We recently stayed at Barker Stakes Holidays in one of the Waterside Bronze Lodges for 4 nights.
The website will tell you this is one of the oldest and most basic accomodations but we found it to be perfect for us. On arrival we met Steve at reception, he checked that we were aware of the age of the lodge, which of course we knew and said it was fine. My hubby is mobility disabled and when I mentioned a wheelchair in the car Steve checked with me that my husband would be ok to go up steps to the lodge, very thoughtful.
As we drove up to the lodge, you can park right next to the steps, we were greeted by the locals, a family of 5 ducks and 3 moorhens all young juveniles. Very cute and they appeared a few times every day and were very friendly, I named them, Daisy, Donald, Daisytwo, Dotty and Daphne. Most liked chopped up grapes but the duck food we bought in Thornton le Dale was very much enjoyed by them all. Dotty will even feed out of your hand (white spots on her beak).
The lodge is entered by a double door into the sitting room with little dining table in one corner which has two windows either side of the corner, with a view of the pond and ducks, a leather sofa and chair in the other corners. TV had access to Netflix (don’t forget to sign out when you leave) and other streaming sites, electric fire which we didn’t use.
Off this room is the kitchen, fast to heat hot water, electric oven and hob with a microwave, all of which we used and all worked perfectly. Fridge (small freezer section in the top of the fridge), Toaster and Kettle all used too. Complimentary beverages for arrival had been left, thank you, and cleaning and washing up items too. Towels in both rooms for two people and toilet roll too. All amenities had been thought of. Even a hoover, ironing board and as I discovered much too late, a hairdryer in one of the cupboards.
A decent sized bathroom with curved shower and small sink to the left of the kitchen. Straight ahead the double bedroom that does have a door into the bathroom but this was stuck and couldn’t be opened fully, not a problem, not like it was a dozen steps to the other door. To the right of the kitchen was a back door access, we couldn’t get this to open, with a small hall, perfect for shoes. Then the twin bedroom. Both bedrooms had plenty of cupboards and drawers, dressing table in each and small wall heaters throughout the lodge so you don’t have to go cold.
The hot tub is shielded by a laurel bush with an outside table and chairs to the other side. Very easy to operate, fold over the cover, over the bar and lift the bar to push it back against the fence. Even with my dodgy shoulder it was easy. Press a button for lights and another for bubbles, bliss. Only one day we didn’t go in the hot tub and that was because of the storm. We watched the sun go down and the moon rise, so peaceful and soul calming.
I went for a walk on the last day to see the animals, 3 black piggies squealed with delight at head scratches but the goats and alpacas stayed away just staring.
To get to the park you have to drive a long narrow road, be aware that some vehicles drive quicker, they obv know the roads, but its scary when you have to slam on and worry about pulling over for a passing place, of which there are plenty.
Lidl was down the road and very easy to get to, shopping done. Flamingoland was 15min drive in one direction and Thornton le Dale also 15min drive in the opposite direction. Hubby was very excited to see the Bangers & Cash building there (from off tv) and we spent a good half hour in the shop.
I can not recommend this lovely getaway enough, we will definitely be going back, both of us enjoyed it so much and I actually missed the ducks the first morning home. Husband and Wife owners were lovely and very welcoming. Thank you both for a lovely holiday.