Tucked away in a rural location in the Forest of Dean, this charming shepherd’s hut is a romantic retreat with spectacular views across to a lake and woodland. The delightfully rustic interior has a wooden floor, exposed wooden beams in the roof and purpose-built units which perfectly fit your forest setting. The main living area combines a raised king-size bed with a dining area, kitchenette, and a compact wood burner. At the rear of the shepherd’s hut is a shower room hidden behind a sliding wooden door. Step outside onto the raised decking and you can take in the fresh air and wonderfully peaceful views. This is a secluded bolthole ideally positioned for exploring the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean up to Ross-on-Wye and across to Tintern. Betty is also pet friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along too.
Full Description
Your arrival takes you through meandering country lanes to Betty, which sits in a raised position taking full advantage of the surrounding views. Part of the Lydney Park Estate, this wooden shepherd’s hut is full of character and rustic appeal.
Steps lead to the decking and entrance of this charming hut. You’ll first notice the raised king-size bed which sits beneath a skylight. Here you can lie beneath the stars. Built-in steps to the side mean you don’t have to clamber into bed. Cleverly stored beneath the bed are a hidden table and benches. These pull out so you can enjoy meals together and can then be stowed away to make the most of the space. Light the wood burner in the evening and enjoy this time together away from the world. This well-designed shepherd’s hut is equipped with all the must-haves needed for a relaxing stay including a kitchenette with an oven and two-ring hob, a microwave, a fridge with a freezer compartment and a Belfast sink. To the rear is a stylishly appointed shower room behind a sliding door.
Outside you can watch the sunrise from the decking and enjoy long walks in the local area. There is also a firepit/barbecue. Follow the routes from your door around the nearby lake or head into the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley to discover everything that is on offer here. From finding hidden viewpoints, water sports, forest trails and cycling there is something for everybody to enjoy. If you’d prefer something more relaxing, there are also some fantastic pubs and restaurants to treat yourself to a meal out.
Ground Floor
Sleeping Area:
The raised king-size bed is a central point with built-in steps to one side. This cosy retreat will ensure a good night’s sleep and you can watch the stars or let the sun flood in through the skylight above. Lying beneath the exposed wood beams you become part of the forest which sits outside your door.
Living/Dining/Kitchen Area:
From under the bed, a table and two benches are stored which are easily pulled out to create a dining area. Made from the same wood as the bed and kitchen units it fits perfectly. The kitchen has a fridge with a freezer section, microwave, oven and two-ring hob; enough space to prepare meals during your stay.
Bathroom:
Behind a sliding door at the back of the hut is the hidden shower room. This white-panelled room has a rainfall shower, ceramic sink, and traditional WC. Despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere, you have all your modern conveniences here.
Outside
Beyond the front decking, your views spread across the surrounding trees to the hills in the distance. It is as though the garden of this hut is the entire Forest of Dean. At the end of the gravelled pathway, there is a parking space for one car.
Full List of Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
1 Bathroom - Shower room
Hairdryer - 1
Fire - Logs are provided for an initial fire (1st October - 31st March)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Dining table - Seats 2
WiFi *Please note that speeds are for guidance only and are not guaranteed - 50-99 Mbps
Outdoor
Dog friendly - 1 well-behaved dog is welcome for an additional fee
BBQ - Please provide your own charcoal
Parking - Off-road parking for 2 cars
On your Doorstep
Supermarkets and Shopping:
Nearby Lydney (2 miles) has a Lidl and a Tesco supermarket. Chepstow (8 miles) has Lidl, Tesco, and an M&S Foodhall. If you are in search of a little retail therapy Gloucester Quays is a 30-minute drive with lots of shops and plenty of places to eat. Cribbs Causeway in Bristol is 30-minutes in the other direction.
Eating Out:
The George Inn & Millingbrook Lodge, Aylburton – a friendly village pub with local real ales and home cooked meals (0.9 miles)
The Globe Inn, Alvington – traditional pub and restaurant with good food and a large beer garden (2.1 miles)
Swan House Tea Room, Woolaston – pretty tearoom with super afternoon tea options (3 miles)
Walks:
The Forest of Dean is criss-crossed with miles and miles of walking trails where you might be lucky enough to see some of the abundant local wildlife which includes deer, wild boar, and foxes. Sheep also roam freely in the forest. Other walks include the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Puzzlewood and the Beechenhurst Trail.
Places to Visit:
Dean Forest Railway (3 miles)
Clearwell Caves (5 miles)
Chepstow Castle (9 miles)
Symonds Yat (9 miles)
Travel:
Train - Lydney Railway Station (2.4 miles) has services to/from Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester, Chepstow, and Cardiff
Taxis - Abbey Taxis, Fast Cabs
There is so much to see in the Forest of Dean, why not take a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreats Experiences
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00.
Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
One well-behaved dog is welcome for an additional fee.
Betty does not accept infants due to limited space.
Betty Shepherd's Hut has no TV, giving you the chance to really switch off and enjoy this location.
Neighbouring Properties
The Lydney Park Estate encompasses a collection of six unique holiday homes sleeping a total of 40 guests. View the collection here.
My husband and I had a lovely weekend relaxing, the Shepherds Hut was a beautiful location to unwind and get away from big city life, couldn’t recommend this place more it was perfect and everything was how described.
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Aishah
| 08/08/2025
Very clean everything we needed, lovely setting, and would definitely recommend.
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Kev
| 31/07/2025
A particular thanks to Tracey, the housekeeper, for her help. Great to be able to walk through the woods to Taurus Crafts (shops, cafe, tap room).
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Luke
| 06/06/2025
The shepherd’s hut is highly recommended! It was cosy, with all mod coms, marvellous views in solitude. What more can you ask for?
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Stella
| 02/05/2025
Couldn’t fault it. Mega location and the perfect place to switch off. The only downside was we didn’t have more time! Can’t recommend enough and very much looking forward to going back.
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Mark
| 18/04/2025
A lovely comfortable stay. Betty is not your average “Shepherds Hut”. It has central heating a great shower and a wood-burning stove really heats the place. Great location, just away from a quiet road, so good access. A short drive or walk down to the village- The Cross pub was amazing. Lovely cycling and walks on your doorstep. Taurus Crafts and microbrewery are on your doorstep and ideally located for other tourist visits. A peaceful haven. We hope to be back soon.
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Vanessa
| 07/11/2024
An amazing isolated location with stunning views, a perfect place for couples to get away from it all for the weekend. I love the décor and feel to the place. The log burner was a treat, as was the outdoor BBQ firepit. Such a cute and unique retreat.
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Emma
| 04/10/2024
Had a wonderful stay at the shepherd hut Betty. Amazingly presented in immaculate condition without losing any of the charm. The situation is remote but still with in striking distance of a couple of pubs. If you want somewhere to recharge your batteries then this is the place.
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Geoffrey
| 04/09/2024
Location
One of two shepherd’s huts, Betty is part of the Lydney Park Estate and shares this location with nearby holiday homes. This is an ideal spot for exploration with natural delights such as the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley on the doorstep. The Forest of Dean is one of the most interesting places in the UK lying within the embrace of two great tidal rivers, the Severn, and the Wye. The landscape, heritage and culture created are quite unlike anywhere else. The village of Aylburton is a mile away where there is a good food pub. Lydney is just two miles away with a selection of shops and restaurants. Chepstow, Cheltenham Spa, Bath, and Bristol are all easily accessible.
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Note: Sleeps 2: One king-size bed
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