The Old Pump House
A traditional cottage with original features full of character, The Old Pump House has everything you need for a family retreat off the beaten track. With a large, enclosed garden and trout pond, spacious but cosy living room and well-equipped kitchen/diner there is space for the family to spread out and find their own nook to relax in or gather for games and meals. Three bedrooms on the first-floor offer views out across the garden and surrounding woodland. Beyond the cottage, there are a myriad of forest walks and the opportunity to explore the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, and beyond.
Overview
This secluded, woodland getaway is the perfect choice for a family looking for a peaceful spot in the forest. A short drive from Lydney and the Forest of Dean, it offers a tranquil hub where you can unwind after taking advantage of all the activities available in the area.
Hidden away down a country track which meanders through the trees, you will find the cottage set within its own enclosed garden. When you step from your car you are immediately enveloped in calm with only nature and wildlife for neighbours, including local wild boar.
Entering through the large wooden double doors you can leave your walking boots and jackets in the entrance hall. Here you can find games to enjoy outdoors in sunnier weather and it is worth looking up to appreciate the open brickwork and beams which you will find throughout the cottage. Stepping into the spacious living room you will notice the large open fire and comfortable sofas welcoming you to relax after your journey. The adjoining kitchen has a large oven/hob and a dining table to enjoy meals and make plans for the following day. Large traditional glass doors open to the patio from here letting you bring the fresh country air indoors.
Up the wooden stairs, you find the king-size double with a characterful curved window with views across to the pond and surrounding trees and a beamed vaulted ceiling. Along the landing are the family bathroom and separate toilet room, and two twin bedrooms.
The Old Pump House is set in a wonderful, enclosed garden which is a haven for wildlife. The trout pond at the rear is also home to ducks which you can sit and watch throughout the day. Picnic tables on the patio outside the kitchen allow you to take meals outside and a smaller garden table and chairs at the front is the perfect space to try and spot the wild boar hidden in the surrounding trees. With nothing to interrupt your thoughts but the sound of birds and gently flowing water, the tranquillity of The Old Pump House is unmatched.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall:
The front double doors open into the high entrance hall with space to keep footwear and coats.
Living Room:
Through into the living room are the open fire and large comfortable sofas with enough space for everybody to relax. If you have brought your laptop there is also desk space with chairs. Soft lighting is provided by the table lamps and feature windows looking out to the lush greenery of the forest and garden. These can be opened to let in the enjoyable sound of birdsong. Heated wooden floors will keep you warm in the colder months. Wooden stairs with an open stone wall lead up from here to the first floor.
Kitchen-Diner:
The adjoining kitchen is a light and airy space with large traditional glass doors out to the patio. A dining table is a focal point in the centre of this space with surrounding worktops providing the perfect setting for preparing group meals. The large oven and hob, crockery, glasses and expected essentials make this a home from home. With a dishwasher and washing machine, keeping house is a breeze letting you spend more time together as a family.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
To the right of the landing, bedroom one has a king-size double where you can lie and look out through the large, curved window to the pond and forest in the mornings, catching a glimpse of birds as they fly past. With an open brick wall and high vaulted ceiling with wooden beams, this is the perfect space for parents to get away from it all. A reading chair, bedside tables and lamps give gentle lighting and space to unwind. There is storage space, a sink, and a full-length mirror to check you’re ready to head to the local pub for an evening meal.
Bathroom:
Along the landing, past the top of the entrance hall, is the family bathroom. With a large shower, bath with skylight above and traditional white units it has everything you need. A separate toilet is next door to help making getting ready for a day out easier in the mornings.
Bedroom Two:
This twin room has traditional wooden beds with a shared bedside table and lamp. A chest of drawers with a mirror gives space for storage and a window between the beds provides glimpses of the trees and pond beyond.
Bedroom Three:
At the far end of the landing is the second twin room. With a quirky window above the door this room mirrors bedroom one with a curved window being the focal point. Opening this window, you can hear the gently babbling brook which feeds into the pond. There are two bedside tables and lamps, and a dressing table with a mirror. Completing the room are coat hooks, a wooden hanging rail and a sink.
