Ernie's Adventures

What’s Blackwood Forest like?

If your idea of a dream getaway is a log cabin in the middle of nowhere, you’ll love Blackwood Forest. OK, “in the middle of nowhere” might be exaggerating a little but if you stay at any of Forest Holidays’ nine idyllic sites across the UK, you’ll certainly feel a million miles away from modern life.

We checked in to the Blackwood Forest resort in Hampshire. Our luxurious cabin – one of 60 hidden away in 270 hectares of woodland – was a real delight.

All Forest Holidays sites are on land owned by the Forestry Commission and have been designed to blend in with their woodland surroundings. Not only will your break help fund the organisation’s important work but it will also support local communities.

How dog-friendly is Blackwood Forest?

Very. Each Forest Holidays site has plenty of dog-friendly accommodation. It costs just £10 per pet per night to bring your four-legged friend along for the ride.

Up to four dogs are allowed in the cabins but you’ll need to bring your own beds and bowls. Make sure you pack plenty of towels for drying off after muddy woodland walks, too! Dogs must be kept on a lead around the site.

Tell me more about Blackwood Forest

All of the modern cabins are nestled in the forest and boast fantastic woodland views. There are several different grades of accommodation, starting with Copper Beech. This is the most basic, yet provides all the comforts of home. Silver Birch is the next level up, with a hot tub on the outdoor deck. But Golden Oak is the most luxurious, with fluffy robes, a wood burning stove… the works!

The cabins sleep between two and eight people, and you can even upgrade to a treehouse if you’re feeling adventurous. Our two-bed Silver Birch lodge had fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows in the open-plan lounge area. The lovely underfloor heating also felt rather decadent. The fully-equipped kitchen had everything we needed. We even had options when it came to where to eat – the dining table or a picnic bench outside.

We also spent hours gazing up at the trees from the hot tub during our stay. It was located in a separate gated section on the deck, so there were no worries about child or dog safety.

What’s the food like at Blackwood Forest?

The cabins are self-catering but the stylish Forest Retreat sells basic groceries and has a small café. It also stocks a range of local produce and souvenirs, not to mention dog toys.

There are several supermarkets nearby and the dog-friendly Dove Inn is just a mile up the road in Micheldever. The delights of Winchester are a little further afield, too. Ernie was warmly welcomed at The Black Boy, which is a very cool pub with separate gin bar.

Are there resident dogs at Blackwood Forest?

No, but your dog probably won’t be the only one onsite so you won’t have to look far for playmates.

Where are the best dog walks near Blackwood Forest?

There are countless woodland trails to explore so dogs will be in heaven. Make the Forest Retreat your first stop before heading out. It has plenty of information about local walks and hikes and lots of leaflets to take away.

If you’re keen to learn more about the surrounding area, speak to one of the onsite Forest Rangers. These woodland experts offer a range of daily activities and walks. You can even do one after-dark with night vision goggles or sign up for a survival course.

What Ernie loved about Blackwood Forest

The woodland walks on our doorstep, keeping an eye on the forest beasties at night, making friends with the neighbours

What I loved about Blackwood Forest

The peace and tranquility, the hot tub, being amongst the trees, the cool design of the cabin

How to book Blackwood Forest

Short breaks start from £395 per cabin. For further details, call 03330 110 495 or visit the Forest Holidays website.