Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
With a hot tub, this cottage accommodates 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It includes 1 hot tub and features a patio. Families can enjoy nearby hiking, biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. The property is pet-friendly and located near the Dean Heritage Centre and Lea Bailey Light Railway. Golf is also available nearby.
Highlights
Made for relaxation
Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Games
A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub
A Forest of Dean stay for family and friends
Set in a peaceful square opposite St John’s Church, 24 at St John’s is a refurbished former miner’s cottage with space for up to six guests and up to two dogs.
Tucked between the Rivers Severn and Wye, it makes a good base for exploring the Forest of Dean, with plenty of room to come back, settle in and spend time together.
Inside the cottage
There’s a king bedroom, a second bedroom that can be made up as either a king or twin, and a bunk room with a single child's bed above and a standard double bed below.
There are two full bathrooms: one with a rain-head shower and bath upstairs and one with a shower downstairs.
The snug has reclining sofas, a log burner and Smart TV, so it’s a good place to put your feet up with a film, a book or a cup of tea.
At the back of the cottage, the light sun room has two comfortable sofas, board games, puzzles and a second Smart TV. French doors open straight into the garden and the hot tub which makes it a useful space for relaxing.
The kitchen and dining area is modern and well equipped, with a breakfast bar and plenty of room for meals together. You’ll also find artwork by a local artist, which brings a little bit of the Forest into the house.
Garden and hot tub
The enclosed garden has a lawn, outdoor seating, a charcoal BBQ and a private hot tub.
It’s a useful space if you’re staying with children or dogs, and a comfortable place to come back to after a day out.
Dog-friendly stays
Up to two dogs are welcome at no extra charge.
We provide dog bowls, ID tags, a homemade toy and a few useful extras, and the enclosed garden makes things a little easier when you’re staying with dogs.
There are also plenty of good walking routes nearby.
Around 24 at St John’s
A local shop and pub serving food are both a short walk away.
Cinderford is around a 15-minute walk or a few minutes by car, with supermarkets, takeaways, coffee shops, restaurants and an independent cinema.
Most of the Forest of Dean’s main attractions are within around 5 to 30 minutes by car.
You can spend your days walking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding, or visit castles, caves, heritage railways, wildlife attractions and ancient woodland.
There are also activities such as pony trekking, Go Ape and Segway experiences if you fancy something a little more active and wildlife safaries.
Gloucester, Cheltenham and Monmouth are within around 45 minutes, while Bristol, Cardiff and Hereford are roughly an hour away.
What we love about 24 at St John’s
What we love about 24 at St John’s is that it feels like a proper home. It’s an old miner’s cottage, with plenty of character, local artwork and little details that have found their way in over time.
It’s the sort of place where you can come back after a day in the Forest, get everyone fed, put your feet up and settle in for the evening. There’s room for the family, friends and dogs too, and it feels relaxed and lived-in rather than overly polished.
If your dates aren’t available, save the listing and come back another time we’d be very happy to welcome you.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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Dogs stay free – bring their bed, no leaving alone
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No Smoking / Vaping
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Please can you ensure that all windows are closed.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Guests are liable for any damage to the property and may be invoiced for repairs or replacements.
Guests are asked to leave the property clean and tidy.
Guests are provided with instructions for safe use of the hot tub. Mis-use may incur a call-out or cleaning fee.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 11032602
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No Parties
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Cinderford
Cinderford is home to this cottage. Dean Heritage Centre and Sculpture Trail are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit The Maltings and Gloucester Docks. Travelling with kids? Consider Freedom Leisure Cinderford and The Cyril Hart Arboretum. Kayaking and canoeing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and rock climbing nearby.
Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 89 min drive
Restaurants
Beechenhurst Lodge - 5 min drive
Beechenhurst Cafe - 5 min drive
The Farmer’s Yard - 41 min drive
The White Hart - 8 min drive
Cinderford Rugby Club - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub?
As of 25 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub on 4 Jan 2027 start from £413, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Miners' Cottage | Dog Friendly with Private Hot Tub located?
