Cwmcarn Forest
Cwmcarn Forest
4.5
About
Cwmcarn Forest offers something for all the family. The visitor centre provides a place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and homewares as well as finding out about what you can do in the area. Sample our wide range of meals and snacks available at Ravens Cafe - with seating for 56 within the bright and airy interior or choose to eat outside on the impressive Decking area, which overlooks the Nantcarn Stream. Nestling alongside the banks of the Nantcarn stream is the Visit Wales 4* graded Cwmcarn Forest Campsite. A well-equipped caravan and camping park at the foot of the spectacular forest. Camping & caravan pitches along with Glamping pods providing all year accommodation, all with electric hook up provided. Cwmcarn Forest is a Mecca for walking and mountain biking. There are many walking trails directly on the site for all abilities; Relax with a spot of fishing at the lake or join in some of the events and activities that take part on site.
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4.5
213 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
52
Average
14
Poor
7
Terrible
13
CarolineP
32 contributions
Aug 2020
I have spend a lot of time here this summer as it is an excellent place to take children for a few hours out. The adventure playground is relatively new and excellent for children over 5. There are lots of great woodland walks in the area.
The staff at the visitor centre are very helpful and the Raven cafe which has been operating a take away service during the Covid pandemic is perfect for a drink, snack or even a meal.
There are plenty of benches and bins which seem to be emptied regularly as they are never overflowing and thankfully there does not seem to be much litter about the place.
There are also plenty of toilet facilities which from my experience have always been immaculate.
The staff at the visitor centre are very helpful and the Raven cafe which has been operating a take away service during the Covid pandemic is perfect for a drink, snack or even a meal.
There are plenty of benches and bins which seem to be emptied regularly as they are never overflowing and thankfully there does not seem to be much litter about the place.
There are also plenty of toilet facilities which from my experience have always been immaculate.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissHelB
Aberdare, UK191 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Stayed here with my 11 year old son for 1 night, as a last minute get away before school starts back.
Despite us visiting during a period of stormy, wet, windy weather, you would never have guessed it tucked away cosy and warm in our camping pod.
The site offered furnished and unfurnished pods. We went for an unfurnished pod as we took our own air bed (the furnished gives you an actual bed to sleep in), but the pod was spacious even with the bed blown up, and included electric sockets, lights and even an electric heater should you need it (we didn’t despite the weather!).
The site itself has shower and toilet blocks just opposite the pod, and a kitchen with washer, drier, electric job, fridge freezer, iron and ironing board for use during your stay. There is also a bbq area and table and chairs by each of the pods.
The site is secured with a gate requiring an access code to prevent those not staying from entering. Everything was clean and tidy. And the pods are situated near a children’s play park and in the cwmcarn forest where there are trails for those who like walking and popular mountain biking tracks. And a cafe in the visitor centre open for meals until approx 5pm. There is a McDonalds and various shops for supplies very close by should you need them.
Would definitely stay again and can’t wait to take the rest of my family!
Despite us visiting during a period of stormy, wet, windy weather, you would never have guessed it tucked away cosy and warm in our camping pod.
The site offered furnished and unfurnished pods. We went for an unfurnished pod as we took our own air bed (the furnished gives you an actual bed to sleep in), but the pod was spacious even with the bed blown up, and included electric sockets, lights and even an electric heater should you need it (we didn’t despite the weather!).
The site itself has shower and toilet blocks just opposite the pod, and a kitchen with washer, drier, electric job, fridge freezer, iron and ironing board for use during your stay. There is also a bbq area and table and chairs by each of the pods.
The site is secured with a gate requiring an access code to prevent those not staying from entering. Everything was clean and tidy. And the pods are situated near a children’s play park and in the cwmcarn forest where there are trails for those who like walking and popular mountain biking tracks. And a cafe in the visitor centre open for meals until approx 5pm. There is a McDonalds and various shops for supplies very close by should you need them.
Would definitely stay again and can’t wait to take the rest of my family!
