Established in 2017, Bolthole Retreats markets and lets some of the finest luxury holiday properties throughout the Cotswolds, taking in the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, South Warwickshire and Worcestershire and parts of Wiltshire and Bath and northeast Somerset in the south. We have an ever-growing portfolio of beautiful homes, from cosy cottages that sleep two through to large properties that can accommodate up to 18 guests. We pride ourselves on the quality and location of our properties, offering our guests the perfect home-away-from-home experience in these beautiful areas of the UK.

Nestled alongside the forest near Lydney in the Forest of Dean, this secluded shepherd’s hut provides a romantic retreat. The rustic wooden exterior hides the characterful accommodation that Bertha offers. With wooden beams above, custom-made cabinets and seating and a wood burner, this hut is perfect for couples to enjoy the great outdoors away from the buzz of technology. There is a raised king-size bed, a fold-up dining area, a kitchenette, and a unique shower room. Surrounded by wilderness you can easily explore the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and the activities on offer. Wooden steps lead up to the deck and from here there is nothing to see before you but trees. Watch the sunsets, gaze at the stars, and spot the local wildlife. Inside the hut is full of character with a raised king-size bed, kitchenette, dining area, and a wood burner in the corner. The furnishing makes clever use of the space with a table and benches stowed beneath the bed. Pulling these up you can enjoy meals together and it creates additional under-bed storage space for luggage. The kitchenette has everything you need for preparing meals with a fridge with a freezer compartment, oven, and two-ring hob. As evening falls, light the wood burner and create a warming, romantic atmosphere to spend cosy nights together. Set alongside a neighbouring shepherd’s hut you are surrounded by woodland with a lake at the foot of the hill and walking routes from the door. Please note a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. This is fully refundable up to 60 days before arrival when your remaining balance payment is due. 1 well behaved dog is welcome for an additional fee of 40 GBP per dog. This fee is not included in the rental price. Please advise us at the time of booking if you are bringing a dog and you will be sent a request for the additional fee.

One of two shepherd’s huts, Bertha is part of the Lydney Park Estate and shares this location with nearby holiday homes. This is an ideal spot for exploration with natural delights such as the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley on the doorstep. The Forest of Dean is one of the most interesting places in the UK lying within the embrace of two great tidal rivers, the Severn, and the Wye. The landscape, heritage and culture created are quite unlike anywhere else. The village of Aylburton is a mile away where there is a good food pub. Lydney is just two miles away with a selection of shops and restaurants. Chepstow, Cheltenham Spa, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff are all easily accessible.  Supermarkets and Shopping: Nearby Lydney (2 miles) has a Lidl and a Tesco supermarket. Chepstow (8 miles) has Lidl, Tesco, and an M&S Foodhall. Gloucester Quays is a 30-minute drive with lots of shops and plenty of places to eat. Cribbs Causeway in Bristol is 30 minutes in the other direction. Eating Out: • The George Inn & Millingbrook Lodge, Aylburton – friendly village pub with local real ales and home cooked meals (0.9 miles) • The Globe Inn, Alvington – traditional pub and restaurant with good food and a large beer garden (2.1 miles) • The Rising Sun, Woolaston Common – dog-friendly pub with great food and a beer garden (3.5 miles) • Swan House Tea Room, Woolaston – pretty tea room with super afternoon tea options (3 miles) • The Miners Arms, Whitecroft – friendly pub with an extensive menu of traditional pub classics (5 miles) Walks: The Forest of Dean is criss-crossed with miles of walking trails where you might be lucky enough to see some of the abundant local wildlife. Sheep roam freely in the forest. Other walks include the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Puzzlewood and the Beechenhurst Trail. Places to Visit: • Dean Forest Railway (3 miles) • Clearwell Caves (5 miles) • Chepstow Castle (9 miles) • Symonds Yat (9 miles) • Tintern Abbey (9 miles)