Sometimes you do not want a big trip or a packed itinerary. Especially mid December when it feels like there is so much pressure to plan big days out which all come with a hefty price tag. What you really want to do is get away from screens, slow things down and spend some proper quality time together with family, making memories. That is exactly what we were looking for when we stayed in the Forest of Dean, and it was perfect for a cosy festive family break so here is our Whitemead Forest Park Review.
We stayed overnight in one of the glamping pods with three generations. Me, the kids and my mum. This review shares our experience and what it is really like to stay at Whitemead Forest Park as a family.
Where is Whitemead Forest Park?
White Mead Forest Park is located in the Forest of Dean, which has so many fun places to explore, Whitemead is around ten minutes drive from Beechenhurst. This is where you will find the Stick Man Trail and the start of the famous Forset of Dean Sculpture Trail.
It is also close to several popular family attractions including Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Railway, Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. It works really well as a base if you want to explore the area without spending too much time in the car.
Arrival and first impressions
Whitemead Forest Park offers caravan, motorhome and tent pitches as well as glamping accommodation. Even though we visited a couple of weeks before Christmas, the park was busy. Lots of caravans were decorated with fairy lights and it felt festive and lively.
The site was easy to find and well signposted so check in was quick and easy. The welcome cabin was decorated with lots of sparkly lights and I noticed they had a water station for dogs which is always a nice sign. On arrival we were given a welcome pack which included a disposable foil barbecue tray, giant marshmallows and skewers, passes for Adventure Golf, leisure passes for the swimming pool, a welcome leaflet and a letter from Santa. It was a really thoughtful touch and made the stay feel special straight away.
The key to our pod was attached to a large wooden keyring and the door locking was very carefully explained to me so that I wouldn’t accidentally lock myself out. I was also given clear directions to find the pod.
Our glamping pod at Whitemead Forest Park
Our glamping pod was part of a small group set on a hill with allocated parking. The pod number and parking space were clearly marked which made unloading easy. The pods are up a small set of steps and not directly beside the pods so this is something to bear in mind.
Outside the pod there were small steps up to double patio doors, a covered seating area with a motion sensor light, a picnic bench and a barbecue area which was perfect for the toasting of marshmallows.
Inside, the pod was compact but well laid out. There was a double bed, a pull out double sofa bed, a seating area and a small kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, sink and kettle. There was also a toilet and sink inside the pod.
The showers are in shared shower blocks rather than inside the pod. This may not suit everyone, but for us it was not an issue. They were clean, warm and located close to reception.
Even with the sofa bed set up, the pod did not feel cramped. There was enough space to sit, unpack and relax comfortably. Underneath the main bed was plenty of storage space and there were little shelving units beside each bed too.
It was lovely to see that the pod included all the little necessities: spare loo roll, a tea towel, dish cloth, washing up liquid and a handtowel and soap. These are the kinds of things that make the difference because on other sites you end up paying a premium price for these at the stores.
Bed linen was all fresh and spotless, with plenty of soft pillows and the spare bed linen and duvet all neatly stored inside the sofa bed.
The WC had a heated towel rail and a drying rack which is handy for drying off swimming gear and there was also a plug in heater and plenty more sockets for charging of phones.
I have to admit I was worrying about glamping in December and thinking I would be cold, and I did pop a heated blanket in the car, but in fact it was the opposite. We actually woke up in the middle of the night to open the windows and let some fresh air in because it was really warm inside the pod.
Cosy evening activities and Santa visit
One of the highlights of the stay was the view. The pods are positioned on a hill so you can watch the sunset across the park with woodland behind you and open views across the hills in front. Toasting marshmallows outdoors was a lovely simple moment, this is one of the kids favourite things to do and at some winter attractions we have paid shocking prices for just one so to have a whole pack to share between us was fabulous and I noticed that the on site store was selling these kits for £10 too.