This family-friendly Cinderford cottage is within 2 mi (3 km) of Freedom Leisure Cinderford and Littledean Jail. The Cyril Hart Arboretum and Dean Heritage Centre are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Wonderful cottage, very well appointed and furnished, has everything you need Hot tub was brilliant, guest welcome pack and doggie presents a lovely touch.
We had a lovely holiday, lots to see and do. The cottage was lovely, well equipped and the hot tub was a bonus. Will definitely plan a second visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
Hello Kirsty,
Thank you so much for your review and for taking such good care of our cottage. We would love to welcome you back sometime.
Best Wishes
Zoe & James
A delightful setting opposite local church leads into a modern well equipped characterful cottage.
We all enjoyed our stay,the hot tub was a bonus.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct 2022
Hello Paul,
Thank you for your 5* review. We are so glad that you had a lovely time at 24 at St John's and hope to see you all again sometime soon.
Zoe & James
Very comfortable.Loved the White Hart Inn 10 minutes away.Very very peaceful location.Used to visit the forest regularly.Thoroughly enjoyed walking it again.Handy the Linear Park in walking distance.
The property was lovely in a quiet spot in Cinderford. Good location for Forest of Dean for the Sculpture trail and Symonds Yat. The property had everything you needed for a wonderful stay. Would highly recommend.
Comfortable, convenient, relaxing and had everything needed and more. The children were so excited by the hot tub and one adult in particular enjoyed prosecco and chocolates provided by our hosts whilst bubbling away. With family close by we were able to enjoy a barbecue in the garden one day. Also enjoyed the sculpture trail nearby.Welcome goodiesmuch appreciated
We had a wonderful weekend break at the property. The owners were very friendly and approachable.The property is in a prime location being only a short walk from country walks, pubs, takeaways, local amenities and supermarkets.The area is quiet and picturesque so perfect for relaxing.The property itself was clean, spacious and has a fully fitted modern kitchen with everything needed for self catering.We were very impressed and will definitely be staying in the property again.
We had a really lovely long weekend stay. The hot tub and log burner was a great perk. The hosts were always on hand if needed. Highly recommend a stay here. We would like to return in the summer months to make the most of the outside area. Many thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2022
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your 5* review. We enjoyed having you stay and hope that we can host you again sometime soon.
Zoe & James
We stayed for a long weekend - two adults and two teenagers. The house is a short drive from the Forest of Dean - we hired bikes for a day and explored Puzzlewood, which was simply magic. The house had everything we needed. It was clean and as described. Thank you for a great weekend.
Its our three time to the area love forest of dean , first time as 24 st john , hopefully not our last , lovely house , everything you need for a break , its like home for home , loved the hot tub, host was very helpful and freind , birthday card for my mum was a lovely surprise
We booked this property as we wanted to explore the Forest of Dean and it didnt disappoint with its proximity to everything. The local town doesnt have much to see but if your driving then there is plenty to see and do. The house was perfect a real home away from home, the beds were really comfortable and we all had a great nights sleep, including the dogs!!The hottub was perfect after a day out walking through the forest.
The beds were comfortable, and as 3 friends, it was great to have a room each and nice space.The living area was spacious and comfortable too, and lots of space in the kitchen for food preparation and cooking. It was just a very short walk to nature, a really lovely area to be in.We'd gave preferred the hot tub a bit warmer, we couldn't turn it up, but of course, if we were that bothered about it we'd have contacted the hosts.
Peaceful location, handy for visits to Sculpture Trail and lake. Not far from Symonds Yat and canoeing base, and Ross on Wye. Sunny garden, right up until sunset, with table and chairs for outdoor meals. People spent ages in the hot-tub. Owners nearby for any problems.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2022
Thank you for your review Peter. We hope that we can welcome you again sometime.
The house was home from home, really cosy & we made use of the log burner which was lovely. In the end, we didn’t actually use the hot tub. No particular reason why we didn’t, just worked that way.