Outside
The outdoor space and location of The Old Pump House is the icing on the cake. The enclosed garden is fenced and gated to keep wild boar out and the gravelled access provides space for up to three cars to park. Two seating areas let you bathe in the woodland views and give space to eat meals outside together on picnic tables on the wooden decking. A charcoal barbecue (please bring your own charcoal) lets the head griller show off and cook up a feast. Surrounded by woodland, you can only hear the sounds of nature and the splashing of ducks in the trout pond.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
Bedroom Two - Twin
Bedroom Three - Twin
1 Bathroom - Family Bathroom And Separate Toilet
Hairdryer
Fire - Logs Are Provided For An Initial Fire (1st October - 31st March)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Coffee Machine - Filter
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 6
Washing Machine
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 50-99 Mbps
TV - Smart
DVD Player
Board Games
Workspace
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Please Provide Your Own Charcoal
Parking - Off-road Parking For 3 Cars
On your Doorstep
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)
- The Rising Sun, Woolaston Common – dog-friendly country pub with great food and a beer garden (3.5 miles)
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 so please ensure your dog is under control when exploring. Other walks include the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Puzzle Wood Walk and the Beechenhurst Trail.
Places to Visit:
- Lydney Park Estate and Gardens (1.8 miles)* open in Spring only
- Dean Forest Railway (3 miles)
- Clearwell Caves (5 miles)
- Train - Lydney Railway Station (2.4 miles) has services to/from Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester, Chepstow, and Cardiff.
- Taxis - AAB Transport
There is so much to discover in the Cotswolds, why not have 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.
- 2 well-behaved dogs are permitted at The Old Pump House for an additional fee.
- There is a deep trout pond at the rear of the property, which is fenced, however there is gated access from the garden. Children and pets must be supervised at all times.
- Please note access to the pond for swimming or fishing is not permitted.
- There is no mobile phone reception at the property, a landline phone is provided in the living room for emergency use.
Check Availability
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- A cosy retreat full of character, with quirky original features and plenty of space for family time.
- Enclosed garden with a trout pond making it perfect for games, picnics, or quiet moments outdoors.
- Set in the heart of the Forest of Dean, with easy access to woodland walks, wildlife spotting, and nearby historic gems like Tintern Abbey.
Discover more
The Location
Activities to suit all tastes can be found within easy reach of The Old Pump House. With the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley on the doorstep there is a host of historical points of interest and stunning natural landscapes. Spend the day discovering Tintern Abbey or Raglan Castle, get lost in the enchanted world of Puzzlewood or try out some water sports at Symonds Yat. The nearest village of Aylburton is a 6 minute drive while larger Lydney is only 11 minutes. Further afield you can reach Chepstow, Cheltenham Spa, Bath, and Cardiff within an hour’s drive.
And relax..
Why book with us
1.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
2.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
3.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
Read our reviews
Such a beautiful building in a stunning location- lovely and warm, with a fantastic living room for relaxing by the fire - a wonderful retreat from reality !!!
Hannah
Excellent stay, great location, gorgeous house and surrounding
We had a wonderful couple of days. The house was beautiful and warm. Great living room space and kitchen and lots of room for all five of us. Thank you!
Ped Asgarian
We had a wonderful couple of days. The house was beautiful and warm. Great living room space and kitchen and lots of room for all five of us. Thank you!
Ped
An excellent holiday in a beautiful location
The Old Pumphouse is very large and sleeps up to six people however there is only one bathroom.Having said that, the two larger rooms do have a wash basin and there is another toilet. The shower was draining very slowly when we arrived but a quick call to the housekeeper and she arranged for the plumber to come that day. There is a beautiful new patio to replace the slippery old decking and it made such a difference. We had a wonderful relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings and hope to book the same accommodation next year.
Lynne Callander
Relaxing isolation
We've stayed at the Old Pumphouse several times and still love it's location and character. A bit of TLC in a couple of places such as the decking and blown double glazing panes are now in order but didn't spoil our enjoyment and relaxation.
Brian Fletcher
We've stayed at The Old Pump House several times and still love it's location and character.
Brian
Amazing location in the woods. Well furnished with everything needed. Clean and comfortable.
Claire
Fabulous location, large airy rooms, great outdoor space.
Debbie
Set in a beautiful and peaceful location. Perfect for a quiet weekend away with lots of good walks nearby.
Tomas
The Pump House has incredible grounds all around it. It is in a remote private area on the edge of a peaceful woodland. With a crystal clear natural pond to the side. It’s the perfect place to observe nature and sit and unwind in the gardens. Inside has a vast family kitchen ideal for entertaining. With added outdoor seating and a BBQ. The lounge has plenty of comfortable sofas around a large fireplace. There are plenty of walks both from the grounds as well as stunning places in and around the Forest of Dean. This was a family holiday and it had everything we needed and more. We would highly recommend this place and hope to revisit in the future.
Chris
Amazing property.
