St Briavels Castle — Attraction in Forest of Dean

Amazing place! We came here for heritage open days, and what a treat! So many events put on, but even without those it would have been amazing as the place itself is so interesting. We didn't go on a guided tour but having come across it halfway round and listened in sneakily, I probably would do one next time. You get a lot more background info that way.

I just can't believe its also a YHA Youth hostel tho. The amount of people i overheard saying "Oh my god, i want to stay here"...and they echoed my sentiments. Clean, spacious bedrooms, with ample toilets and showers. Very sympathetically renovated in some parts, it has so much charm to it. And with fabulous and tranquil grounds too. Right on the edge of the Forest of Dean, and Monmouthshire. So much right on the doorstep. I would definitely come back to stay.

We also visited the pub next to the castle and can thoroughly recommend it 😁 really lovely landlady who I chatted to for ages, amd good selection of drinks. We didn't eat but the desserts in the chiller fridge looked amazing. And sitting in the garden at the back, we could tell its the locals place; everyone knows everyone; but they also make you welcome. One man spent a while playing a mini game of football with our children (4.5, 4 and 2) and didn't mind one bit, with lots of good humour.

Go and visit, stay, and have a drink next door. You won't be disappointed. And ask to see the dungeon which is...

Was on my wish list and I was so surprised when we pulled up outside supposedly to visit and found out we were staying there. Its a YHA Hostel so was pleased to be able to have a reasonable rate for such a wonderful experience.

We arrived tired and hungry so was pleased that we could have a meal, that night it was pasta, with lemon meringe pie to follow. Not sure that it was prepared on site but certainly filled a gap and you have someone else doing the dishes.

The steps to the room were steep but this adds to the fun. I was in the Chaplans room which is a all female dorm, which was not in the main part. I think there were private rooms with easier access in the main part.

On the Sat night had a medieval feast. We had such fun with the compare and got to eat with our fingers (the correct way so not to be rude). We dressed up for the occasion out of their wardrobe of costumes.

Loved this. Another item off...

Great place to stay for a good value stop over. We travelled as a group of 9 so we were based in the Guard room. Beds very comfy and the rooms are warm but too warm for a nice spring day/night. I couldn't faulty the breakfast for £4 extra. Showers were dirty but I guess that's what to expect when it is a shared shower. There is no where to stand to dry your feet so had to sit on the window ledge in the landing area to dry feet and put on socks. No mirror over the sink to have a shave so had to use reflection in the taps. The castle is a spectacular place and looks better than any...