I booked this place for a little hendo celebration. The house was a perfect home from home with everything you could possibly need. The hosts are the best I have ever experienced, with fab communication. Nothing was too much trouble. 5 stars from me. I would definitely stay again and recommend to friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2023
Hello Catherine,
Thank you for your 5* review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay and hendo celebrations. We have enjoyed hosting your party this weekend and would love to welcome you again.
We throughly enjoyed a long weekend here, the house is well equipped and very nicely furnished with space for all 6 of our adult family. Kitchen had all the essential items and plenary of space for everyone to sit at the table . The Hot Tub was a lovely bonus after our days out. Zoe and James are great hosts and answered all questions and sent lots of information about the area so we could plan before arriving. We give it 5 Stars.
We had a lovely long weekend stay in this property. It was clean and well stocked with everything that we required as a group of 6. Our two kids had plenty of space and loved the garden! Comfy beds, great hot tub and easy communication throughout would definitely stay again if we are in the area. Only downside was that there was a lack of amenities within easy walking distance with toddlers but we had a car so wasn’t a massive problem and probably would be fine for adults!
We stayed for a weekend for a 40 somethings girls get together. The house exceeded our expectations, the kitchen was fantastic and had everything we needed. The beds were comfy and all bedding looked new.
The whole place was spotlessly clean.
Location was excellent, walking distance into the forest of Dean and so many fantastic walks.
The hot tub was a little extra that we all appreciated after a 6mile walk.
Thank you Zoe and James
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2022
Hello Jenny,
Thank you for your 5* review. We would love to host you again sometime.
Best Wishes,
Zoe & James
House was very clean homely and comfortable nice garden to sit in top bunk not suitable for teenagers. Older members of the party could not but get in hot tub as too big a step to climb over.We would go back and stay there again Lots of places to visit in the area which were not to far to travel to. Owners were very helpful when we had a problem and solved it quickly
Overall, we had a lovely stay at 24 St.Johns. The hosts were great, really informative and helpful. The cottage is well furnished and the hot tub really made our stay. Cinderford is well located for the Forest of Dean and Ross on Wye. Our only slight issue was the height of the ceiling in some areas, my husband at 6ft4 had to be careful not to hit his head, also the room with the bunk beds my 11 year old wasn't able to sit up in the top bunk. A couple bits were left behind by the previous guests on a hen do. None of this ruined our stay though and we had a lovely time here and would highly recommend.
Brilliant holiday home in the most peaceful setting, the hot tub was a huge bonus and we made the most of it whilst we were there. The kitchen is really well equipped and the beds were comfy. Only small issue was the upstairs shower's temperature gauge had broken so we had to use the downstairs shower room, which we didn't mind. We bought our two dogs and there was plenty of space with an enclosed garden so they could roam. We would definitely stay here again, Zoe and James were great hosts and they lived nearby so were able to pop by when we had a query with the hot tub. Thank you again for a lovely break, we are sad to be home!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2022
Thank you for your 5* review and for leaving 24 at St. John's clean and tidy. We are glad to read you enjoyed your stay. We would love to welcome you back to our cosy cottage sometime.
Best Wishes,
Zoe & James
About the host
Hosted by Zoe and James Gilding
Hello! We’re Zoe and James, and we’ve been welcoming guests to the Forest of Dean since 2011. What started as a simple idea has turned into a passion for hospitality, helping guests create memorable getaways in this magical part of the world.
Hosting isn’t just about providing a place to stay—it’s about creating a home away from home. We love welcoming families, couples, and dog lovers, offering spaces where guests can escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature and each other.
We started with Woodland Barn, drawn in by its breathtaking views over the River Severn. Then came Casita Lodge, a romantic retreat for two. Most recently, we poured our hearts into renovating 24 at St. John’s, a cottage designed for families, friends, and dog-friendly stays.
Why We Love Hosting
What we love most is seeing guests make memories—from soaking in the hot tub under the stars, to family film nights in the sunroom, or adventures in the Forest of Dean. Being a Vrbo Premier Host has allowed us to welcome amazing guests from all over the UK, and their experiences make hosting so rewarding.
