Forest Holidays Reviews 632

We are regular Forest Holidays customers and have always had very positive experiences across multiple sites, which is why we chose to contact them directly regarding our recent stay at Strathyre before leaving a review.
Unfortunately, despite sending a detailed complaint on 17 April and following up several times (including via social media), we have not received any acknowledgement or response at all.
Our stay itself was disappointing and did not reflect the “Golden Oak” premium experience we paid for, particularly as it was for a special occasion (birthday and anniversary). There were multiple maintenance issues throughout the cabin, problems with key facilities such as the hot tub, and a safety concern where our daughter cut her foot on a raised metal edge at the entrance.
I want to be clear that the staff on site were excellent and responded quickly when issues were raised — this is not a reflection on them, but rather on the overall condition of the cabin and the lack of response from customer services.
We chose not to leave a negative public review initially as we know this is not the usual standard, but given the lack of any response, we are now hoping this may prompt someone from Forest Holidays to make contact and resolve the matter.

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Disappointing experience and no response to complaint

We’ve stayed at Cropton Forest with Forest Holidays several times over the past few years, but unfortunately our recent experience has left us very disappointed.

During our stay in February 2026, we went on what we understood to be a well-signposted walk in the forest. However, the signage was unclear and insufficient in several places, which resulted in me becoming lost with my dog. This was stressful and took away from what should have been an enjoyable experience. For a location that attracts visitors unfamiliar with the area, clear and reliable signage is essential—especially where mobile signal may be limited.

This isn’t the first issue we’ve encountered. On previous stays, we experienced problems with lodge cleanliness, a faulty bath tap, and on another visit, a malfunctioning smoke alarm that went off throughout the night. This was particularly distressing and disrupted our stay significantly.

I raised these concerns directly with Forest Holidays via email but have not received any response, which is disappointing in itself.

While the location is lovely, the repeated issues and lack of customer service mean we are now hesitant to return. I hope improvements are made, both in maintenance standards and in responding to customer feedback.

Had a lovely time at Ardgartan. Location is great and staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. The recurrent comments from others are however true. The cabins are in a somewhat sorry state now. We've been coming here for ten years but hadn't been for a couple of years. Some of the issues with the cabin we noted the last time are still there. The cabin is much more sparse and items of furniture such as freestanding lights have been removed. Things have been notably worse since they were taken over in 2022 by Sykes and it feels like a bit of a golden goose to them, an asset that is going to get flogged for the money until it falls over. I genuinely do like forest holidays and have never had a holiday that I didn't enjoy. I wish I could say it was perfect. There is an elephant in the room though and anyone reading these reviews would see the issue.

I have not taken my stay yet but I had a booking issue which has been dealt with today by Sheila from customers services. My sincere and grateful thanks to her for her help and understanding. She must be a credit to your team. Lesley Lester.

We have never holiday with Forest Holidays before so this was our first time. First impressions, when we walked into our cabin It had just finished being cleaned as it was only 4 o’clock but the Strong smell of dog wasn’t pleasant to be greeted to. We do not have a dog and I believe a pet friendly cabin was all that was available when we booked, which I thought wouldn’t be a problem as other places I have stayed normally charge more for pet friendly accommodation to allow for extra cleaning but I’m not sure this is the case here! The recycling/bin was very dirty and smelly, it clearly doesn’t get washed out between stays. The dishwasher being integrated was very loose in its housing, whenever we opened it it almost was dropping out of its space. The shelf on the door of the fridge that you keep your milk in was very loose. It looked as though a screw had been already been put in the door to help with this but it was still very loose and I was a little bit concerned that my milk was going to fall out, luckily it didn’t but it is loose enough that it could be a problem. Under the unit in the kitchen were extremely dirty I can appreciate that maybe not every time somebody leaves a clean needs to be done under the cupboards but it was quite a buildup so maybe if it was done every few stays it would prevent this. The blinds were thick dust and the window frames were extremely grubby. I can appreciate it is a lodge with wooden windows etc but these things could still be a lot cleaner than they was. Lots of cobwebs throughout which again it’s a lodge in the woods but it wouldn’t have been as bad as it was if it was dusted regularly! There was also a hole in the decking by our hot tub. When we returned home we received an email for feedback on our stay, I click the link but it didn’t work so I sent an email just to say the link doesn’t work in that email but Nobody got back to me. A couple of weeks after I got another email to say please share your feedback with the same link, I clicked it again and it still didn’t work so I then sent an email direct to customer services to which again no one replied! I can not believe the customer service from such a big company! As you can tell from all of the issues pointed out I would rather not wish to holiday with forest holidays again.

