Beautiful and modern lodge nestled in woodland with one king size double with ensuite bath with overhead shower and one twin. Shower. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Blu-ray. Dishwasher and washing machine. Verandah with outdoor hot tub. Small stream by the side of the lodge and great views. No pets.
Beautiful and modern lodge nestled in woodland with one king size double with ensuite bath with overhead shower and one twin. Separate shower room. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Blu-ray player. Dishasher and washing machine. Verandah with outdoor hot tub.
Comfortable two storey lodge. Ground floor: Master king-size double. Spa bath with overhead shower. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Washing machine. Verandah overlooking the lake with outdoor hot tub. Mezzanine: Vertical stairway leading to two singles with sloping apex ceiling (restricted head height).
Stylish lodge with one double. Spa bath with overhead shower. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Dishwasher and washing machine. Verandah with outdoor hot tub. Lake views.
Secluded and rustic two-storey log design lodge, located on its own at the top of the lake. One double and one twin located on the first floor. Bath with overhead shower. Ground floor consists of a double room and open plan lounge/dining area with vaulted ceiling and compact kitchen area. Large terrace with outdoor hot tub. Lake views.
Stylish and compact lodge with one double with en suite W.C. and one twin. Shower. Open plan lounge/dining area with well-equipped kitchen. Small covered verandah off the lounge and separate generous patio and garden area to the side of the lodge with outdoor hot tub and barbecue.
Contemporary mini pod with one double pull-out bed and en suite shower and W.C.
Large modern studio lodge with one double. Walk-in shower. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Blu-ray. Spacious decking with furniture and outdoor hot tub. Lake views.
Two storey cottage with lake views. Ground floor: Two doubles. Bathroom with jacuzzi bath and walk-in shower. Spacious open-plan living area and fully equipped kitchen with washing machine. Dining area overlooking the lake and further seating area leading to outdoor hot tub. First floor: One twin and further bathroom with bath with overhead shower.
Beautiful and modern lodge nestled in woodland with one king-size double with en suite bath with overhead shower and one twin. Shower. Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area. Blu-ray. Dishwasher and washing machine. Verandah with outdoor hot tub. Small stream by the side of the lodge and great views. No pets.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Herons Lake Retreat, with real driving times.
Sat nav: CH2 1LH
One of the UK's largest zoos, with over 30,000 animals, indoor habitats and five adventure playgrounds.
Chester Zoo is a conservation charity and one of the UK's largest zoos, covering 130 acres with over 30,000 animals from more than 500 species. You can explore over 10 indoor habitats, including the UK's largest tropical biodome, and walk through the lemur area to get close to the troop. The Monsoon Forest habitat and award-winning gardens add plenty more to see.
Tip: Book online in advance to save on gate prices, and parking in the zoo car park is free.
Sat nav: WA5 9YZ
A Warrington theme park built around rides and play areas for children aged 2 to 13.
Gulliver's World is a theme park in Warrington, loosely based on the world of Lilliput from Gulliver's Travels. It is split into themed areas including Western World, Safari Kingdom, Land of Oz, Smuggler's Wharf and Lost World. Rides such as The Antelope, Desperado Drop and Apache Falls sit alongside play areas, both indoors and outdoors, designed for children between 2 and 13.
Tip: The website says booking tickets early can save money, so check online before you go.
Sat nav: LL28 5UY
A 37-acre zoo near Colwyn Bay with chimpanzees, red pandas, otters, lemurs and a children's farm.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden near Colwyn Bay in Conwy County Borough. It covers 37 acres and has been open since 1963, so it has built up a good range of animal areas over the years.
Tip: Check the zoo's website before you go, as the sources note that animal exhibits such as the sea lions have changed over time.
Sat nav: LL32 8BD
A well-preserved Edward I fortress with battlement walks and views to Eryri and over Conwy's harbour.
Conwy Castle was built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287 and is part of a World Heritage Site. Eight large towers and a high curtain wall still stand, and it has the best preserved set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. The ruins are split into an inner and an outer ward, with a Great Hall undercroft and chapels to explore.