Ben
High's and Low's of the Old Pump House
We were so very excited to stay at the Old Pump House. It did deliver in certain aspects but sadly not all. The windows were dirty, the downstairs hoover and washing machine both smelt. The dining chairs were like sitting on a stone and the mattresses were lumpy and very uncomfortable. In the property details it stated that it was an enclosed garden, yes for a large dog but there were areas such as the gates that a small dog could squeeze through. We had to buy some twine to wrap around the gaps to ensure the dogs stayed in the garden but it still wasn't that relaxing.
On the positive side, the location and wildlife was stunning. There were some feeders in the garden that we filled with various food and we were rewarded with an array of birds such as Woodpeckers, Jays and the resident ducklings.
If there had of been more comfort, cleanliness and an update of some of the soft furnishings upstairs it would have made it a more memorable and enjoyable stay.
Linda Birtwistle
Nature, Peace, and Total Privacy in a Beautiful Woodland Setting
I had a truly peaceful solo retreat at the Old Pump House. Tucked away down a long woodland track, it felt a million miles from reality. The house was spotless, beautifully furnished, and had everything I needed. I felt completely safe and relaxed, surrounded by nature. Watching ducklings on the pond and trout in the crystal-clear water was magical. A perfect place to unwind, reset, and escape the noise of everyday life. Highly recommended.
Victoria Hillsdon
My family and I had a wonderful long weekend at The Old Pump House just outside of the Forest of Dean for a birthday celebration. The home was exactly as described, clean, well kept, super cosy, full of character, incredibly peaceful, had a beautiful garden and had stunning surroundings. We had everything we needed and everything worked as expected. Thank you for such a lovely stay.
Lucy
The property was secluded, had character and was in a great location to explore the local points of interest. Plenty of room - a well-equipped kitchen with a lovely dining room table, and the living area was perfect for a movie or games night.
Charlotte
A secluded getaway
We booked very last minute so there was only 2 nights available for our dates but we wanted secluded, peace and quite, pretty scenery, a little bit of luxury and somewhere nice to walk. The Old Pump house gave us all of this. The drive up to the property through the forest was idyllic.
The rooms were huge, all the beds and sofa were comfortable. The kitchen was large and had every utensil you could require.
We had a long drive and managed to get in slightly earlier and the house keeper was quick in responding and very friendly. The biscuits on arrival were a nice touch.
If I had to say a negative it was that the heating was on full heat when we arrived and was far too much and took a long time to get it down to a comfortable level, but underfloor heating was lovely!
Being secluded you do need a car to get to any amenities but we knew that before arriving and wasn't a problem for us.
We would definitely like to stay again.
Nicola Tansley
October break.
The perfect setting to unwind and relax. The Old Pumphouse was very clean and comfortable.. Tracey the housekeeper got in touch to check that we had arrived and that there were no issues.There are woodland walks straight from the front door. Have already booked for next year.
Lynne Callander
A lovely break in nature
We had a lovely break here for a honeymoon with our dogs. It was completely secluded and nestled in nature which is exactly what we were looking for.
We go away several times a year with the dogs so if I am being picky there are a few areas that could be improved such as providing blankets to sit outside and personal touches would be nice. I mentioned it was our honeymoon so something as simple as a note to wish us a happy honeymoon would have been nice.
Finally, paying extra for dogs to come with us although they are not allowed on the sofa or upstairs so a doggy welcome pack should be the minimum requirement in my experience such as a treat and towels.
This would not stop us going back in the future but for the price I do believe these small things would make a big difference.
Lucy Sidwell
Peace & Quiet
The house is in a lovely spot in the middle of nature. Outside space is amazing where all you can hear is the birds which allows for complete relaxation. Would stay again, however, we did have an issue with the underfloor heating in the lounge where we couldn't switch it off or adjust the temperature which made for a couple of quiet uncomfortable evenings in the lounge. The house keeper was really helpful and responded quickly with the offer of a plumber to come take a look. We did actually think we'd managed to sort it ourselves on the first night, so said we didn't need the plumber any more. However, it was even hotter on the second night, which was probably our fault for not being as successful as we had thought with the adjustment of the thermostat/switching it off. No complaints with communication or responsiveness at all and, had we been there for longer, we are sure that the plumber would have sorted the issue. We had a very relaxing stay and our anxious dog also got to enjoy the quietness of the location where we saw nobody and no other dogs
Faye Turner
The perfect place to relax
Fantastic cottage is perfect if you want to totally relax and de-stress.
Good kitchen and lounge areas.