Honestly too bad to summarise. Kids and partner upset at advertised activities eg bike riding not being available - poor service and average chalets. Will never go back. Found the CEO email and made a direct complaint - no reply or even acknowledgement, which tells you everything. Avoid.

Awful. Of the four days we stayed only one day that we could use the hot tub because of ‘maintenance’ issues. No one was interested in rectifying or even apologising.

We had an excellent experience at Blackwood Forest with my husband and 2 year old. Our cabin was well equipped which was also clear in the room details when booking. The staff were all very helpful - including a special shout out to Anne who checked on us after we’d settled in and managed to get us some salt and pepper that we’d forgotten to bring for the dinner we were cooking. And to the cleaning staff who found my pillow I’d forgotten at checkout and kept it safe until we returned.
The forest was beautiful, we enjoyed walks, playing in the playground, the hot tub and a local restaurant during our long weekend.
Thanks for a great first holiday with our daughter!

Stayed at cropton from 27th to 30th March lodge no.46.Great upon arrival,everything clean but from Saturday morning the 28th we had no hot water and no heating error code up on their Samsung heating which was blocked pipe somewhere.manager came and brought us 4 small oil filled rads but didn't get hot water until Sunday late afternoon when they put the immersion heater on.They did bring us some logs for the fire and a bottle of prosceco and was promised a refund which we haven't seen yet,When I checked the fault code on system it was saying it had failed on the Thursday before us even getting there!

I recently booked an accessible cabin (no.1) in the Forest of Dean as I’m a full time wheelchair user and if it wasn’t for my wife I would have gone home the day we arrived. The only things that made it accessible was the wet room and hoist for the hot tub. Firstly the parking outside the cabin was on a very steep incline which made it difficult in a wheelchair. The kitchen was not accessible at all (not like another accessible cabin in Blackwood Forest). The bed was ridiculously high which made transfers on and off the bed difficult (being a paraplegic). There is only one bathroom which was absolutely disgusting (the photos don’t do it any justice) and in desperate need for refurbishment, I don’t even think it was cleaned before we arrival. There was faeces on the wall by the toilet and toilet seat which my wife cleaned because she didn’t want me to make a fuss. The sink was ridiculously small that you couldn’t even wash your hand in it. It would be great to have an en-suite in the double bedroom so others can use the toilet and not have to wait while the bathroom is in use like the cabin in Blackwood Forest. I’m not sure the hoist for the hot tub get’s serviced regularly as it was a bit temperamental and I get stuck in the air getting out of the hot tub. To be honest I feel that the whole cabin was in desperate need of refurbishment as it looked very rundown. I don’t understand why a log burner isn’t fitted, aren’t disabled people entitled to these luxuries as well? My wife reported these issues at the end of our stay and the staff looked shocked, were very apologetic. It’s such as shame as Forest of Dean is a beautiful place to visit and the staff at the retreat were great.

We came to glentress forest, Peebles on 10th of April for 3 nights. On arrival we received a warm welcome from 2 of the team. The lodge ( golden oak hideaway) was amazing, clean, modern and just what we were looking for. I noticed we didn’t have a hair dryer, I asked a member of the team for one, they delivered it within 10 minutes. They service was outstanding throughout. Highly recommend this amazing resort in Peebles.

Sherwood Forest . These cabins are getting really run down. We have been coming here for years but this year it was obvious that the cabins themselves are being bodge repaired to eek out as much profit from them before giving them a revamp. Gate fell off on the decking while we were there through rot and rust. The hot tub was chipped and outdoor furniture was on its last legs. The cabins themselves are also really, really dirty and, given you have the option to ask them to come an mop the floors when you arrive, suggests their cleaning between guests is minimal. The kitchen worktops were absolutely disgraceful. The dirt that came off them when I wiped them down on arrival was shocking! Forest Holidays have clearly cut costs from maintenance and cleaning. Again to ensure maximum profit. Given these are pretty expensive to stay in, I'd expect better.

