January is prime holiday planning time – well, what else is there to do in the most boring, cold and dark of months? If, like me, you’re spending your evenings rooting around the internet looking for cool places to visit with your family over the coming months then can I draw your attention to the brilliant Forest Holidays? I discovered them last year and wrote about them but a year is a long time in blogging and you’ve no doubt forgotten!

So to remind you, they’re basically purveyors of super-duper staycations – think beautifully-appointed, luxury cabins (eg underfloor heating, hot tubs, fluffy gowns) set in stunning Forestry Commission woodland in Cornwall, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Norfolk and Argyll. The big sell on these holidays is that they are peaceful, rejuvenating, and unlike Centerparcs, not riddled with families going from one organised activity to another.

There are woodland trails and walks to explore, bikes you can hire, and new for 2018 the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve flailing about in stagnant, freezing lakes in your swimsuit, it’s actually a mindfulness experience, known as shinrin yoku in Japan and now a cornerstone of the country’s healthcare programme. It involves a three hour guided walk along the trails combined with meditation techniques, followed by a Japanese tea ceremony using foraged plants. Apparently it’s an excellent stress-buster and wellbeing enhancer, as you slow down, notice your immediate environment and reconnect with nature. Let’s hope they throw some celebratory saki in somewhere down the track too.

With half term and Easter holidays next on the radar (yes Easter already!!), these are defo worth throwing into the mix for a relaxed, outdoorsy family escape. And whoopy doo for Muddy readers, we can snaffle 10 percent off all bookings before the end of Feb, PLUS a free early check in. Yeah, I’ll take that! That discount is on all cabin types, from the great value Copper Beech to the ultimate luxury of a Golden Oak Treehouse. The cabins can accommodate from two or 10 people (and up to four dogs!). Just remember to put in the promo code MUDDY10 at checkout and as always let me know if you give it a whirl.

forestholidays.co.uk

The small print: Bookings must be made before 28 February 2018 and holidays taken before 30 September 2018. This discount applies to the cabin price only and not any extras. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. Forest Holidays reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

Need staycation inspo?

You may also like