Bringing 24 at St. John’s to Life
When we found 24 at St. John’s, we saw its potential. Nestled in a peaceful square, close to woodland walks and local pubs, it had the perfect mix of seclusion and convenience.
We wanted to create a space that brings people together—somewhere guests can cook in the stylish kitchen, curl up by the log burner, and soak in the hot tub after a day of adventure. With an enclosed garden and scenic walks from the doorstep, it’s perfect for dog-friendly stays, too.
After months of renovations, we welcomed our first guests—and their 5-star review reminded us why we love what we do.
We Can't Wait to Welcome You!
Whether you’re looking for a family escape, a dog-friendly retreat, or a base for adventure, we hope Willow Forest Stays offers the perfect place to relax, explore, and make special memories.
Why they chose this property
From the moment we stepped inside this former miner’s cottage, we knew it had something special. Tucked away in a peaceful square, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Forest of Dean, it’s been lovingly transformed into a cosy retreat—perfect for families, friends, and dog-friendly stays.
Find Your Favourite Spaces We know that once you stay, you’ll find your own favourite spots in the cottage. Maybe it will be...
The Warm & Inviting Kitchen – The autumnal splashbacks and natural light from the skylights instantly made us feel at home. The breakfast bar is ideal for morning coffee, while the fully equipped kitchen makes self-catering easy.
The Cosy Snug with Log Burner – With reclining chairs, a Smart TV, and a crackling fire, this is the perfect space to relax after a day exploring.
The Sun Room – A Light-Filled Haven – Looking out on the enclosed garden, this bright and airy space is ideal for board games, reading, or movie nights.
The Private Garden & Hot Tub – Whether you’re dining al fresco, letting the dogs play, or sinking into the hot tub under the stars, this space is made for relaxation.
A Location That Feels Just Right
Short Walk to Local Pubs & Shops – Stroll to country pubs, cafés, and an independent cinema in nearby Cinderford.
A Central Base for Exploring – Within 30 minutes, you can visit the Wye Valley, Gloucester, or Monmouth.
Nature at Your Doorstep – Enjoy scenic walks, cycle trails, and river adventures—perfect for outdoor lovers.
Why We Love It Here
This is more than just a holiday home—it’s a place where families reconnect, friends make memories, and dogs enjoy a real adventure too.
What makes this property unique
24 at St. John’s isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a cosy, well-appointed retreat where families, friends, and their four-legged companions can relax, unwind, and explore the beauty of the Forest of Dean.
Nestled in a peaceful square, yet close to everything, this charming converted miner’s cottage offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and convenience.
Designed for Comfort & Connection
* Private Hot Tub – Exclusively for guests, the secluded hot tub is perfect for soothing tired muscles after a day exploring or stargazing with a glass of wine.
* Fully Equipped Kitchen – Thoughtfully designed with everything close to hand, so you can cook up a feast or prepare a lazy breakfast in your PJs.
* Cosy Snug with Log Burner – After a day of adventures, curl up in the warm and inviting snug, sink into the reclining chairs, and let the log burner create the perfect homely atmosphere.
* Spacious Sun Room – A light-filled space designed for gathering. Whether it’s a movie night, board games, or simply unwinding with a book, this room is a guest favourite.
* Outdoor Dining & BBQ – Enjoy a meal al fresco, with outdoor seating, a coal BBQ, and an enclosed garden that’s safe for kids and dogs to play.
A Location That Feels Just Right
* Peaceful & Convenient – Situated in a quiet square, yet just a short stroll to a corner shop, coffee shop, and pub serving delicious food.
* Scenic walks on your doorstep.
* Close to Everything – Most amenities and attractions are within 5-30 minutes’ drive, from wildlife safaris to historic castles and river adventures.
* Easy Access to South Wales & Herefordshire – Fancy a shopping trip or cultural day out? Gloucester, Cheltenham, Hereford, Bristol, and Cardiff are all within an hour’s drive.
Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, 24 at St. John’s is a place where you can truly feel at home.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests