Inside the Forest of Dean's unassuming foodie find
There are many reasons to visit the Forest of Dean, the corner of Gloucestershire right at the border between England and Wales, not least for a stay at Tudor Farmhouse. This charming boutique hotel is just as lovely in the winter as it is in the summer.
Though it might not be snowing, the fireplaces will be lit and there are lots of cosy corners where you can eat some delicious food or relax with the weekend papers and a cocktail. Come summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the garden and surrounding countryside in all its glory. What’s more, it’s pet-friendly, so the perfect hotel to bring your pooch along to.
The hotel is located between the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, making it the ideal base for exploring Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire just over the border. In Wales, don’t miss the ruins of Tintern Abbey – founded in 1131 on the banks of the River Wye, by the Lord of Chepstow – or the beautiful market town of Monmouth, just a couple of miles from the border.
Other sites of note in the environs include the Grade I-listed Hereford Cathedral, and Puzzlewood, within the Forest of Dean – this 14-acre patch of magical woodland has a maze of paths, caves and curious rock formations, and ancient trees. It is thought to have once been an iron-ore mine in Roman times. This part of the world is also an excellent place to get out into the great outdoors – activities to immerse yourself in nature include walking, cycling, canoeing and even, for the more adventurous, swinging through the trees and rock-climbing.
After days out exploring the gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside and beyond, Tudor Farmhouse will be the perfect rural retreat to come home to. It is set on a former farm, with buildings dating back to the 13th century. These days, it’s a boutique hotel with 20 rooms and suites, alongside a restaurant that’s the star of the show.
Here, dishes made using produce from the kitchen garden or sourced from suppliers within a 20-mile radius (with most ingredients coming from Herefordshire, Monmouthshire or Gloucestershire) are served. You might feast on pork croquette with Jerusalem artichoke, poached apple, pickled shallots and garden herbs; or roast wood pigeon with potato rosti, parsnip, chicory, cranberry and gremolata.
Vegans will be well catered for, too – even carnivores will be tempted by the salt-baked-celeriac lasagne, served with charred leek, wild mushrooms, toasted almonds and tarragon cream. Needless to say, breakfasts are hearty, with impeccable provenance credentials, and afternoon tea is available to treat yourself after a hike.
The rooms reflect the heritage of the architecture, with original stonework and beams intact, but, you’ll be pleased to hear, modern comforts in the form of monsoon showers, roll-top bath tubs, high-speed internet, Bramley bath products, colourful soft furnishings and coffee machines.
Country Living has a two-night offer for a stay at Tudor Farmhouse, which commences in an ideal fashion: with a bottle of prosecco and freshly baked scones awaiting you in your room after check-in. You’ll also enjoy breakfast each morning, a tasting menu one evening and a £50 per person dinner allowance on your second night. Helpfully for the gourmet travellers, a food and drink trail map will be provided, so you can discover the best local suppliers and farm shops to ensure you dine well at every stage of your stay.
BOOK A STAY AT TUDOR FARMHOUSE
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