Dog friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 4 - Lydbrook, Gloucestershire

Have fun on the river and among the trees when you stay at this delightful cottage at Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean. Also explore the Welsh and English borderlands, as well as the Wye Valley from the enticing, two-bedroom retreat that sleeps four guests and is 10.5 miles from Monmouth in Wales. Enjoy the colourful interior at this property that was once the village store and soak up the sunshine in its pretty courtyard garden.

Open the gate and follow eight steps down to cross the courtyard and step into this welcoming hideaway. Slip off your wellies or walking boots and hang your jackets before ambling on through to the friendly kitchen/diner to put the kettle on to make steaming mugs of tea. Carry your cups and a plate of freshly baked Welsh cakes from a store in Monmouth through to the lounge, with its characterful, exposed stonework.

Settle in here in front of the TV or a DVD for a spell before heading back through to the kitchen/diner to prepare a meal with the rest of the produce you sourced on your excursion. Dine inside or out, depending on the weather. At the end of each fun day away, climb the cottage-style staircase up to the first floor.

Wake up to views of the village church from the comfortable double bedroom, while the younger members of your party enjoy the bunk bedroom. There is also a family bathroom up here. Have coffee and even breakfast out in the courtyard on fine mornings.

Sit out here on summer evenings too, soaking up the serenity over a glass of wine. Plan a day out to Symonds Yat, 7 miles away. Climb up to the rock with its astounding, far-reaching views.

Hire canoes and paddle out along the River Wye.