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I was planning to go here this morning for a walk, but checking the route and opening times, I see there’s £8 charge..?! I’m just one person looking to take a quiet walk in nature on a Sunday morning close to home. I’m thinking surely this must be a charge for an extra attraction or something and they’re not charging for you to just go for a walk?! I checked the website. Cars £8, parking £1/£3. No information as to what circumstances under which you need to pay. Is that £8 + parking, or do you pay for parking outside this ridiculous pay zone and walk in for free, and therefore how far are you walking, and is that on roads or trails?? No information at all on their site or on this “everything you need to know” page. Just “it’s £8 per car”. WHAT is £8 per car?? I don’t want to drive to the top. I don’t need maid service. I just want to go for a quiet walk in the outdoors. That thing that was typically considered a basic human pleasure. That thing that was typically the free option to getting out and about. “I might go for a stroll… keys, coat… wallet”.
More the point, before I leave home, I need to know what the situation is and I’ve found NOTHING online with any sensible explanation as to what this charge means for walkers, hikers, cyclists. If I arrive in a CAR but want to WALK, without picnic, playgrounds, scenic driving, gold plated woodpeckers or diamonte toadstools, what is the charging scenario and what is the charge for?? “£8 per car”. This country is beyond dumb.
More the point, before I leave home, I need to know what the situation is and I’ve found NOTHING online with any sensible explanation as to what this charge means for walkers, hikers, cyclists. If I arrive in a CAR but want to WALK, without picnic, playgrounds, scenic driving, gold plated woodpeckers or diamonte toadstools, what is the charging scenario and what is the charge for?? “£8 per car”. This country is beyond dumb.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aa2wales
Cardiff, UK124 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We just did the forest drive. Was an enjoyable 2-3 hours. Stunning views, kids enjoyed the playgrounds, lots of toilets, bins and places to picnic/BBQ. We briefly passed through the visitors centre to look at the cafe menu which didn’t excite us but next time would like to explore the other things on offer a bit more (walks and adventure playground)
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel R
Newport, Wales, United Kingdom3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Stayed in a new luxury pod and it did not disappoint. Paid for linen which was fresh and clean as was the pod. We had diabolical weather so used the pod to it's full. Unknowingly took the keys home and returned them a day later. Staff were very understanding. I would recommend that the out of hrs staff get qualified in first aid and have access to a first aid kit. One of our children had an unfortunate accident and needed stitches. It would have been helped by having support in this area. Although maybe I am asking for too much. Look forward to returning .
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Board
10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Lovel quiet place.
Some improvements needed. It was a pet friendly lodge, but it didn't have a gate. My dog got out, so it wasn't really pet friendly.
Lack of utensils, one small frying pan for a lodge that sleeps 4 ?, no corkscrew, no oven gloves( safety issue ), no tea towels, these are basics that should have been there.
There was a stain and human hair on the one bed sheet.
WiFi was very patchy, and could have really done with the addition of a simple fan, it was 25 c inside the lodge.
We did enjoy our stay but would not come back unless there are gates put on the pet friendly lodge unfortunately.
Some improvements needed. It was a pet friendly lodge, but it didn't have a gate. My dog got out, so it wasn't really pet friendly.
Lack of utensils, one small frying pan for a lodge that sleeps 4 ?, no corkscrew, no oven gloves( safety issue ), no tea towels, these are basics that should have been there.
There was a stain and human hair on the one bed sheet.
WiFi was very patchy, and could have really done with the addition of a simple fan, it was 25 c inside the lodge.
We did enjoy our stay but would not come back unless there are gates put on the pet friendly lodge unfortunately.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire D
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We were excited to do this drive, however, we were a bit miffed that we landed up missing the best part as its not clear that if you drive past carpark 5 and follow the road, you are actually missing on part of the drive. So, make sure you drive through car park 5 to ensure you see the best parts of the forest drive!!! Due to the one way system we couldn't turn back and we didn't want to pay the £8 entrance fee again. What we did see was lovely, the chap on the entrance was very friendly too. We didn't use any facilities along the route, so can't comment on them.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey B
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We have stayed in Cwm Carn pods in the past but this year we decided to stay in a lodge. We were not disappointed. It was clean and comfy and very suitable for our 3 night stay. Surrounded by beautiful greenery the area is calm, peaceful and relaxing. The children enjoyed the play area, just a short walk away and a stroll around the lake. The area was safe for them to use their bikes outside the lodges. They had an amazing time. The Forest Drive offers experiences for different ages and interests. The children loved level 1 and 4 the most. There are some great views to be had as you travel up the levels.
