The Retreat at Greenfields

18/08/2025

Helpful post share perhaps for guests arriving soon?

11/08/2025

Well done James on capturing this amazing photo of Bigsweir Bridge. This one is just down the hill below St Briavels on the Monmouth to Chepstow Road.
The bridge itself is simply gorgeous and the varying weather conditions often enhance its beauty.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1616198292629884&id=100027191875294

Bigsweir Bridge 🏞🍃
A nice summery lush green image of Bigsweir Bridge with some obligatory mist lurking about, of course.
This was a fallback choice of the morning. I had gone to another location, which didn't quite work out with the sunrise. However, I spotted hints of mist in the valley in the distance, so I took a gamble, hoping I'd get here in time. Luckily, I did and caught some incredible shots of the wooded areas nearby (I've already shared some of these previously). But I had to just capture yet another shot of this Bridge 😁

10/08/2025

Sitting on the patio with a cuppa, we hear a distinctive bird song we’ve not heard before. Online search informs us it’s a red listed Grasshopper Warbler!
Anyone else heard one? Easier to hear than spot it seems.

The high, insect-like reeling song of the grasshopper warbler is the best clue to its presence. Even when you hear one it can be difficult to locate. Read more

21/07/2025

Last minute availability this week Tues, Wed and Thurs night via Airbnb.

The Retreat at Greenfields

12/07/2025

We have some guests coming to stay soon who have asked for recommendations for somewhere to take a guy’s shirt to be ironed for a special event. Within 7 mile radius of St Briavels ideally please.

09/07/2025

Welcome to The Retreat – Your Peaceful Escape Awaits

Tucked away from the noise and rush of everyday life, The Retreat is your haven of calm. Whether you’re craving a weekend to unwind, a romantic getaway, or just a few quiet days to reconnect with nature, this is the place to slow down and breathe.

What to Expect.
Wake up to birdsong, sip your morning coffee surrounded by greenery, and end your day under the stars. Every detail at The Retreat is designed to help you relax — from cozy interiors and soft linens to tranquil views and private outdoor space.

Perfect For:
* Writers, thinkers, and creatives in need of inspiration
* Couples wanting quality time away from it all
* Solo travelers looking for a digital detox
* Anyone who just needs to press pause

Nestled in the Forest of Dean, we’re just far enough to feel like a true escape, yet close enough for easy access to local walks, cafes, and hidden gems.

Guests say it best:

“We've had a really lovely week here in this lovely house and garden, one of the best we've ever stayed in. So many little extras (including the welcome tea and the flowers). Martin and Carolyn have boen excellent hosts, and thank you Martin for getting the TV sorted out so quickly and efficiently. We'd love to come here again some time and enjoy the peace and quiet and relaxing atmosphere here. Thank you so much for a most enjoyable stay.”

Ready to unplug and relax?
Book your stay at The Retreat and rediscover what peace really feels like.

The Retreat at Greenfields is listed with HolidayCottages.co.uk, who manage our booking calendar and have exclusive control over availability during the main and mid-season periods. However, we also list on Airbnb and are pleased to offer private bookings during the low season—typically from early October through to the end of March, excluding Bank Holiday periods.

06/07/2025

……… Or slow down the same itinerary by booking a few nights at The Retreat at Greenfields and visiting these attractions in a more relaxed manner?? 😜
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BgUcchqwb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Forest of Dean Road Trip 🚗🌳🦌

Discover ancient woodlands, caves, scenic walks, and local heritage on this Forest of Dean road trip.

📍 Ross-on-Wye 🏡 – Historic market town on the River Wye
📍 Symonds Yat Rock 🌄 – Breathtaking views over the valley
📍 Puzzlewood 🌳 – Magical woodland used in film & TV
📍 Clearwell Caves ⛏️ – Explore underground caverns
📍 Dean Forest Railway (Norchard Station) 🚂 – Ride a steam train through the forest
📍 Lydney Harbour ⚓ – Peaceful estuary walks
📍 Severn Cider 🍎 – Try award-winning local cider
📍 Dean Heritage Centre 🏺 – Learn about the area’s history and culture
📍 Mallards Pike 🦆 – Great for walks and Go Ape
📍 Beechenhurst 🌲 – Forest trails and sculpture walks
📍 Cannop Ponds 🐦 – Tranquil spot for wildlife watching

Total Distance: 🚗 Approx. 50 miles

This Forest of Dean road trip blends nature, history, and unique experiences — perfect for a peaceful countryside break. 🍂🚴‍♀️🪵

06/07/2025

Looking to get away from it all? Listen to what our guests say :

“We have enjoyed a wonderful relaxed and peaceful stay. The peace and quiet is so nice.”

30/06/2025

Forest of Dean District Council commissioned Canopy Network to produce three new walking maps for the Forest of Dean, specially designed to make getting out into nature more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring for everyone.

Over the last four years Canopy has developed a programme of Creative Walks in Nature, taking small groups out into the Forest with an experienced guide and artist leading the way. Thanks to funding from Forest of Dean District Council we have developed three new printed maps to complement these walks. The new beautifully illustrated maps feature three carefully designed routes aimed at those who may find walking challenging, offering a unique and creative approach to exploring the natural world.

Each mapped route is intentionally short (around 1 mile), focusing on the journey rather than the destination. The walks encourage wellbeing, creative thinking and a deeper connection with the environment through engaging points of reference along the way. By making nature more inviting and interactive, Canopy hopes to inspire more people to step outside and experience the benefits of nature easily and safely.

Click this link to view/download the maps.

New Maps Available to Inspire Accessible Walks in the Forest of Dean We have produced three new walking maps for the Forest of Dean, specially designed to make getting out into nature more accessib…

16/02/2025

St Briavels Castle is a moated Norman castle at St Briavels in the English county of Gloucestershire.

Built in the early 12th century, St Briavel’s was an important royal castle on the frontier with Wales and the administrative and judicial centre of the Forest of Dean – a royal hunting ground where the game was protected and the king alone allowed to hunt.

Edward I added a fine twin-towered gatehouse to St Briavel's in 1292.