Frances Price
Peace and quiet
We very much enjoyed our stay at The Old Pump House. We were looking for peace and quiet among the trees, and the house definitely provides plenty of that. Although we didn't see any of the famous wild boar, we think we heard them, and were treated to a mother and baby muntjac deer crossing over the track leading up to the house one evening, as well as regular sitings of the local buzzard. The house was clean and welcoming (apart from the infestation of flying ants in the lobby, which probably couldn't be helped!), the kitchen well equipped, and the living area huge and comfortable. The main challenge was the underfloor heating, which insisted on coming on, although we had picked the only decent week for sun of the summer thus far, and despite our attempts (and those of the housekeeper) to turn down the thermostat: the only option to avoid stifling temperatures was to keep the windows open, which is not the most environmentally friendly approach! We think the problem may have been due to the new smart thermostatic controls, so hope that this can be sorted soon. In other respects, we would thoroughly recommend both the house and its location for anyone seeking tranquility.
Rebecca Herissone-Kelly
Lovely Location
Excellent location, a tad expensive but a beautiful spot. Would go back there in a heartbeat and lots to do in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley despite the weather!
Mark Shuttleworth
A wonderful escape
The Old Pump House is a real gem - not too far from a local pub but hidden away in the forest. The building is wonderful and very well equipped. We were treated to the wonderful sight of bats in the evening swooping in over the pond and a short-eared owl visited a few times. The garden is lovely and ideal for dogs being totally enclosed.
Jackie Parker
Very nice place to stay!
A very nice house at a beautiful location. Very quit and ideal for a stay with dogs.
Lot of walking possibilities in the area, Forest of Dean.
Monica Stekelenburg
Peace and quiet
If you love peace and quiet this cottage is perfect. In wooded surroundings and an enclosed garden so good for our dogs. Cottage very comfortable and spacious. Only the two of us plus dogs so we had lots of space.
Huge trout pond and interesting birds visiting the feeders we put out. Lovely to see the bats. Hope to return next Spring, it's a lovely part of the country.
Eve Milburn
Peaceful break
We had a very enjoyable break in the Old Pump House, and didn’t see another person the whole time we were there - bliss!
Vicky Macpherson
A weekend in the forest
This is our second visit to the pump house. We loved it so much we had to come back. The house is delightful, spacious and perfect for a sociable weekend with friends or family. Lots of beautiful walls and places of interest close by. We hope to come again next year.
Emma Dodds-Smith
Lovely Stay!
A large, lovely unique home in a beautiful area - well equipped kitchen and comfortable for 4 adults and two children. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, thank you!
Mark Bonner
Fabulous Escaoe
Lovely secluded location, spotlessly clean and really well equipped. Dogs more than happy and really spacious for six guests. Will definitely stay again 🙂
Paul Rickeard
Fantastic festive stay
We had a brilliant stay at the old pump house in December, the Christmas tree and decorations made it feel very festive. The house was perfect, a big space and in a great remote location. It had everything that we needed for a comfortable stay. Would definitely recommend!
Sarah Ford
Lovely property with a homely feel
Lovely property with some nice features. Very quiet. Large enclosed garden which the dogs loved. Well equipped kitchen and the welcome pack was a nice touch. Whilst walkable, we drove to nearest pub to eat in the evening as very dark to walk in the country lanes (probably fine in the summer!). Only very minor things let the property down which could have easily been rectified hence the 4/5 (broken kitchen bin, tablet holder not closing in dishwasher, mould on bathroom blind, bedroom curtains not hanging/closing properly).
Guest
Excellent all round!
Fabulous in every way treats appreciated Tracey was marvellous. A real gem tucked away and a doggy paradise.
Guest
Happy return
A terrific place for a getaway week. My wife and I plus two grown sons have returned several times just to chill.
Brian Fletcher
Stunning
The property exceeded my expectations, absolutely beautiful. We had everything that we needed and more.
The pond with the trout was outstanding and very relaxing to watch. The Forest wraps itself around you and it is so peaceful.
The only negative was the second bedroom! It’s quite small and has very small windows.
Julie Lang
Relaxing and peaceful
The house is situated in the most gorgeous, peaceful position in the middle of the forest and at May time, carpets of bluebells. The house is a perfect home from home being very well equipped if eating in or well served by local hostelry. Would thoroughly recommend a stay here.
Debs Porter
We found our dream holiday home
We spent a whole week in this cosy, super comfortable cottage set in the most beautiful tranquil setting. We loved all the features that house has to offer, with plenty of space for us to enjoy as a family and for each to have its own space to recharge when needed. Surrounding garden provides even more space to enjoy the nature and all its sounds. Both of our kids and the dog asking to go back. The week just wasn’t enough. In fact we already booked to return in summer!
Alina Saddington
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
