DAYS AND NIGHTS IN THE FOREST The hotel has retained many of its 13th-century charms after a chic update
GREAT ESCAPES
WHY IT’S GREAT Dating back to the 13th century and once a working farm, this tastefully renovated inn sits in the sleepy village of Clearwell, flanked by 14 acres of grazed farmland. All around is the ancient Forest of Dean, and up on the hill is handsome Clearwell Castle, here on the English-Welsh border. The hotel occupies a cluster of stone buildings that retain much of their rustic character, with exposed beams, off-kilter walls and inglenooks. If the weather permits, wrap up warm and carry a mug of tea out into the cottage garden; if not, cosy up by the open fire in the bar.