NOT ready to say goodbye to the summer holidays just yet?
Quarantine rules are making it tricky to book a trip abroad, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a holiday by the water. Here are some of the best waterside staycations.
Bainland Lodge Park, Lincolnshire
Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley and husband Andy fell for lakeside hot tubs and heavenly cakes.
The Pad: You may worry you’ve arrived on the set of The Brittas Empire, when the first thing you spot driving in is a dated leisure building from Bainland’s days as a touring caravan park.
But once you reach your lodge, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief – especially if it’s one of the lakeside Hunting Retreats at the quieter end of the park.
There’s a luxe Scottish feel to the interiors and each has a huge double bed, wood-burning stove, Le Creuset cookware, rainforest shower, a hot tub on the large veranda and plenty of room for a travel cot or two if needed.
Happy to Netflix and chill? It’s perfect for that, too.
Explore: A 35-minute drive away is Gunby Estate, and although the hall remains closed, the vibrant Victorian walled gardens are well worth a stroll – just be sure to book in advance! Entry costs £5 (Nationaltrust.org).
Just 20 minutes further is Anderby Creek, a beautifully quiet sandy beach that locals try to keep secret. Back at Bainland, there are tennis courts, wild swimming lakes and a running track, plus all 7.6 hectares of The Pinewoods to explore down the road.
Drop by The Kinema In The Woods, which has been there since 1922, complete with pop-up organ, to catch a blockbuster. Tickets cost £7 (Thekinemainthewoods.co.uk).
Make sure you visit both branches of Molly & Me in Woodhall Spa village for your homeware, jewellery and clothing fix, too.
Refuel: Woodhall Spa’s Bakery & Deli is pretty special. Expect sandwiches, quiche, pork pies and more piled high, plus hand-crafted chocolate and an outrageous selection of cakes.
The Chelsea buns, £1.85, are the size of your face and we didn’t taste a duff cake out of the several we tried (all in the name of research!).
A couple of doors down in the village, Kitchenetta’s shelves are filled with
stock-cupboard delights and it’s the place to get your caffeine fix (Kitchenetta.co.uk).
Book it: One-bed lodges at Bainland cost from £479 for a four-night midweek stay (Bainland.co.uk).
- Owner Simon has big ideas, so Bainland has it all, from shepherds’ huts and safari lodges to two incredible villas sleeping 24, with heated outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Beachcroft Beach Huts, West Sussex
Assistant Editor Beth Neil hit the seaside with husband Brian and kids, Roddy, six, and Robyn, four.
The Pad: These four charming huts have fabulous views out across Felpham’s pebbled beach. Each has its own terrace and you can watch the sunrise from the mezzanine bedroom through a porthole window, while the kids slumber in their bunkbeds out back.
The main bedroom overlooks a chic lounge with corner sofa, Netflix-ready TV and a mini Smeg fridge stocked with wine and soft drinks.
We tucked into a delicious breakfast delivered to our door come morning, with croissants, ham,cheese, fresh fruit, yoghurt and OJ. Bliss.
Explore: The beach is right on your doorstep, plus parent hotel, Beachcroft, has a pool you can use.
Beautiful Hotham Park is also just a short walk away (Hothampark.co.uk).
The kids loved the adventure playground, mini golf (£7.50 per adult, £5 per child) and miniature railway (£3 per adult, £2 per child).
Bognor Regis Butlins is a 10-minute stroll along the seafront – day tickets cost from £17 for adults, £10 for over-twos (Butlins.com).
Or for a slice of history, head to the pretty town of Arundel with its castle and stunning gardens, a 20-minute drive away – just be sure to book! Entry
costs from £10 for adults, £5 for kids (Arundelcastle.org).
Refuel: At the hotel, grab takeaway fish and chips with mushy peas, £13 per portion, to devour on the beach (Beachcroft-hotel.co.uk).
The salted caramel and unicorn ice cream, £2.60 a scoop, at Pinks Parlour is a must – the selection is amazing (Pinksparlour.co.uk).
Book it: Huts sleep four and cost from £191 B&B (Beachcroftbeach
huts.co.uk).
Brompton Lakes, North Yorkshire
Fashion Editor Lynne McKenna swanned around castle ruins and admired the wildlife with mum June and dad Kevin.
The Pad: Hidden among trees, the three-bed Rebecca is one of just 21 luxury lodges here.
Overlooking the east lake with its family of swans, inquisitive ducks and an army of bird life, its soft neutral colour scheme will instantly relax you.
Expect an open-plan lounge and kitchen, plus two bathrooms, a cosy woodburner and a huge waterside deck to fire up the BBQ on. You’ll also find a delicious hamper of local staples, including Yorkshire crisps, hand-roasted coffee and scrumptious Grandma Wilds biscuits.
Explore: Take a walk around nearby Richmond Castle – with its breathtaking views of the River Swale, you can’t help but feel a little Game Of Thrones. Entry costs £6 for adults (English-heritage.org.uk).
Or 35 minutes’ drive away, you can spend the morning exploring Aysgarth Falls, used as a backdrop in Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.
Further afield, stroll around RHS Garden Harlow Carr, which boasts lakes, woodland and fab play areas. Entry costs £12.50 (Rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr).
Refuel: Start your day with a cracking full English, £7.50, at The Station in Richmond, where there’s even a cute art gallery and cinema (Thestation.co.uk).
Stumbling distance from the castle, hit Cross View Tea Rooms for delicious homemade Jaffa Cake ice cream, £2 per scoop (Crossviewtea
rooms.co.uk).
And don’t forget to call in at Mainsgill Farm Shop and say hello tothe camels, pigs, horses and ostrich, while picking up organic veggies, mouth-watering cheese-filled burgers and locally farmed sausages for throwing on the charcoals back at the lodge (Mainsgillfarm.co.uk).
Book it: Three nights in a lodge sleeping six costs from £499 (Holidayathome.co.uk)
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