Children-friendly charming cottage with garden | Pet-friendly

Castle Rag is a welcoming cottage nestled in Parkend, Gloucestershire, offering a pleasant single-storey layout, an en-suite bedroom, and a peaceful secure patio. Sitting close to the village centre and with designated parking onsite, it provides a convenient base for those eager to explore the Forest of Dean and its surrounding landscapes. An EV charge point is provided, along with secure bike storage and a fully equipped workshop for hassle‑free maintenance. Step inside to discover an inviting open-plan living space where the kitchen, dining area, and sitting area flow together, creating a sociable hub for mealtimes and evenings in. The kitchen is equipped with everything needed for preparing hearty dishes after days spent wandering woodland trails, while the dining table invites guests to gather and share stories of their adventures. The sitting area offers a relaxed spot to unwind, with soft lighting and a Smart TV for quiet nights. The bedroom benefits from en-suite walk-in showers, adding ease and privacy to your stay. Outside, the secure patio provides a pleasant space for morning coffees or evening drinks, with your four-legged companion welcome to join you. With the award-winning Fountain Inn just next door, you can enjoy a meal or drink without straying far, while the village shop and café offer further local charm. Parkend is a wonderful gateway to the Forest of Dean, with walking and cycling routes beginning almost at the doorstep. Nearby, Lydney offers a harbour, museum, and family-friendly attractions, while Coleford provides heritage sites and independent shops. Venture to Monmouth for riverside strolls, historic architecture, and a selection of eateries perfect for leisurely afternoons. With so much to discover, Castle Rag offers an appealing base for exploring this beautiful region. Note: This property can be booked with ref. 1195950, together sleeping up to 4 people. The thriving village of Parkend, at the foot of the Cannop Valley, lies at the southern end of the Royal Forest of Dean and offers two lovely pubs, a store, Post Office and a 19th century railway station, part of the Dean Forest Railway. The RSPB Nagshead Reserve is home to many rare woodland birds and offers interesting events for all ages throughout the year. The magnificent Royal Forest of Dean, England's largest oak forest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasts numerous trails that can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Caving, abseiling and a high wire rope course are for the more adventurous, whilst fishing, golf, kayaking and canoeing are other popular activities in this unspoilt area. The eerie caverns and ancient caves of Clearwell are close by, as are the Gloucestershire Way and Offa's Dyke Path. Close by, Symonds Yat boasts natural scenery and straddles the beautiful River Wye with its magnificent limestone 'rock', popular with climbers, and well-known for its viewpoint. Visit the historic town of Monmouth with its mixture of elegant Georgian mansions and Victorian courtyards, or the lovely town of Ross-on-Wye with its timbered Tudor houses and delightful riverside walks, both offering excellent shops, pubs and restaurants. The unspoilt Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacon National Park and Black Mountains, as well as lovely Cotswold towns and villages are just a little further afield.