Later in the evening we visited Santa. His grotto is located near the Adventure Golf area. The experience was relaxed and well organised. Juts a simple meet and greet inside a large grotto/shed. The elves were playful and chatty, and Santa took time to talk to the children rather than rushing them through. The kids were given a small book, a sticker and colouring book pack as well as a chocolate selection box each and absolutely loved it.
Bar, food and entertainment
Whitemead Forest Park has a bar and restaurant on site. It was busy when we visited and felt a little chaotic at times, the entertainment venue had a private party and so some of the guests were in the family bar area before it opened, but despite being very busy it also had a really nice atmosphere and showed how popular the park is with families.
Kids meals were around seven pounds and included generous portions. Service was quick and the menu was very family friendly. There was a kids entertainer earlier in the evening and live music later on, which meant there was plenty going on without needing to leave the site.
We brought bracelet making kits with us, which kept the kids busy while waiting for food. Back at the pod we spent the evening doing crafts, reading books and having a very energetic pillow fight. I bought us all matching Christmas pyjamas which added to the cosy feel, and there was a TV in the pod which I tuned in to some Christmas music, but before long we were all fast asleep.
Morning views and swimming pool
Waking up at Whitemead Forest Park was really peaceful. The pods are perfectly positioned for sunrise and my mum enjoyed sitting outside with a cup of tea watching the light come up while the birds were singing.
Before heading out for the day we visited the swimming pool, which is included with the leisure pass.
The pool is open from 8am until 8pm, with the first and last hour reserved for adults only. There are large changing rooms with showers and hairdryers. The pool itself is heated and warm, with two spa style bubble tubs as well as a sauna and steam room. It was not overcrowded and felt relaxed and well managed, with a lifeguard in attendance and clear signage for age restrictions. The lockers did require money to use but there was also plenty of poolside seating and storage space for towels.
On site there is also a coffee shop and a play area, and multiple different accommodation offerings including chalets with hot tubs. I also realised we were very close to the Colliers trail which the kids and I have cycled previously and it’s fab to know that there is a cycle hire available from Pedal a Bike away on site (booking required)
Things to do near Whitemead Forest Park
After check out, which was as simple as dropping the key back at reception, we headed to Beechenhurst to do the Stick Man Trail and part of the Sculpture Trail. We then stopped for a late brunch which was affordable and family friendly.
The location of Whitemead Forest Park makes it easy to plan simple days out without travelling far, and I will certainly be adding this site to my list of places to stay in the area.
Is Whitemead Forest Park good for families?
Yes, especially for families looking for something a little different during the festive season.
It is a great option if you want to step away from screens, enjoy the outdoors and focus on traditional activities like crafts, swimming, walks and quality family time. The shared showers and busy bar may not suit everyone, but for us they were small trade offs for the atmosphere, facilities and location.
Our verdict – Whitemead Forest Park Review
Whitemead Forest Park was a cosy and relaxed family break that gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy time together. The glamping pod was warm and comfortable, the facilities added real value and the Forest of Dean location was ideal.
It felt like a proper reset and we would happily return.
This stay was part of a collaborative visit. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Yes, Whitemead Forest Park has a heated indoor swimming pool, spa tubs, sauna and steam room which are included with your stay. This is open from 8-8 with the first and last hour being for adults only.
Whitemead Forest Park offers caravan and motorhome pitches, tent pitches and glamping accommodation. We stayed in one of the wooden glamping pods, which included beds, a kitchenette and a toilet, with shared shower facilities nearby.
Yes, Whitemead Forest Park is open during the winter months. We stayed in December and found the glamping pod warm and comfortable, with festive activities on site and plenty to do nearby in the Forest of Dean.
Whitemead Forest Park is ideally located for exploring the Forest of Dean. Nearby attractions include Beechenhurst and the Stick Man Trail, the Sculpture Trail, Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Railway and Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint.
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Last Updated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 by Lavania Oluban