Tip: Climb the spiral staircases and walk the full battlement circuit if you can. Cadw highly recommends it.
Sat nav: L34 4AN
Drive a 5-mile route past lions, rhinos and baboons, then explore on foot with giraffes and tigers.
Knowsley Safari is a safari park in Prescot, Merseyside, set in the parkland of Knowsley Hall. The main event is the 5-mile Safari Drive, where you travel in your own vehicle past animals such as African lions, southern white rhinos, Bactrian camels, European bison and olive baboons. There is a bypass around the baboons if you would rather keep them away from your car.
Tip: Book online in advance, as tickets are cheaper that way and online booking is essential.
Sat nav: CH6 5PE
The first of Edward I's Welsh castles, with a unique isolated keep and views over the Dee Estuary.
Flint Castle (Castell y Fflint) was the first of the castles built during Edward I's campaign to conquer Wales, and it sits on the western shore of the River Dee estuary. Its ruins are looked after by Cadw, and access is free via a path. Most of the site, including the keep, is open to the public.
Tip: Head for the spiral staircase in the north east tower to reach the viewing platform over the estuary.
Sat nav: LL30 2XG
Walk through Bronze Age copper tunnels on the Great Orme, then explore the surface workings.
The copper mines on the Great Orme were uncovered in 1987 during a landscaping scheme. They date from the Bronze Age, long before the Roman invasion, and are thought to be the largest prehistoric mine discovered in the world so far. Archaeologists, cavers and mining engineers are still uncovering more tunnels and surface landscape.
Tip: It's cold underground (5-8°C), so bring warm clothing and sensible footwear; the floor is uneven and wet in places. Pushchairs and wheelchairs can't do the tour.
Sat nav: L1 7AZ
Britain's largest cathedral, free to enter, with a tower rooftop view over Liverpool's skyline.
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain, and one of the longest in the world. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1904 and 1978, it is a Grade I listed building. Inside, the vast space is made for wandering, with large-scale art installations and family activities alongside daily worship services.
Tip: There is an on-site car park off Upper Duke Street, and you don't need to book, but check opening hours first as parts can close for events.
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
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41 reviews from guests who stayed at Herons Lake Retreat
Really enjoyed our stay, will return soon.
Really impressed with the place, already thinking about booking again soon!
We loved staying at this lodge! The location is stunning and really peaceful, perfect for a quiet escape. The hot tub was fantastic and it was nice having someone check on it each morning. No wifi was a bit of a change, but actually quite refreshing. Overall, a really lovely break that we'd happily do again. Highly recommend!
Really happy with how everything turned out.
We had a lovely time at this peaceful spot. Sharon and Robert really go above and beyond to make your stay special. Its only our second visit, but were already planning to return again soon!
We had a lovely stay at this little gem tucked away in a peaceful spot. The owners are genuinely friendly and very helpful if you need anything, but they also respect your privacy. The hot tub was a real treat after a long day of cycling-such a nice touch! The only thing to note is that the cottage sits directly under Stansteds flight path, so theres quite a bit of aircraft noise. It didnt bother us much once we got used to it, but if you're sensitive to noise, its worth keeping in mind. Overall, we really enjoyed it!
Great break, would definitely do again!
Really enjoyed the stay, especially unwinding in the hot tub.
We had a lovely stay here! The place looks even better in real life than in the photos. Its a bit of a drive, but totally worth it. The lodge was fantastic, though check-in was a bit hurried and we didnt get much info about the local area. Still, wed come back!
We loved this cosy cottage! The hot tub and log burner made it so special. Lovely hosts, super peaceful, cant wait to come back soon!
We had such a lovely stay at Goddard's Mead! Rob and Sharon clearly put their hearts into converting this historic building and it shows. They were genuinely warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home, along with Bonnie. The location is perfect for exploring Essexs charming villages and historic spots around Thaxted. If you're after a relaxing break, wed definitely recommend it - its got everything you need for a comfy stay!
Really enjoyed our stay, the staff were friendly and welcoming.
