I’ll never forget the drive to our little holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean – or rather, the comedy of errors that got us there. We’d set off from Cheltenham full of beans, sat-nav primed and a boot stuffed with enough snacks to feed a small army. But no sooner had we hit the winding lanes towards Redmarley D’Abitot than the heavens opened. Proper biblical rain, the kind that turns country roads into rivers. Then, just as we were navigating some gloriously narrow single-track bit, a tractor lumbered out of nowhere, forcing me to reverse into a hedge. Scrapes on the wing mirror, a bit of swearing under my breath (mostly from the passenger seat), and we were off again, laughing at how we’d already turned a simple 20-minute jaunt into an episode of Top Gear.

By the time we pulled up outside the cottage, just beyond the village edge, we were soaked but buzzing with that arrival anticipation – you know, the thrill of unlocking a new place and claiming it as yours for a few days. And blimey, what a first impression. This beautiful contemporary cottage, all homely and inviting, sat there in the tranquil Gloucestershire countryside like it was waiting just for us. Rolling fields stretched out around it, with a public footpath right by the gate tempting us into Redmarley Woods. We dashed inside, dripping puddles everywhere, and it was love at first sight: cosy corners, everything you need for a romantic couple’s retreat or family memories, without a whiff of pretension.

That first evening, after towing ourselves dry, we cracked open a bottle of wine and just soaked it in. The rain had eased, leaving that fresh, earthy smell hanging in the air. We stepped out for a gentle wander along the footpath – nothing too ambitious after the drive – and it was pure magic. Towering trees, birdsong, and not a soul in sight. I caught myself grinning like an idiot, thinking how I spend far too much time glued to a screen back home, missing out on this simple stuff. A quiet moment of self-reflection amid the chaos of arrival: maybe I need more of these mini-adventures to remind me what recharges the batteries.

Next morning, the sun was out, and we were straight into explorer mode. A cycle along the nearby trails in Redmarley Woods – proper Forest of Dean stuff, with dappled light and the odd squirrel darting across the path. We stumbled on a hidden clearing perfect for a picnic, and spent hours pottering about, spotting deer in the distance. Lunch was back at the cottage, rustling up a fry-up on the spotless kitchen setup, then a short drive to the village for a cream tea in one of those quaint tearooms. Redmarley D’Abitot has that unspoiled charm – a proper hidden gem in the northern Forest of Dean, ideal for walkers and nature nuts like us.

Evenings were bliss: barbecues on the patio overlooking the countryside, stargazing without a scrap of light pollution. We squeezed in a family-friendly rock-climbing session nearby – nothing extreme, just enough to get the heart pumping and the kids (well, my inner child) whooping with joy. One small mishap lingered in the humour: I managed to lock myself out mid-barbie, barefoot in the grass, fumbling for the spare key while the sausages nearly went up in smoke. Cue more laughter.

Honestly, that arrival kerfuffle set the tone for the best kind of holiday – real, relaxed, and full of those little moments you tuck away. If you’re after a peaceful escape with woods on your doorstep and countryside vibes, this spot’s a winner. We’re already plotting a return.