Rainforest Chapel

Rating
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Pets Yes
View on map

Features

Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Sky TV
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities

* Based on a combined average customer score over the last 3 months

20 Customer Review(s)

“This was a truly beautiful place, the Chapel has been converted in a very tasteful way, retaining and enhancing original features whilst also being very modern and comfortable.”

Well stocked with games and our 6 year old loved the colour changing lights which looked amazing with the high ceiling. Lovely park just a short walk away and tasty food at the local fish and chip/Indian takeaway and restaurant. Location is great for lots of outdoor activities, we all had an amazing time.

Well stocked with games and our 6 year old loved the colour changing lights which looked amazing with the high ceiling. Lovely park just a short walk away and tasty food at the local fish and chip/Indian takeaway and restaurant. Location is great for lots of outdoor activities, we all had an amazing time.

- Mrs Phillips, August 2020
“The chapel is a quirky and fun place to stay, providing a good base to explore the Forest of Dean / River Wye / Gloucester.”

Useful to have takeaway and pub with small garden so close by, and we found everyone exceptionally friendly locally, in a village where you are in the only holiday let. House is kitted out well enough, plenty of games and tech, kitchen stocked fine. Worth considering that you are living in one space in the chapel, so you will hear each other's movements and TV-watching at night, best if you are a group with the same bed time hours. I concur that it does get very warm for sleeping in hot weather, but we were there in exceptionally warm weather. Small things, it is a fun place to stay.

- Mr Thompson, August 2020
“The Rainforest Chapel is beautiful, exactly what we expected from the listing and photos.”

With Some areas even better, eg new sofas and a very well Equipped kitchen. It was so spacious and tastefully decorated and on hot days was lovey and cool (the windows upstairs do open). We had a wonderful stay, with access to the forest just a short walk away as well as being close to so many local attractions. Thank you.

- Mrs Knight, July 2020
“Lovely accommodation situated perfectly for the forests.”

Could have been a little cleaner but was acceptable. Welcome pack was a lovely gesture. We were comfortable for the week and would recommend it. There is a manhole cover outside the property (not the owner’s responsibility) that makes a noise like someone knocking on the door every time it was driven over! Made the dogs jump up for the first few days until they got used to it! Personally I would be contacting the local authorities (who have marked it as an issue) to push them into repairing it! Okay for a week but I would hate to live with it!

- Mrs Dobson, July 2020
“Very unusual building that has a snug in the mezzanine bedroom and TV as well as a living room and kitchen downstairs that my parents found really charming.”

Both cosy and warm in an ideal location the chapel was a superb treat and my parents spent much of the time just enjoying the property. They were delighted by the food hamper left behind with nice treats and had a fish and chip shop and Indian take away a short walk away. The local food store was well stocked and with forests surround the village plenty of walks or cycling were available. But despite all of this the property was a real star. I would highly recommend the place and my parents already want to work out a way to return.

- Miss Mccarthy, March 2020
“Not happy I couldn't get hold of the key holder to get the safe code until half an hour after I could have checked in, especially as we were in the middle of storm Dennis so I didn't know whether to even set off.”

However Lisa and her colleagues at Sykes were super helpful and eventually between us we managed to get him. Can't praise skyes enough for their help

- Miss Marbrow, February 2020
“This old chapel is a lovely building, beautifully converted, and the owners have worked on the heating so it is now cosy in Winter - the underfloor heating upstairs is amazing!”

The area is surrounded by forests, with so many walks - you could do a different walk every day for a year I think! The locals were friendly and relaxed, we and the dog loved it!

- Mrs Easten, December 2019
“Perfect location to explore the area.”

Perfect for dogs. Very friendly and helpful people in the village.

- Mrs Mulvaney, November 2019
“Along with a number of properties we have stayed in, it would be useful to have recycling instructions rather than leaving everything in a general bin.”

This property is cleverly converted but the outside is small and not secure, and the bath has very high sides which make it challenging to get into. Also it is only single glazed so you do hear traffic early morning.

- Mrs Young, September 2019
“Rainforest Chapel is a well presented renovation.”

It was very clean, dog friendly , with a well equipped , modern kitchen and bathroom, Sky TV package on two large screen TV's and Xbox upstairs in the second mezzanine bedroom. The shower is over the bath , which is quite high , so may not suit the less able. Sykes website photos were very accurate in their presentation of the accommodation,which did not disappoint. Ruspidge is not a holiday destination , and there is little to do there, but the stunningly beautiful Forest of Dean is on the doorstep, plus the chapel is central to day trips to Wales, Gloucester, Hereford ,Ross on Wye and the Cotswolds.The views at Symonds Yat are breathtaking. The small towns of Coleford and Cinderford are a short drive away for supplies.Parking is on the road opposite and there is no outside space as such, except for the gravel frontage, but that was not really a problem. Handy little pub and takeaway just down the road....I would highly recommend the quirky Rainforest Chapel for a break away.

