REVIEW: Teenagers Entertained, Mum Relaxed: Our Weekend at Whitemead Forest Park

Travelling solo with teenagers and their friends can sometimes feel a bit daunting. You want somewhere they’ll have plenty to do and enough freedom to enjoy themselves, while still being able to relax and actually enjoy the break yourself.

We visited Whitemead Forest Park during the summer holidays in August 2026.

After spending a weekend at Whitemead Forest Park, I can safely say we found exactly that.

Set in the Forest of Dean, Whitemead gave us the perfect combination of activities, freedom, good food and downtime, and most importantly, there was something for everyone.

Plenty to keep the teens busy

One of the biggest wins for us was the amount there was for the kids to do. Over the weekend they tried archery, zorbing and mini golf, as well as a teen pool party, which was a particular highlight.

The boys also loved being able to play pool and table football, especially when they had a little downtime between activities.

Having things they genuinely wanted to get involved in meant they could spend time having fun with their friends, while I had the chance to slow down a little too. As a mum travelling on my own with them, that balance made such a difference.

There was never really a point where we were wondering what to do next, there was always something happening or somewhere to go.

A little bit of freedom for all of us

What I particularly loved about Whitemead was how safe and relaxed the whole park felt.

In the evenings, I was comfortable letting the kids head outside to sit together on the terrace and around the central grass area, giving them a bit of independence without being far away.

The onsite shop was another unexpected bonus. The kids loved being able to pop in themselves for sweets and treats whenever they fancied, while I could easily pick up extra supplies as they inevitably ate their way through everything we had in the apartment!

Meanwhile, I could sit back with a glass of wine and a book.

For me, that was pretty much perfection.

Arrive, unpack and order pizza!

We stayed in one of Whitemead’s lovely apartments, which worked brilliantly for us and gave us plenty of space to make ourselves at home.

One of our favourite little touches happened as soon as we arrived. Rather than having to think about going out for food after the journey, we ordered pizzas from Foresters Bar to take away to our apartment.

It meant we could unpack, get settled in and start enjoying our break straight away, knowing everyone was fed and happy. We absolutely loved this and it was such an easy way to start the weekend.

There are plenty of other ways to stay at Whitemead too. Alongside the apartments, you can choose from woodland lodges and log cabins, glamping pods, camping and touring pitches, so there’s something to suit pretty much every style of break.

The glamping options are a great middle ground if you like the idea of being close to nature without giving up all your home comforts, with heated pods, proper beds and options with their own kitchenettes and private facilities. If you fancy something even more relaxing, there are also log cabins and other accommodation with private hot tubs.

I really liked that flexibility. Whether you’re happiest camping under canvas, want to try glamping or prefer the home comforts of an apartment or cabin, you can choose the type of stay that works for you.

Easy family food

The first evening of our stay we decided to cook for ourselves. There’s a Tesco around 10 minutes away, so I picked up everything we needed, and we made fajitas in the apartment. It was simple, relaxed and a nice way to spend an evening without having to go anywhere.

On the second night, we chose to eat in Foresters Bar, where the varied menu meant everyone found something they fancied. The kids went for pizza and fish and chips, while I opted for the ravioli.

During the day, there were plenty of treats too, including ice creams from the ice cream hut and slushies from Foresters, both very popular with our group!

Between the restaurant, takeaway option, onsite shop and having our own kitchen, we loved having the flexibility to decide what worked for us each day.

And some proper downtime for Mum…

One of my favourite moments of the weekend happened while the teenagers were still asleep.

I made the most of the adults-only hour at the Pool and Spa in the morning, enjoying some peaceful time before heading to The Wild Boar Coffee Shop for an iced coffee.

A swim, a little spa time and a quiet coffee, all before the kids had even woken up, felt like a mini holiday within the holiday!

And I think that was one of the things I appreciated most about our stay. The kids having so much to do gave me permission to enjoy some downtime of my own, rather than feeling like I needed to entertain everyone for the entire weekend.

Entertainment into the evening

Our days certainly didn’t end once the activities finished.

In the evenings, we headed over to The Venue to enjoy the entertainment, which gave us somewhere to go and something to do together after a busy day.

What I particularly liked was that Whitemead doesn’t feel like everything is aimed solely at younger children. There’s family entertainment during the school holidays, alongside a wider programme of tribute and themed nights, meaning there are options for adults and older children too.

The Venue itself has its own bar and stage and is the hub for many of Whitemead’s events and entertainment.

For us, it added another element to the break. After a day of activities, we could head over to The Venue together rather than wondering how we were going to fill the evening.

And that was probably one of the biggest surprises for me about our stay: just how easy it was to fill an entire weekend without needing to leave the park.

Plenty to explore beyond Whitemead

That said, Whitemead’s location in the Forest of Dean means there’s plenty waiting for you outside the park too.

