St Briavels Castle was originally built as a hunting lodge for King John in 1205 on the site of an earlier stronghold whose towers were added in 1293 as part of the Ring of Stone around Wales.The fine twin-towered gatehouse of this castle, built by Edward I in 1292, once defended a crossbow bolt factory which used local Forest of Dean iron. Once a prison, it is now a youth hostel in wonderful walking country.

• Digital plasma TV
• Free Wi Fi
• IPOD Docking Radio
• 13 Tog Winter Duvets
• Coffee and tea- service
• Direct dial telephones
• Complimentary toiletries
• Hairdryers