Guests can unwind with a peaceful stay at The Riverside Retreat, nestled five minutes from the Forest of Dean with wonderful views of the River Severn. From homely touches to a comfy large king-sized bed, a wood burning stove, gas/charcoal BBQ and a lovely outdoor seating area, the site have got you covered. A range of orchard fruit trees are a backdrop to the stargazer and a hot tub can be added as an extra too!

Why choose The Riverside Retreat

Peaceful and cosy, fully furnished stargazer tent with beautiful views of the River Severn

Between Wye Valley AONB and Cotswolds AONB, five minutes to the Forest of Dean

Equipped with a king sized bed, a wood burning stove and gas/charcoal BBQ for nights in the open

About the site

Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside between the Wye Valley AONB and the Cotswolds AONB The site offers guests peace and quiet in a serene riverside setting, with the bell tent designed for ultimate relaxation. Guests can enjoy a private break away with there being just one bell tent onsite. The bell tent sleeps a maximum of two adults and three young children. Inside the bell tent is a king-size bed and there is one extra single mattress available. Bedding and towels are provided for the king-size bed, however, if additional bedding and mattresses are required, guests will need to bring their own. There is also a wood stove in the bell tent and a private hot tub to relax in and take in the view. The site also provides a welcome pack with recommendations for local attractions and dining out. Guests have access to their own kitchen area with a wood-fired pizza oven, kettle, mini fridge and all the crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils they require. They also have access to a private bathroom with hot water. For the warmer evenings, hammocks are provided for outside as well as a BBQ. If you're looking to spend evenings under the stars, a hot tub is available for guests to hire. If you're there for two nights or more, this is included for no extra charge. Cosy bath robes will also be provided. The site is ideal for those wanting a quiet getaway. It is set in a small, peaceful hamlet and is intended as a quiet retreat for those seeking rest and relaxation. The site does ask that guests respect this tranquil environment. There is plenty to explore around the site, including some great walking and cycling routes. The Forest of Dean is just a five minute drive away, with Gloucester 25 minutes away for a spot of shopping or a day in the city. For sporting enthusiasts, Pedalabikeaway is 15 minutes from the site (mountain bikes, family cycling trails and jumps) and paddle boarding or open water swimming in nearby lakes (10 minutes drive) as well as walks. Secure bike storage can be available onsite with prior notice. This site is dog free.

The Riverside Retreat is open from 14/03 to 02/11. Pitches from £130/night for 2 people.

"The view is unbeatable!"

Felicity Ann S

"We only stayed for one night ... but soon wished we were staying longer"

Jessica T

"They've created a little paradise on their land"

Iren R

What facilities are at The Riverside Retreat?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Fires allowed

Glamping

Hot tubs

Peaceful

Facilities include an exclusive use bathroom with a hot water shower that is no extra charge and has no time limit, a toilet and a large sink. Please note that there is only cold water in the washing up area. There is also a kitchen/bar area with cooking equipment provided and a mini fridge.

If you're hoping to use the hot tub, this needs to be arranged with the site. This is free of charge for bookings of over two nights.

There is also secure bicycle storage for overnight use if arranged prior to your stay.

The nearest newsagents and Post Office is a ten minute walk from the site. The nearest supermarkets and pubs are a five minute drive from site, the closest being in the village of Blakeney.

There are 1 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Stargazer Bell Tent

Max 4 people

6m Lotus Belle tent. Inside is a kingsize bed with bedding provided, a wood burning stove and solar powered charging. Additional camp/blow-up beds can be brought to sleep extra children. Outside is a charcoal BBQ. Facilities nearby.

The Riverside Retreat reviews

4.89 /5

9 reviews

100%

would recommend

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Excellent glamping spot

Recommends site

Anne-Marie H

Jul 2025

This is a truly lovely spot for a glamping stay. The tent itself was large and airy, with lots of space for us to sit in and not feel cramped. We also had plenty of space for a travel cot and our bags. The bed was very comfy and the décor nicely done. The bathroom was a nice surprise - great shower and nicely laid out. The outside space is exceptional. A kitchen area with plenty of space to sit at the table or on the garden furniture to eat or play games. There's a fire pit and a hot tub which really made the stay. The view is incredible and the area very peaceful. Vanessa couldn't have been more helpful with communication beforehand and during our stay. I couldn't recommend this place more. Thank you.

Gem of a stay!