It’s a brilliant base if you enjoy being outdoors, with walking and cycling routes and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding forest. You can even hire canoes locally if you fancy getting out on the water.

We were so busy enjoying everything at Whitemead that we didn’t get to explore as much of the surrounding area as we would have liked, but that has simply given us another reason to come back.

Next time, we’d love to head out for a proper walk and explore more of the Forest of Dean and canoeing is going on the list.

A great meeting point for families

Whitemead’s location in the Forest of Dean also makes it a great option if you’re planning a break with family or friends travelling from different locations.

Rather than everyone having to travel to one person’s hometown, you can meet in the middle, settle into the park and have everything you need for the weekend right there.

And because there are so many different accommodation options, families or groups can choose the style of stay that suits them while still enjoying the holiday together. One family could be in an apartment, another could choose a log cabin and someone else could bring their tent or try one of the glamping pods.

Would we go back?

Absolutely.

Whitemead worked brilliantly for our group because the teenagers had the freedom, activities and entertainment they wanted, while I still felt like I’d had a break myself.

We came home already talking about what we’d do next time. We’d love to explore more of the surrounding area, head out on some of the local walking trails and give canoeing a go.

For parents wondering whether a holiday park still works once the kids reach their teenage years, Whitemead showed us that it absolutely can.

The teens got to hang out with their friends, try new activities, play pool and table football, grab their own treats and enjoy a little independence. I got spa time, coffee, a good book and even a peaceful glass of wine.

Everyone got to have their own version of a great weekend while still enjoying plenty of time together. And that’s exactly why we’ll be back.

Find out more, explore accommodation and book your stay directly with Whitemead Forest Park. Visit their website here.

Location: Whitemead Forest Park, Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4LA

About the author: Sarah Moon

Sarah Moon heads up our social media platforms for Bath. As a mum herself, Sarah has reviewed and experienced plenty of family days out, attractions and UK breaks, giving her a great eye for what genuinely works for families.

From keeping teenagers entertained to finding those little touches that make a trip worth the money, Sarah’s reviews are based on real experiences and focus on helping families decide where their time and budget is best spent.

FAQs about Whitemead Forest Park

Is Whitemead Forest Park good for teenagers?

Yes. Whitemead has plenty to keep older children and teenagers entertained, with activities that can include archery and pool-based activities, alongside swimming, adventure golf and entertainment. Activities vary depending on the season and availability, so it’s worth checking the programme for your stay and booking popular sessions in advance.

Is there a swimming pool at Whitemead Forest Park?

Yes. Guests staying at Whitemead have access to a large heated indoor swimming pool and toddler pool, as well as two spa pools, a sauna, steam room and gym. The pool is currently open daily from 8am–8pm, with 8am–9am and 7pm–8pm reserved for adults only.

Do activities at Whitemead need to be booked in advance?

Yes, it’s a good idea to book activities in advance as some sessions have limited spaces. Whitemead offers a changing programme of family activities throughout the year, with availability depending on the season and weather.

What accommodation is available at Whitemead Forest Park?

There’s a wide choice, making Whitemead suitable for everything from camping trips to more comfortable family breaks. Options include apartments, woodland lodges, log cabins, glamping pods, camping and touring pitches, with hot tub accommodation also available.

Can you eat at Whitemead Forest Park?

Yes. Foresters Bar serves food and offers takeaway options, which can be particularly handy when you first arrive or want a relaxed evening in your accommodation. There’s also The Wild Boar Coffee Shop and an outdoor terrace and kiosk serving drinks, ice creams, waffles and more.

Can you cook your own food at Whitemead?

Whitemead offers a range of self-catering accommodation, making it easy to prepare your own meals during your stay. We stayed in an apartment and found having our own kitchen particularly useful when travelling with hungry teenagers!

Is Whitemead Forest Park dog friendly?

Yes. Whitemead offers a range of pet-friendly accommodation, as well as dog-friendly camping and touring options. There’s also a pet-friendly coffee shop, an enclosed Furry Friends play park and plenty of woodland walks to enjoy nearby.

Is there Wi-Fi at Whitemead Forest Park?

Yes, Whitemead has site-wide Wi-Fi coverage. Mobile phone signal can be patchy because of its forest location, so Wi-Fi calling can also be useful during your stay.

What is there to do near Whitemead Forest Park?

Whitemead is located in the Forest of Dean, making it a great base for walking, cycling and exploring the surrounding woodland. There are attractions and nature spots nearby, while canoe hire on the River Wye is another option for families looking to add an adventure away from the park.

Do you need to leave Whitemead Forest Park during your stay?

Not necessarily. One of the things we loved about our weekend was that there was enough to keep us occupied without needing to leave the park. With activities, swimming, food, evening entertainment and places to relax, you could easily spend a short break enjoying Whitemead itself, then use a longer stay to explore more of the Forest of Dean.