We loved staying at this charming cottage! Perfectly tucked away for peace and quiet, yet not too far from local shops and attractions. The hot tub was a real highlight and the underfloor heating kept us super cosy. Rob, Sharon and Bonnie made us feel so welcome. Cant wait to return!
We had a fantastic time celebrating our friend's 30th! The upgrade to a secluded lodge made it even more special. Definitely recommend it!
We really enjoyed our stay here! The hot tub was perfect for relaxing and the surrounding views were stunning. The lodge felt cosy, though its definitely best for two people - its a bit tight for four. The main bedroom was quite small and I kept bumping into the bed when getting out. Also, a more secure garden would be great for dogs, as we had to keep them on leads quite a bit. Still, a lovely place overall!
We really enjoyed our stay at Goddard Mead! The cottage had everything we needed and the walks right outside were perfect. The owners were genuinely lovely and made us feel so welcome. Would definitely return!
We loved the stunning lake views and the overall vibe of the place. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, which made our stay even better. Our log cabin was a bit worn out and basic, definitely not as nice as others weve seen here. Fingers crossed the Woodpecker Lodge gets a refresh soon - its such a lovely spot!
Great stay, loved the hot tub, highly recommend!
We absolutely loved the grounds here, so peaceful and scenic. The cabin was just the right size for us, cosy but spacious enough to relax. Being tucked away in nature was a real treat, especially hearing all the birds in the morning-such a lovely touch. The staff were genuinely friendly and made everything so straightforward, from check-in to check-out. They even checked in daily to see if we needed anything, which was nice. The walk to the village was a bit of a trek, especially since there are no pavements, but honestly, that suited us perfectly-just what we needed to unwind. Cant wait to come back!
We had a really lovely weekend staying here and definitely want to come back later this year.
Our girls' trip was planned ages ago and we finally got to go! Herons Lake is stunning and the cabin was spotless, cosy and had all the essentials. We loved it and would definitely return for another weekend away!
We had a really lovely stay here. The area is peaceful and perfect for relaxing. Definitely recommend if you want proximity without the crowds, its just right!
We had a great stay! The cottage was really spacious and spotless, staff were super friendly and helpful. Definitely planning to come back! Enjoyed it a lot.
Lovely stay, friendly hosts and that jacuzzi really made our trip special. Would come again!
We stayed at this place during a rainy December and honestly, it was perfect. The house is super well equipped and kept us cosy all weekend. The bath was a real treat after a long day and the shower was great too. Being on a flight path didnt bother us at all and its a fab spot for dogs - no fireworks worries here! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much!
Great spot, loved it!
Really lovely spot, but I was disappointed theres no on-site restaurant. Still, Id definitely come back again!
We had an amazing stay at the cottage! The setting is just stunning, really tranquil and perfect for unwinding. Loved seeing the horses around the farm and the owners were so warm and helpful. Its a real gem for anyone craving a peaceful getaway. Highly recommend, definitely coming back!
Overall, pretty good service, but there was a wasp nest in the roof, so hot tub was unusable during the day.
Really enjoyed our stay, the place was lovely and welcoming! Definitely returning soon.
Our holiday at herons lake retreat was lovely the wren lodge we stayed in was spotlessley clean and had everything we needed we plan to go again next year
Excellent property, well furnished, clean and airy. Outside space superb, two decked areas with furniture plus hot tub.....fantastic! Staff were efficient and friendly with foodservice whether via phone or face to face at reception!
Lovely an relaxing couldn’t of asked for more
Lodge was perfect , clean and spacious and had everything we needed. Would definitely book again. Peaceful surroundings and the hot tub was a big plus
Been a few times now,it's a fantastic place. If you want to chill out,its the place too go.
Excellent all round, we will certainly be back
Very relaxing and with a beautiful lodge and gorgeous scenes
Had such a lovely, peaceful time. Very clean lodge and area.
Fab, relaxing place, clean accommodation and the staff very friendly and helpful. Loved it so much we booked to go again in November
We had such a lovely time and can’t wait to come again ?
A truly beautiful spot to relax. The surrounding walks are stunning and quiet, even on a bank holiday weekend. The staff were lovely and would definitely want to return to this beautiful retreat.
