in between the Wye Valley AONB and the Cotswold AONB.

There are scenic walks and cycling trails to explore, or head out for a picnic! Some of the best trails include Blakeney Straits (5 minutes), Soudley Ponds and Mallards Pike, both a very short drive from the site.

The Forest of Dean cycle centre (15 minutes) and is full of some great family and cross country trails and some more easy going trails. Don't worry if you forget your bike, they have ones to hire! The Verderers Trail has been voted the best in the UK and, unsurprisingly, avid and professional cyclists visit from all over the UK.

Court Farm Lakes (10 minutes), also a very short distance from the site, offers open swimming and paddle boarding all year round with a constantly going firepit, warm cafe and equally stunning views parallel to the site.

For some more adventure there is a paintball site within a 15 minute walk, or Go Apes is just ten minutes away at Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst, also great spots offering cafes and scenic walks, cycling and incredible scenery.

For a bit of history, Gloucester Cathedral (20 minutes) where Harry Potter was filmed, walk past Tintern Abbey and the famous Devils Pulpit. Or you can visit Goodrich Castle (30 minutes) for links to the English Civil War - why not pass it whilst canoeing around Symonds Yat (35 minutes)

There is a welcome pack on arrival for guests. This provides information on local places to eat, distance to reach them, places to visit including sporting activities, walks and hikes, maps and local history. The site also provides information and history on the view in front of the site.

Other nearby attractions include:

  • Lydney (10 minutes)
  • The Palace Cinema (15 minutes)
  • Perrygrove Railway (20 minutes)
  • National Trust - Dyrham Park (1 hour)
The listing for The Riverside Retreat was last updated on February 4th, 2025 at 4:32 PM

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