- Miss Morrant, July 2019
“The sofa and chair smelt awful.”

We couldn't sit on them. Could do with a couple of outside chairs as we couldn't sit out at all.

- Mr Clements, June 2019
“The chapel was the most breathtaking place we have ever stayed.”

It's bigger than you'd think inside with lots of space. The area itself is absolutely beautiful and it's amazing for walking or you can explore so many different places. Our favourites were; Clearwell Caves (20 minutes away, spent 2 hours there), International Birds Of Prey Centre (1 hour away - very awkward to get to, spent 1 hour there), The Forest of Dean (5 minutes away, the biggest one is pay and display and does not accept cards !!, the best trail was the Sculpture Trail, 5 Miles and took about 2 hours). We found the best and nearest supermarket was Tesco, Lydney (20 minute drive and was a large shop which had everything we needed(. Every interaction we had with the owner was helpful and polite, he was a really lovely person. The downsides to the property are: There isn't off road parking - you park next to the chapel and have to carry all your luggage across and it isn't guaranteed that you can park right outside so may have to park down the road, there isn't a garden- when it states garden/patio it means the small patio outside the front door, finally bring your own fans if you're visiting in the summer as it gets really really hot - the bathroom windows open but the rest of the windows are the beautiful chapel style ones which do not open. If anyone is looking to visit the area, it's a really gorgeous place to stay and we would definitely return.

- Miss Brisco, June 2019
“Great base for walks with the dogs.”

The local pub The New Inn was just two minutes walk away and the landlord and locals very friendly . The cottage was comfortable and had everything that you needed.

- Mrs Ridsdale, May 2019
“Facilities to do recycling would have been good.”

- Miss Jones, May 2019
“Very quirky accommodation beautifully decorated and almost everything there to make your stay comfortable.”

Lack of outdoor space despite being advertised as having a garden .... it doesn’t. Great base for walks into the Forrest, not much in the town itself but lots of nice places further afield.

- Miss Millward, April 2019
“Perfect location for beautiful walks into the forest of Dean!”

- Mr Metcalf, February 2019
“The chapel was beautiful and comfortable, but there was a lot of pet hair in places but overall, we loved our trip.”

- Mr Upton, December 2018
“Lovely chapel.”

Plenty of room for 4 people. Boys loved having their own floor to themselves. Had a problem with one radiator not working in the living room but this was rectified by the owner quickly. Chapel in an ideal location for exploring the beautiful forest, didn't have to travel far. This was about the 6th time we've visited the forest, different accomodation each time and we've never been disappointed. Would highly recommend the location & this accommodation.

- Mr Clover, October 2018
“The Chapel is realy amazing!”

There is anything you need, including two big Flatscreen-TV, X-Box and so on. You'll find a warm welcome - it's like coming home. The Rainforest Chapel is a great place to see the forest of Dean, visiting Wales and lots of other places (Stratford-upon-avon 90min, Oxford 90min). The host is realy generous and friendly. Highly recommended!!!

- Mr Ruhloff, September 2018
“poole pottery and disco lights!”

We stayed in the Rainforest chapel for a week in February. Be warned that it gets cold even though the heating is on simply because of the size of the main room. Bring an extra blanket! The chapel is a huge space that has been really tastefully decorated with vintage furniture and pottery and glass decor. Throughout the chapel are remote controlled colour changing lights which can be turned on or off. We had great fun with these. They really give it that extra special touch and the main open plan living space is big enough to pull it off without being tacky. There was also a mezzanine level with twin beds, sofa and large tv with games console which gave us the option to spend the evening upstairs where it was more cosy or downstairs where it was more grand. There was also a really handy indian/chip shop very close to the chapel and some really beautiful forest walks nearby. Would thoroughly recommend a stay here to get away from it all.

- Fern P, February 2018
Show more

Show less

Rainforest Cottages

Resting in the delightful Forest of Dean village of Ruspidge are these two wonderful properties, Rainforest Cottage and Rainforest Chapel, each enjoying their own unique features and style and perfectly positioned for an outdoor adventure in Gloucestershire. One is Grade II Listed chapel, renovated and brought into the 21st century with quirky furnishings, rustic style and original features, while the other has its history rooted 200 years ago when it was first built, now presenting a mix of classic and contemporary to offer a fantastic holiday home. Being positioned in Ruspidge means you have all you need for a self-catered stay on your doorstep, with the village home to a local shop and a pub, and the nearby town of Cinderford, just under two-miles away, hosting even more selection. Both cottage boast views over the Forest of Dean National Park with access into numerous beautiful forest walks, as well as interesting attractions like the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail which sees visitors meander through a tranquil woodland art trail discovering 16 discreet and nature-inspired sculptures along the way, can you spot them all? Excitement can be found at the fantastic Go Ape Forest of Dean, challenge your fears by swinging through the forest canopy along a treetop adventure trail, or for another perspective enjoy a Forest Segway tour taking in the idyllic scenery as you go. Ruspidge is also well-positioned for day visits to Cheltenham and the famous Cheltenham Races, get dressed up and place your bets at this prestigious ground. Embark on some riverside walks along the River Severn and the Severn Bore, wander around Gloucester Docks and Cathedral, and further afield Symonds Yat, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the banks of the River Wye, makes an extremely scenic spot for a picnic. Brecon Beacons, Oxfordshire, Bourton-on-the-water, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and much more can all be found within driving distance, promising attractions of all kinds to suit all ages and tastes. Enjoy an adventure from Rainforest Cottages.