Welcome cleaning pack wasn't in the cabin on arrival. No mention of it at check in. When we asked, we were told there was a delivery issue. We were told one would be available the next day. It wasn't. And again the next day after a 2nd promise. This was really poor communication and our frustration could have been averted, if they had just told us we weren't getting one. Or pre warned so we could bring some washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets with us. Really disappointed. Like I said, we've been visiting Forest Holidays for over 10 years now and this year was enough to make me unlikely to return ever again.

Disaster from day one
Pre ordered logs not delivered
Lodge not clean
Many faults reported - but staff did come out to fix
Booking not made for bike hire
Cafe not open at 9am
Tired lodges need updated
Most of all the hardest part was getting hold of head office or anyone after the holiday
Lots of emails to different people no response
But never gave up and in the end did get 40% back
For me lack of being able to get hold of anyone was stressful and no one answering phone
Shame as nice settings

We recently stayed at Blackwood Forest, Hampshire, our 3rd stay which has always been great.
The location is amazing and the staff on site are really lovely

During our stay, the hot tub broke down and was repaired promptly by maintenance staff, who were professional and helpful. However, following the repair, the hot tub had a very strong chemical/bleach smell. We were not advised not to use it, and after using it for approximately an hour, both of us developed significant skin irritation and burning, which lasted for several days afterwards. Our swimwear was also visibly bleached and damaged.

On our return we raised a formal complaint and were advised a response would be provided within 28 days. It has now been nearly 2 months and despite sending a follow-up email we have received no response or acknowledgement.

Given that this involves a potential health and safety concern, we are disappointed by the lack of communication and care. Such a shame as we have previously had a good experience

Me and my partner had the most wonderful stay at the Garwnant/Brecon Beacons site in Wales for our anniversary. Firstly the staff were incredible, I spoke with Madison the day before we were due to arrive and she was so kind and attentive, even asking for the reason we were staying. Upon telling her it was for our anniversary, she made sure there was a bottle of prosecco waiting with a handwritten card, so so thoughtful! Check in was so easy and the two ladies on the desk were incredibly kind and welcoming. The lodge itself was lovely and clean, you had all the equipment you could need to self cater. We had the pleasure of meeting Damien who is a credit to the team, really attentive with maintenance, went above and beyond to try and get the HDMI port working for us, catching up with us as we were heading out and about for a nice chat and genuinely being kind and welcoming. The walks around the site were stunning and was overall such a lovely place to be. All the staff are such a credit to Forest Holidays, we had the best time and we will 100% be back!

I haven’t been to stay at the lodge yet but I needed to come and write a review for the customer service element!

Long story short we needed to amend our dates and luckily we paid the flexible amendment fee; but regardless - the lady I got to speak to was so lovely, friendly and helpful.

Her name is Amanda and she was super helpful with recommendations when it came to choosing when to rebook and also which cabin to choose!

It’s not often you get cheerful and friendly people on the phones nowadays so I really just wanted to show my appreciation.

Thank you Amanda! We can’t wait for our stay now!

I booked a cabin a month ago and received my confirmation link shortly after. When I checked the details, the information about the cabin was completely wrong. Since then, I’ve emailed several times asking for clarification on what has actually been booked, but I haven’t had a single response.

I’ve also tried calling their helpline repeatedly and no one ever answers. At this point, they’ve taken my money, may have booked the wrong lodge, and have made no effort to communicate with me at all aside from automated sales emails trying to get me to buy extras for my holiday.

So I haven’t even gone on the trip yet and my experience has already been extremely poor. Unless things improve drastically, I won’t be booking with this company again. Fingers crossed there really is a lodge waiting for us when we arrive.

