Galloway Forest Park – Dumfries and Galloway
Galloway Forest Park is the largest forest in the entire UK. It’s gigantic, packed with things to do and offers you one of the best UK forest holidays you can fathom. The Forest Park, which sits in the Dumfries and Galloways region of Southern Scotland, covers over 279 square miles and is home to approximately 60 magnificent red deer that wander freely among the many loch, waterfalls, and historic relics.
Scotland also boasts some of the most underrated hiking centres, and when it comes to UK forest holidays with dogs, you won’t find any better locations. One of the most popular treks in Galloway Forest Park is the Loch Trool Circuit. The loch itself is a gorgeous, tranquil body of water and, like many areas in Scotland, was once the scene of a fierce battle. The walk, which is 5.5 miles in length, takes an average of between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete and covers a complete circuit of the loch.
You can also take a hike up to the summit of Mount Merrick. At 1,120 metres, it’s the loftiest mountain in Southern Scotland.
You’ll find several ideal Belvilla holiday homes in Jedburgh, only a short drive away from what will prove one of the best UK forest holidays Scotland has to offer.
Check Out Kielder Forest Park, Northumberland
Although not as large as Galloway Forest Park, Kielder Forest offers one of the best forest holidays in the UK vacationing. It’s a regular haven for wildlife and won’t fail to delight with its resident red squirrels, water voles and ospreys.
Situated on the Northumberland western spur of the Kielder Water and Forest Park, the park spans 250 square miles, home to the biggest planted forest in England, containing over 150 million trees. It also houses the Kielder Reservoir — the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
As one of the best forest holidays in the UK, Kielder Water and Forest Park is renowned for its mountain biking, with many steep, challenging rides that will test your skill and stamina if you’re a keen mountain biker. Another thing you can do is check out how many of the park’s weird sculptures you can find dotted around.
There’s one more surprise in this park. It’s the Kielder observatory. It’s open to the public, giving you the chance to study the stars under one of the purest, darkest night skies in the UK.
When you visit this part of the UK, stay in one of the many beautiful Belvilla holiday homes and cottages in the north of the country — perfectly positioned as a base for excursions during your forest holidays.
Cwm Rheidol, Ceredigion, Mid Wales
The woodlands of Cwm Rheidol in Ceredigion are one of the best-kept secrets for forest holidays in Wales. Apart from the occasional rhododendron, the forest remains unchanged since the end of the glacial age, with its abundance of birch and oak trees. Epiphytes strive to reach for the light, as they did thousands of years ago when pine martens were in abundance.
Thanks to the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the pine marten population is thriving once more. As well as catching a glimpse of these still rare mammals, you can take a ride on the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway and explore the beautiful Devil’s Bridge with its wonderful waterfall.
Cwm Rheidol will be one of the best UK forest holidays you’ve ever experienced, and to crown your vacation, you can stay in one of the fabulous Belvilla holiday homes in nearby Ceredigion.