There is great cafe on site with friendly and helpful staff. Deb cooks a great breakfast. No complaints at all from the 10 of us who tucked in and enjoyed every mouthful.
Maybe make sure you carry card and cash as the till did go down due to the poor signal in the area. Have a little patience if this does happen. The staff do a great job.
We will definitely be returning next year for a few days. I got my eyes on a lodge and the children want a pod. Time will tell who wins!
There is great cafe on site with friendly and helpful staff. Deb cooks a great breakfast. No complaints at all from the 10 of us who tucked in and enjoyed every mouthful.
Maybe make sure you carry card and cash as the till did go down due to the poor signal in the area. Have a little patience if this does happen. The staff do a great job.
We will definitely be returning next year for a few days. I got my eyes on a lodge and the children want a pod. Time will tell who wins!
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin
1 contribution
Sept 2020
I haven't visited the area for 18 months. I was looking forward to riding the Cafall trail. In my view the most beautiful mountain bike trail in the country. All single track ascent and descent through beautiful wooded hills. I checked all the web sites before traveling for any changed, there were none noted. How wrong I was. The trail has been deforested above the immediate area of the valley floor. It was like riding through an industrial wasteland. I understand the Forestery Commission had a very good reason for removing the trees. But I think the Mountain bike web sites and Welsh authorities web sites should be updated to let riders know what to expect. The lower area around the car park cafe, toilets and campsite is the same. Anything above that is like a post apocalyptic wasteland. I do understand the reasons why but let people know. It is very disappointing to make a long journey to a place that is not accurately described.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
awb20162016
Wareham, UK14 contributions
Aug 2020
I arrived late in the afternoon on foot. They took the trouble to phone me, tell me where my pitch would be, and the codes for the showers etc. The pitch was fine - I put the tent on the grass, rather than the gravel. The grass was level and free of debris. The pitch was protected from cars by a row of boulders, one of which made a good seat to cook from and view the goings-on. Excellent showers and lots of hot water, all clean and tidy. Friendly and helpful reception staff next morning. I left before the cafe opened. This is a beautiful site, with the stream nearby and no traffic noise.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed?
Also are dogs allowed camping and is there a charge..
Written 21 June 2021
Maps39129166826
Newbridge, United Kingdom
What time does the car park close through the week?
Written 3 August 2020
Whatlee
Newport, United Kingdom
Has the abercarn scenic drive pond ever been totally drained of water
Written 30 June 2018
Michael O
Newport, United Kingdom
Hi, Didn't even know there was an inbox on Trip Advisor, apologies for the very long delay... The pond has not been totally drained of water, it was greatly reduced a few years ago to allow for the silt removal but not totally free of water.
Written 13 September 2019
Please can you tell me if there are any walks where there is no water and also are dogs allowed off leads
Thanking you in anticipation
Written 20 February 2017
Michael O
Newport, United Kingdom
Hi, there are numerous walks around the woodland that avoid our lake and river however you may come across the odd stream or two. Dogs must be kept on their leads around and within the visitor centre and must be kept under control around the rest of the site (no leads required). There are some farms on the upper slopes where sheep and cattle roam so again please keep dogs on a lead in these areas. You can access further information on the Cwmcarn Forest website or ask at our reception and the staff can advise you of the best walks to suit your needs.
Written 22 February 2017
Will the cycle trails be open in January
Written 5 January 2015
Michael O
Newport, United Kingdom
Hi,
Yes, all the trails will be open in January and during the tree removal, some diversions will be in place but not currently. THe valley floor and visitor centre will remain open and unaffected. please check with Cwmdown if you require uplift fot the downhill trails.
Thanks
Written 5 January 2015
Has this forest been bulldozed yet? The reason I am asking is that , according to a review on this attraction on trip advisor, it was due to be built over. Thank you in advance for yr help.
Written 4 January 2015
Michael O
Newport, United Kingdom
Hi
The work to remove the larch trees from the site is beginning, currently the two downhill and two cross country trails will remain open though some diversions may have to be put in place during felling operations for H&S reasons. The valley floor will not be effected during the tree removal and access to all the footpaths, lake, campsite & visitor centre will remain. The Drive has closed but the forest remains very much open for business.
Thanks williamsk for your comment. Please ask if you have any further questions.
Written 5 January 2015
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