A Christmas Weekend in Gloucestershire: Wreath Making, Winter Walks and Newnham-on-Severn
By late November, Christmas has usually begun to occupy rather more of our attention. There are presents to find, weekends that have somehow filled themselves and the annual realisation that December contains considerably fewer days than expected.
We rather like the last weekend in November, when Christmas has started to appear but December is still a few days away.
That was the thinking behind our Christmas weekend at Severnside Press in Newnham-on-Severn. We held the first one last year and enjoyed it enough to bring it back this November.
Why Newnham Works Particularly Well in Winter
Newnham sits above the River Severn, with the Forest of Dean beginning a few minutes beyond the village. The High Street is Georgian in places, considerably less polished in others, and still very much somewhere people live rather than somewhere arranged for visitors.
In summer, much of the pleasure of staying here is about getting out into the Forest or following the river. By late November, the days are shorter, so a walk tends to occupy the morning rather than the whole day, usually followed by lunch somewhere warm and a return to the house before it gets dark. If you do want to spend part of the weekend walking, we have written about some of our favourite Forest of Dean walks, including the Speech House loop.
That final weekend in November has become one of our favourite times of year. The village is beginning to look Christmassy, but the busiest part of the season is still ahead. If you are comparing bases for a festive break, our 48-hour weekend in Newnham-on-Severn article explains how the village works as a slower alternative to busier Cotswolds weekends.
More Than a Wreath-Making Workshop
When we planned the first weekend, we knew we wanted wreath making to be part of it. We wanted guests to come for more than the workshop itself, so we turned it into a two-night weekend in Newnham.
Guests arrive on Friday for tea and cake, settle into their rooms and meet everyone over a drink before we have a simple supper together at Severnside Press. It is a chance to settle in before the busier part of the weekend begins.
After breakfast on Saturday, we head out for a foraging walk around Newnham, gathering some of the natural materials that can be used in the wreaths later that afternoon. Before the workshop, there is a light seasonal lunch at The George on the High Street.
After lunch, we return to Severnside Press, where the dining room is set up for the afternoon workshop.
The Wreath-Making Workshop
What we remember most from last year's workshop is how relaxed the afternoon became once everyone got started. Some guests had made wreaths before and others were doing it for the first time.
People talked while they worked, occasionally became completely absorbed in what they were doing, and stopped when they fancied tea, coffee or cake. By the end of the afternoon, no two wreaths looked quite the same.
Everyone leaves the workshop with a finished wreath to take home, which will hopefully still be hanging on the door well into Christmas.
Dinner in Newnham
On Saturday evening, we walk along the High Street to Post for dinner. Post is somewhere we eat ourselves and recommend regularly to guests — including in our country pubs and Sunday lunch guide — so it was an obvious place to include in the weekend.
The same is true of lunch at The George. We wanted the weekend to include some of the places we actually use in Newnham, rather than keeping everything within Severnside Press.
For a small place, Newnham is remarkably good at providing an entire Saturday without requiring much use of a car.
Sunday in Newnham
Sunday starts with breakfast, but after that we leave the day largely unplanned. Guests can stay in Newnham, go for another walk in the Forest of Dean or use the little map we provide to find Christmas markets and independent makers nearby. Others may decide that breakfast and a wander around Newnham are quite enough.
Before leaving, everyone takes home a goodie bag of locally produced things, as well as the wreath they made the day before.
A Severnside Christmas 2026
This year's weekend takes place from Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November 2026.
There are three packages, beginning at £350 per person, with single occupancy from £400, depending on whether neither, one or both guests would like to take part in the wreath-making workshop.
Depending on the package, the weekend includes two nights' bed and breakfast at Severnside Press, Friday's simple supper, the foraging walk, lunch at The George, wreath making, dinner at Post, plentiful tea, coffee and cake, a guide to local Christmas markets and a goodie bag to take home. The current full-payment offer gives a 15% discount, with payment in three instalments also available.
Severnside Press has three guest rooms only. Two are already booked. One remains.
See the Severnside Christmas packages, prices and booking details for full prices and booking.
The Last Weekend in November
By December, calendars tend to fill quickly. This weekend comes just before that, on the last weekend in November. On Sunday, everyone heads home with their wreath in the car.
Christmas can take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Severnside Christmas weekend only about wreath making?
No. Wreath making is part of the weekend, but guests stay for two nights. Depending on the package, there is also a foraging walk, lunch at The George, dinner at Post and plenty of time to explore Newnham and the Forest of Dean.
Can I book if I am travelling alone?
Yes. Single occupancy is available, and several guests joined us on their own last year.
Where should I stay for a Christmas break in the Forest of Dean?
If you want the full creative weekend, book through Severnside Christmas. For a regular B&B stay at other times of year, check availability at Severnside Press — we are a Georgian townhouse on the High Street, featured in Country Living and Period Living, with breakfast included and hosts who know the Forest and Wye Valley well.
Are dogs welcome on the Christmas weekend?
The Christmas retreat packages are aimed at the house as a whole for that weekend; for dog-friendly room policies on standard stays, see our dog-friendly holiday guide. Contact us directly if you are unsure which booking route fits.
How do I find winter walks near Newnham?
Start with our Forest of Dean walks page, or ask us over breakfast when you arrive — we usually have a view on which paths suit the light and the weather that weekend.
Author: Tony & Alex
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We would love to hear from you, and if you do have any questions about our bed and breakfast accommodation before booking, please do feel free to give us a call on 07919 858693 or 01594 510057.