The property

Rainforest Chapel is a lovely converted chapel in the village of Ruspidge near Cinderford.

The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms which are a ground floor super king-size double (which can be a twin room on request) which has an electric fire, and a mezzanine twin room (can be a super king-size double on request).

There is also a spacious open plan living area with a kitchen, dining area and a sitting area with an electric fire.

Completing the accommodation is a ground floor bathroom.

Outside there is a front patio and roadside parking for one car on a first come, first served basis.

Rainforest Chapel is a fantastic base within the Forest of Dean.

Summary

Mostly ground floor
Two bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor double, 1 x mezzanine twin (zip/link, can be super king-size double on request) with seating area
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and separate WC
Open plan living area with kitchen with breakfast bar (seats 2), dining area and sitting area with electric fire
Electric radiators throughout, underfloor heating in bedrooms and bathroom and electric fires
Electric double oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, TV with full Sky, Xbox, WiFi, selection of books and games
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Ample roadside parking
Front courtyard area
Two well-behaved pets welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 10 mins walk, pub 2 mins walk
Note: There is one step up to the dining and sitting area and two steps to the ground floor bathroom
Note - Please find that the Rainforest Chapel is a grade 2 star listed building and is over 160 years old, thus there is a degree of charm and character that comes with living in such a unique dwelling, and that it may not be suitable to all guests that might expect the very highest living standards of a new dwelling thus
The height of the enclosed courtyard garden and stone finish may not be suitable for all types of pets
The living room fire place is a 'feature' fireplace only for visual purposes
The bath hot water has been restricted in temperature and is very slow filling
You might feel a chill or draft on 'very cold' days due to the original windows and solid walls
Note: Rainforest Cottage is 0.2 miles from Rainforest Chapel

About the location

RUSPIDGE

10.4 miles Ross on Wye , 15 miles Gloucester, 13.2 miles Symonds Yat

Ruspidge is a lovely little village situated in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The village offers its guests a wonderful selection of amenities, with local shops, pubs, a gift shop for picking up something special for loved ones back home, and a children's play area, it offers everything you could need for a self-catered stay, while nearby Cinderford boasts a wider selection. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity within the local area, with the Lightmoor Pool (Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club) being just a short trip from the village, as well as Soudley Ponds being home to a a raft of ducks, making a lovely spot for a morning stroll. Situated between the River Severn and the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can expect to find a plethora of wonders just a stone's throw away; take a trip to the Clearwell Caves, a hidden world where you can learn of the iron ore mining, the main industry in the Forest of Dean, up close on a tour, or give beer pilates a go for an experience like no other! You will also find a good selection of sporting opportunities including archery, paddle boarding, scrambling and rock climbing just to name a few, or if you're seeking a more relaxed day out venture to the cathedral city of Gloucester; explore its history in the Blackfriars Priory site, Museum of Gloucester and the Jet Age Museum, or indulge in a day of retail therapy with plenty of shops to take your pick from. In easy reach, you can find Cheltenham too, home to Cheltenham Racecourse with its wonderful races and various events throughout the year, as well as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being just a scenic drive away too.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Rainforest Chapel

Ruspidge, Gloucestershire (Ref. 938318)

Your selection:

Nearby dates:

Your selection:

Nearby dates:

Available dates:

Other available dates:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This was a truly beautiful place, the Chapel has been converted in a very tasteful way, retaining and enhancing original features whilst also being very modern and comfortable.”

“The chapel is a quirky and fun place to stay, providing a good base to explore the Forest of Dean / River Wye / Gloucester.”

“The Rainforest Chapel is beautiful, exactly what we expected from the listing and photos.”

“Lovely accommodation situated perfectly for the forests.”

“Very unusual building that has a snug in the mezzanine bedroom and TV as well as a living room and kitchen downstairs that my parents found really charming.”

“Not happy I couldn't get hold of the key holder to get the safe code until half an hour after I could have checked in, especially as we were in the middle of storm Dennis so I didn't know whether to even set off.”

“This old chapel is a lovely building, beautifully converted, and the owners have worked on the heating so it is now cosy in Winter - the underfloor heating upstairs is amazing!”

“Perfect location to explore the area.”

“Along with a number of properties we have stayed in, it would be useful to have recycling instructions rather than leaving everything in a general bin.”