Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat - our bolthole. Blog #6

Welcome to my latest blog, which is on the back of a recent trip my wife and I made to Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat in the English Lake District National Park. (Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is a bit of a mouthful, so I'll shorten it to Keswick Reach.) 

Chatting to a friend in early 2018, he mentioned Keswick Reach, where his extended family had spent a long weekend celebrating his wife's birthday. He said they had all enjoyed themselves and that the accommodation (lodges on a purpose-built park) was very good. Based on this recommendation, my wife and I dipped our toe in the water and booked a one bedroom lodge for a long weekend, just to give it a whirl.

Five years and twelve stays later, I want to share why we keep returning, and why Keswick Reach has become our little bolthole. 

Keswick Reach is part of Hoseasons, and according to their website it comprises luxury lodges and holiday homes. Other than a bar and restaurant, a spa, and a gym, which I understand is soon to be closed and the space incorporated into an extended restaurant, there are no facilities for kids such as you would find at Center Parcs. However, Keswick Reach is suitable for kids if you are looking to use it as a base from which to explore the Lake District.

Keswick Reach is about 8 miles north of Keswick near Bewaldeth on the Carlisle road.

The configuration of the lodges ranges from 1-4 bedrooms, with or without a hot tub and/or a log burning fire. There are pet-free and pet-friendly lodges available. 

We have been at different seasons, from the cold, wind, and rain of winter, to the more pleasant weather of spring and autumn. Out of choice, we tend not to go during school holidays. We have tried most types of lodges, all of which have been comfortable, clean, and well equipped, although there have been the odd occasions when we have had to ask for a replacement small item (usually a kitchen item) that for some reason has gone missing. Any issues in terms of non-functioning equipment are dealt with promptly by the excellent onsite support staff.

I have mentioned the restaurant, which serves a very good range of pub-type dishes, all of which are freshly prepared. The staff in the restaurant, as are all of the bar and reception staff, are excellent, very professional, friendly, and helpful. We tend to eat in the restaurant twice or three times during a week's stay; the rest of the week we dine at home, as it were, living on Marks and Spencer food. There's a Sainsbury's not too far away in Cockermouth if you need to restock your fridge and freezer.

My wife and I have travelled a great deal over the years, and have come to value peace and tranquility when we are away from home. We naturally prefer great accommodation and being looked after, both of which Keswick Reach does very well.

Venturing out from Keswick Reach, there's the Lake District Wildlife Park on the doorstep,  and Keswick and Derwent Water are almost on the doorstep. Aira Force and Ullswater aren't a million miles away. If you fancy driving a bit further, there's always Windermere and Ambleside to explore. Of course, for the more outdoor types, there's plenty of natural beauty to explore.

We wouldn't keep going back to Keswick Reach if it was anything other than very good. After having just returned from our latest visit we are already searching our diaries to see when and how soon we can return. It is so nice having somewhere not too far away where we can escape the stresses and strains of our everyday lives.

You can check out Keswick Reach on their website: 

https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/lodges/keswick-reach-lodge-retreat-kesw?clickcd=50124&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz9ieBhCIARIsACB0oGIAbdHujLI_nv1QcdyRtPx09qIMmrTHkalGxEjDff4OSuTEzdMBrlgaAk76EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have not been offered any inducements, gifts or payments by Hoseasons or anyone associated with Keswick Reach for writing this blog.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog. If you have any comments, please feel free to contact me.

Cheers

Mike. 

©Mike Young 2023.