Travel

Travel news: Severn Heaven


River Severn

The Severn is Britain’s longest river at a length of 220 miles (Pic: GETTY)

After arriving in a sleepy village in the heart of the countryside, we spot a clue we’re in the right place – a middle-aged bloke in a wetsuit is kneeling on the pavement, stripped to the waist, waxing a surfboard.

We’ve found a prime viewing point for the Severn Bore, a large surge wave formed when the rising tide moves into the funnel-shaped Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary.

Joining the crowd on the riverbank we watch in wonder as a group of surfers speed past us on the surge wave as it powers its way upstream.

We’re in glorious Gloucestershire and our base for the weekend is Whitemead Forest Park, a picturesque holiday complex in the heart of the Forest of Dean.

Home is a spacious two-bedroom lodge complete with all mod cons, including a fantastic sun deck facing out on to towering pine trees and the river.

The luxury feel is completed by the new hot tub. Whitemead has a wonderful, warm family feel to it and we soon settle in before exploring the beautiful grounds.

The social hub is Forest Point, home to the bar, Forresters restaurant, a shop selling all the necessities, and a spacious indoor pool complex, incorporating a spa for a proper pampering.

Outside there’s an adventure playground for little ones, football pitches, acres of fields for the kids to roam around in, as well as table tennis and giant chess.

Children can try their hand at a huge range of activities including water scooters, crazy carts and body zorbing, while the older kids among us can show off their skills at everything from crossbows and archery to pilates.

The next day we’re up early for a cardio class before jumping in the car to explore the surrounding area.

Lodge

One of the lodges at Whitemead (Pic: DAILY MIRROR )

Leaning, timbered Tudor houses prop themselves up against bustling modern shops in Ross-on-Wye town centre, and we stroll along the riverbank past picnickers and joggers, before scaling the slope to Royal Parade to take in the view.

Back at base, the sun is still blazing and we mark my birthday with wine and choccies before taking a soothing dip in the hot tub.

Later we enjoy a tasty meal in the restaurant before our ever-helpful waitress saves the day by conjuring up a bowl of icing sugar from the kitchen to decorate the birthday cake our girls had baked for me earlier.

Whitemead is a great place if you’re a cycling fan, and the next day we hire bikes and hit the 12-mile guided forest trail.

It’s all off-road and, with no traffic to worry about, you can relax and take in the surroundings. Sadly, all too soon our stay is up and it’s time to say goodbye to wonderful Whitemead. One big Bore you’ll never tire of.



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