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The Cockerel - Exotic Animal Retreat

Deepdean, near Ross-on-Wye, Forest of Dean
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
No Dogs
5 star
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Complex of properties
Internet access
Working farm
Luxury
Romantic
Quirky
Parking on site / nearby
Decorated for Christmas
Swimming pool
Towels included
12 more

At a glance

  • Enjoy a tranquil getaway in a hidden valley complete with 60 acres of grounds and an exotic animal sanctuary
  • Take a dip in the shared outdoor pool (end April – end September)
  • Enjoy evening drinks and barbecues under starry night skies, with hundreds of romantic solar lights and the backdrop of wild exotic animal sounds

 

Property code: 50562

Set on an established working farm within the heart of the Forest of Dean, this lovingly restored barn with many original features and eclectic style is just perfect for an adult only retreat, whatever the time of year. The 17th-century rural cottage offers a breathtaking backdrop of rolling fields, woodlands and a unique safari-style experience. Indulge in rare peace and tranquillity, whilst you delight in the antics of the many exotic breeds that live here. Walk through the woodland and enjoy the outdoor pool with a backdrop of established gardens. This retreat offers simple access into the Forest of Dean, The Wye Valley, rich in colour, and well waymarked river paths for enthusiastic walkers, as well as Symonds Yat Rock (7 miles) for those simply wanting to enjoy fantastic views. The vibrant market town of Ross-on-Wye (3.5 miles) with its brass band stand next to the river and local produce market is also not to be missed.

After a stroll through the gardens, take a step inside this delightful cottage to find an open-plan kitchen/diner. The dining area with solid wooden table and chairs further complements the exposed beams and white-washed stone. The kitchen area enjoys an open aspect onto the dining area. Hand-crafted from dark wood, it is well-equipped with electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer. Just off the dining area you will find a king-size bedroom where the bespoke woollen curtains will shut out the world and pure linen bedding promises the perfect night’s sleep. Refresh in the morning in the en-suite shower room with WC. Head up the stairs into the mezzanine lounge; this cosy space is perfect for relaxation and to enjoy a good catch up after an evening meal, with rich soft furnishings and artwork further enhancing its traditional style. You will find a super-king-size bedroom on this floor, beautifully finished with an en-suite bathroom with a wooden panelled bath and WC.

Step outside to enjoy the fantastic outdoor space with solar lights, picnic bench, umbrella, BBQ and rustic BBQ preparation area. Beyond this, explore the shared grounds with heated outdoor pool (available between 30th April and 30th September and solar heated in July and August). Also enjoy stunning English country gardens and acres of woodlands of which you are free to explore. Although holiday guests are not able to go into the exotic rescue centre, which is located on the same site, there is a backdrop of exotic animal sounds and some glimpses in the fields and woodlands, amongst the many farm animals and donkeys. The income from the holiday business is directly used to fund the rescue centre.  For further details search WildSide Exotic Rescue Forest of Dean.  

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 super-king-size and 1 king-size
  • 1 en-suite bathroom and 1 en-suite shower room
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave and fridge/freezer
  • TV and DVD in lounge area
  • Private outdoor space with BBQ, picnic bench, parasol and seating.
  • Parking for 2 cars
  • Pub and shop 2 miles
  • Complex of properties
  • Outdoor swimming pool (available between 30th April and 30th September, and solar heated during July and August)
  • Swimming pool area - there will be designated areas per cottage so that only one set of furniture and soft furnishings are used per cottage
  • Tranquil, adult-only site, regret no persons under 21 years old
  • These properties are not open for group bookings
  • Although the rescue centre is not open to view you can close your eyes and be transported to the sounds of an exotic jungle
  • Lar Gibbons can be noisy when singing
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 13 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Karen 25th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had the most amazing time at the Wildside Exotic Animal Retreat. We were woken by gibbons in the morning, enjoyed afternoons relaxing while watching the Capybara, Racoon dogs, Wallabies, Bob Cats and more. The area is a walkers paradise and the local towns are beautiful. We would love to return one day !

Reviewed by Philip 18th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Unusual place but cant fault it in any way. Well placed for lots of activities, sightseeing and plenty of places to eat and drink in the area, or just chill out in the grounds.

Reviewed by Maxine 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Susan 16th June 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Lindsey and Frank are the lovely owners. They are very approachable and chatty. The cottage has some very interesting artefacts scattered around making it feel rather special. We made full use of the pool as the weather was hot, even though its not heated (much?) in June. A variety of animals potter around in the fields and their secure compounds. Read moreAll very entertaining to watch from a distance. It is very well situated for visiting Ross on Wye and the beautiful surrounding area. . Hide

Reviewed by David 30th August 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Lovely quiet location and beautiful setting made special by the rescue animals. Our comfortable cottage was decorated in an eclectic rustic style. Comfortable and clean. Swimming pool was a bonus.

Reviewed by Lorraine 9th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a wonderful holiday in a stunning setting. It was incredible to see the variety of animals and heartwarming to witness how much care they receive. Loved the pool too! I must congratulate the owners for their vision and style in creating such a beautiful place.

Reviewed by Jacqueline 26th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A peaceful, comfortable and clean cottage. High-end dcor, furnishings and equipment. Lovely comfortable beds. The pool is large and clean and we had the perfect hot week to enjoy making full use of it alongside the comfortable sun-loungers! It was lovely to be able to chill out and watch the animals with an early morning/evening beverage down at thRead moree Gazebo viewing area. Well done to Lindsay and Frank and their team for all the hard work they are doing for rescued animals here at Wildside. Hide

Reviewed by Annette 15th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. So many different animals to see in a lovely location. Accommodation spotless and everything you could need. BBQ and seating area outside.

Reviewed by Surendr 14th June 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Cottage is located in pleasant clean environment. All facilities at cottage was good standard. There is plenty to do for all age peoples

Reviewed by Judy 24th May 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This place is delightful. Getting up everyday to see the animals outside was wonderful. Then going out at dusk and seeing eyes looking back at you was spooky. Love the little lights and lanterns all over.

Reviewed by Sandra 12th April 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Stunning, welcoming and so well kept - this isnt just a place to stay, its an experience! I took dad for his 85th birthday and he absolutely loved the whole weekend and chance to see so many animals was a complete bonus

Reviewed by Tony 15th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely cottage in a lovely location, despite some very wet weather we had a fantastic week stay. Owners very welcoming and helpful. Would definitely visit again.

Reviewed by Miranda 8th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

11 more
360 of living area
Show 25 more360 of stairs and landing

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.

2 more properties at this location

Dexters Den - Exotic Animal Retreat

Dexters Den - Exotic Animal Retreat

Sleeps: 2 | Bedrooms: 1

£900 - £1,069

Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Sleeps: 2 | Bedrooms: 1

£910 - £1,085

To arrange group bookings across one or more of these properties, call our team to check availability and book.

Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.