We will definately not be staying at Forest Holidays again after myself, my friend and my 11 year old daughter contracted hot tub folliculitis from the poorly sanitized hot tub at cabin 47 at the Sherwood Forest location. We paid £1650 for a 4 night break in February half term week and sustained severe itching and nasty rashes over our bodies where I myself had to take antibiotics to tackle the bacterial infection. We wrote a complaint to customer services and 3 weeks later didn't even receive a reply which is absolutely disgraceful. We will now be escalating this!

I have stayed 7 times at 4 different Forest Holiday sites in the last year, although the sites are in lovely locations, I will not be returning to any Forest Holidays site, due to the lack of customer service I received after a terrible stay at Deerpark back in January.
I have had to wait 42 days to get a reply from their customer service, even though their automated reply ensured a reply in 21 days as stated by them in their automated email reply. I had to email again and call to chase why I hadn’t had a reply to be told they have a new system and it was taking longer to reply to complaints.
Eventually I received an email and was offered, quite frankly a laughable offer of compensation to extend the 15% off discount of a future stay until Sept 2027, all customers are offered this discount after a stay to encourage rebooking and free early check in and late check out.

The cabin I stayed in No. 1 was next to a cabin No. 2, having building work on it, from 8am-6.30pm everyday I had to endure drilling, sawing, hammering, building rubbish and workers all over looking my decking and hot tub, so I didn’t feel comfortable using the hot tub until the workers had left for the day. Their work vans blocked my car in and I had to ask them multiple times to move so I could get out and to be able to park back in my parking space.
This cabin should never have been allowed to be let out that week.

On top of that on the first evening of my stay there was a power cut with the fire brigade and power company working behind my cabin until past 2am in the morning, then power came back on around 3am but there was still no WiFi or TV until lunchtime the following day. Later in the week there was more power distribution when the power company completed the work.

I have had to wait 42 days to get a reply from their customer service, even though they stated in an automated reply I should have a response in 21 working days. I had to call to chase, to be told they have a new system and it was taking longer to reply to complaints. I asked why an email was sent explaining this to be told yes that should have happened shouldn’t it.

I was offered quite frankly a laughable offer of free early check in and out on my next stay and to extend the date of the 15% off discount of a future stay until Sept 2027, all customers are offered this discount after a stay to encourage rebooking.
This should have been felt with at the time when I complained onsite to the site manager, but felt he fobbed me off by saying there was nothing he could do about it and said to email the Customer services.

This was my second break with Forest Holidays. The first was Elveden in the winter of 2024 and more recently at Blackwood Forest with my wife. The staff onsite at both these resorts are friendly and welcoming and the cabins are well positioned, there is plenty of space between each cabin and you aren’t overlooked.
However, I won’t be returning for a third visit as there seems to be a common theme between them which is enough to stop me visiting again. The cabins are tired and worn and need a refresh but the real problem for me was the lack of cleanliness and maintenance.
My latest visit included:
On arrival we were met with dirty worksurfaces, the dining table was covered in crumbs and food. The sink still had food and greasy food remains around the bowl. Even the toaster had breadcrumbs all over the top. The oven and hob surfaces were all smeary, as if they had been wiped down with a dirty cloth. One of the saucepans looked like someone had boiled rice in it and it had boiled dry. The black charred marks were still visible.
The bathrooms had toothpaste splashes around the sink area from previous guests and the black mould in the shower had been growing there for a while by the looks of it.
On the maintenance side of things, the back door to the decking area was sticking at the bottom. You couldn’t open it without giving it an extra push with your foot. The curtain rail above the same door was not attached properly and fell down on me one night while drawing the curtains, there are missing screws to hold it together. We tried to watch the tv one afternoon but it kept switching off every few minutes, a black screen with “loading” would appear, and take a minute or so before it started working again. Very frustrating! There was a broken safety catch on the second bedroom window, typically where young children may be staying.
I could go on, there is more, but I think you get the picture. The whole cabin felt dirty and neglected. I could have complained about all these things but I was only there for four nights and to be honest I wanted to get on and enjoy my holiday, not have to deal with all these issues. The amount and type of problems show a real lack of concern. With an early check in and paying to bring my dog it worked out to around £200 a night for a four-night break at this time of year here in mid-March, and I’m more inclined to spend my money elsewhere. It’s a shame but I won’t be going on a Forest Holiday again.