Recommends site

Vikki B

Bell Tent - Stargazer Bell TentJul 2025

We booked the Riverside retreat as a friend had stayed recently and the pictures looked lovely. And it is! Firstly let's talk about the views! Green, calm and peaceful. The site itself is clean and so wonderfully set out, with everything you could need for the perfect stay. We found the tent exceptionally comfortable, the bathroom area more than ample and very spa like! The kitchen/seating area is just perfect for soaking up the views and contained everything you'd expect, with the added bonus of binoculars and a telescope to check out the views further. We added the hot tub on which was very much enjoyed by the children. The hosts were very welcoming and gave lots of information before leaving us to enjoy our stay! My only retrospective comment is that there is conflicting messages on the booking comms. I'd thought I'd seen 10am checkout on one platform so was aiming for that time, but then double checked this morning and the email said 10:30. However on the listing when I went back to it it does say 10.

A quiet, private site

Recommends site

Yvonne R

Bell Tent - Stargazer Bell TentJun 2025

This is a site with a single tent on it, so it's effectively private. The view over the Severn river is constantly changing, so it's lovely to sit in the hot tub in the evening and just look at it. I've never glamped before so I didn't know what to expect and was very happy with what I found. Vanessa welcomed us and showed us around, answering any questions we had. We would go back. The bed was comfortable.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about The Riverside Retreat

Quick filters

Site rules

What time is check-in and check out at The Riverside Retreat?

Guests are able to check in from 2pm until 7pm, please let the site know if you are delayed. Check out is due before 10am on the day of departure.

Is The Riverside Retreat dog-friendly?

Sorry, this site is dog free.

Does The Riverside Retreat allow BBQs and campfires?

BBQs are permitted as long as they are raised from the ground, sorry campfires are not allowed.

Facilities

Is there WiFi at The Riverside Retreat?

No, sorry there is no WiFi at this site.

Other

Is there a hot tub at The Riverside Retreat?

A hot tub is included in your booking for stays booked at least 25 days in advance and stays that are longer than 2 nights. If your stay does not meet these requirements you can book it for an extra fee, this will need to be arranged directly with the site.

Does The Riverside Retreat accept visitors?

Yes, the site does accept visitors but they must leave the site by 10pm.

A note from the site themselves...

Our family have farmed here for several generations. The spot is a hidden gem and it is our privilege to share this with guests allowing them to escape to nature but still feel pampered and cared for. It's a more laid-back, comfortable way to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Knowing that guests are loving their time makes our day.

Deer can be spotted running across the field and there is an abundance of wildlife including several types of owls. Every season brings something different and unique. Sometimes guests can see planes practicing acrobatics. And in spring, birds practice their own acrobatics in and around the site at a break neck speed.

We love to welcome our guests and hope every visitor has a unique and thoroughly enjoyable stay.

The Riverside Retreat is ideal for...

Couples

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children

Things to do on site and in the Blakeney area

From site, you can walk along the edge of the River Severn. The site is set on the edge of the Forest of Dean and in between the Wye Valley AONB and the Cotswold AONB.

There are scenic walks and cycling trails to explore, or head out for a picnic! Some of the best trails include Blakeney Straits (5 minutes), Soudley Ponds and Mallards Pike, both a very short drive from the site.

The Forest of Dean cycle centre (15 minutes) and is full of some great family and cross country trails and some more easy going trails. Don't worry if you forget your bike, they have ones to hire! The Verderers Trail has been voted the best in the UK and, unsurprisingly, avid and professional cyclists visit from all over the UK.

Court Farm Lakes (10 minutes), also a very short distance from the site, offers open swimming and paddle boarding all year round with a constantly going firepit, warm cafe and equally stunning views parallel to the site.

For some more adventure there is a paintball site within a 15 minute walk, or Go Apes is just ten minutes away at Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst, also great spots offering cafes and scenic walks, cycling and incredible scenery.

For a bit of history, Gloucester Cathedral (20 minutes) where Harry Potter was filmed, walk past Tintern Abbey and the famous Devils Pulpit. Or you can visit Goodrich Castle (30 minutes) for links to the English Civil War - why not pass it whilst canoeing around Symonds Yat (35 minutes)

There is a welcome pack on arrival for guests. This provides information on local places to eat, distance to reach them, places to visit including sporting activities, walks and hikes, maps and local history. The site also provides information and history on the view in front of the site.

Other nearby attractions include: