Recommended by:

Andrea E from Sunderland

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Children:
• Ages:
• Dogs:

• 2
• 41 - 47
•  
• 2
• 12 - 15
• 0

Stayed:

7 Nights
August - 2013

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Touring
• Shopping
• Local Food

• Beach / Sea
• Entertainment

Summary:

“Dickens Lodge - memories to cherish forever”

Just returned from another brilliant stay at Dickens Lodge, this is our third stay here and we have already booked our fourth for 2014.

The lodge is so well equipped with everything you need for a short or long stay. The lodge is always clean and tidy on arrival and has one of the greatest locations on Limefitt Park. The owners go well above and beyond to welcome new and returning guests, this also applies to the wildlife (bird seed biscuits are available in Lodge to feed birds and badgers) the kids love this, yeah adults too.

The lodge is kept well maintained by a housekeeper and window cleaners, and the hot tub is professionally cleaned.

We would recommend this lodge to anyone wishing for a truly relaxing, enjoyable, stress-free break or holiday. The location is great as Windermere is only a few minutes’ drive away and the surrounding area of the Troutbeck Valley is outstanding.

Specifically Recommend:

The hot tub great way to relax and unwind, not many lodges do have this luxury.

Be Aware:

Please be warned once you stay here you’ve just got to return again and again.

Local Gems:

On-site Haybarn Pub great food and ales.

Jennings Brewerey tour Cockermouth.

South Lakelands zoo.

En Route:

Kendal for shopping also has supermarkets for food shopping etc

Andrea E - Sunderland, Tyne & Wear - August 2013

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 24/08/2013
By Andrea E from Sunderland

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Recommended by:

Chris T - Thorpe Willoughby

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Dogs:

• 4
• 28 - 63
•  
• 2

Stayed:

7 Nights
November - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“Comfort, wildlife and hot tub in superb location”

We have stayed here a number of times before and hope to come back for many more. It is a home from home. Extremely well equipped, clean, warm and cosy with a welcome pack and fresh flowers when you arrive. This time there was even a Christmas tree on the decking.

It’s in a lovely quiet location with lots of wildlife to see, badgers visit every evening, there are many different birds on the feeders and you can often see deer from the kitchen window. It is an ideal area to walk with many walks starting from the site and when you come back tired and aching, there is nothing better than a soak in the hot tub.

If the weather is bad there are lots of books, DVDs, games, CDs to keep you entertained plus information on local walks and activities. There is a pub on the site three minutes’ walk away if you don’t feel like cooking.

It is just perfect for walkers and our dogs love it here.

Specifically Recommend:

A very comfortable lodge, warm and cosy even in winter, with the bonus of an outdoor hot tub.

Local Gems:

Walk from Hartstop to Angle Tarn.

En Route:

Outdoor coffee stop next to Grasmere Lake when doing the Coffin Route from Rydal.

Chris T, North Yorks - 30th November 2012

Owner’s Reply:

’’Pleased to hear you enjoyed your latest stay at Dickens Lodge recently, Chris. Thanks for letting us and hope you will be back again soon’’ - Mark

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 30/11/2012
By Chris T - Thorpe Willoughby

I CONFIRM Chris was a bona-fide paying guest at Dickens Lodge. Her recommendation was not incentivised and is factually accurate at the time of posting
Mark Holdcroft, Lake District Lodge Holidays - December 2012

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Recommended by:

Rachel K from Conwy

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Children:
• Dogs:

• 3
• 31 - 63
•  
• 0
• 2

Stayed:

7 Nights
November - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“Rest, relaxation and a whole lot of hot tub!”

We had a wonderful holiday at Dickens Lodge - the place was spotless when we arrived and the welcome basket was a definite plus! We regularly visit Dickens Lodge, it is very well equipped and cosy. The dogs love it too.

The wildlife is amazing, with badgers visiting every evening. Deer in the morning and birds the rest of the time!

The hot tub is perfect to ease aching muscles after long walks.

We didn’t need to bring any guide books, well any books really. There is everything we could wish for and more.

The perfect break for young and old with plenty of toys, books and DVDs.

Specifically Recommend:

The wildlife and the hot tub.

Local Gems:

The Queens Head at Troutbeck

The coffin walk

Rachel K, Conwy - 28th November 2012

Owner’s Reply:

’’Thanks for the review Rachel and it was great to hear you enjoyed your latest stay at Dickens Lodge’’ - Mark

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 28/11/2012
By Rachel K from Conwy

I CONFIRM Rachel was a bona-fide paying guest at Dickens Lodge. Her recommendation has not been incentivised and is factually accurate at the time of posting
Mark Holdcroft, Lake District Lodge Holidays - December 2012

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Recommended by:

Andrea E from Sunderland

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Children:
• Ages:
• Dogs:

• 2
• 40 - 46
•  
• 2
• 11 - 14
• 0

Stayed:

7 Nights
August - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Local Food

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment

Summary:

“A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Dickens Lodge”

This is our second stay at Dickens Lodge and we would highly recommend it for your stay in Limefitt Park. The Lodge itself really does exceed your expectations. It has one of the best locations as it is situated on one of the highest points of the park. Set alongside the fell, great for watching and feeding the wildlife.

The Lodge has many extras including hot tub, books, games, DVDs, CDs and everyday things you sometimes forget to take with you - this Lodge really does come fully equipped. We would recommend Dickens Lodge for families, dog owners, couples and for anyone who appreciates a truly relaxing environment.

On arrival the Lodge is always warm, welcoming and spotlessly clean. Limefitt Park has a 5 star rating, Dickens Lodge truly is 5 star accommodation. The owners really know how to look after their guests as the visitors’ book shows people return year after year. We will return for our third visit and hope to make many more.

Specifically Recommend:

The hot tub is a bonus, great way to chill out

Local Gems:

The Hay Barn Inn - great food and beers (on site)

En Route:

Take a 20 minute walk up to the Mortal Man pub - great food and drinks.

Andrea E from Sunderland - 24th August 2012

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 24/08/2012
By Andrea E from Sunderland

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Recommended by:

Jane C from Doncaster

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Children:
• Ages:
• Dogs:

• 3
• 18 - 44
•  
• 2
• 11 - 15
• 1

Stayed:

4 Nights
July - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Touring
• Shopping
• Local Food

• Beach / Sea
• Entertainment

Summary:

“A gem of a place”

This a first of many things for us. Our first visit to the Lake District. Our first walking type holiday, and the first one taking our dog with us. I am pleased to say the lodge was the best choice we could have made.

The only thing we could criticise is that the lodge is a little too equipped if this can be counted as a criticism! We did enjoy most of the games but perhaps because of the wrong reasons!

Our dog loved it. The park has a nice enclosed dog field that was very clean and a nice mix of short and long grasses to play hide in. He even overcame his aversion to water and went for a dip in the river pool, although the aversion came back when he had to be hosed off.

We did enjoy the nightly visits from the family of badgers and the local birdlife (loads of food provided) but sadly no deer.

We only managed to make use of the hot tub once due to the appalling weather. It rained all week whilst the rest of the country basked in 30oC. But this didn’t put us off.

The park itself is stunning, very clean and central to anywhere you would wish to visit. A good mix of easy going local walks and more challenging ones for the more adventurous right on your doorstep.

I only wish we had booked for longer as there was so much we didn’t have time to do.

If we were to come back then I would definitely be re-booking.

Specifically Recommend:

The nice leisurely walk round to Troutbeck calling at the Haybarn on the way back!

Go to the lodge before going shopping as it is very well equipped and we bought stuff that was already there.

Put food out for badgers every night turn lights and TV off, sit back and enjoy.

If visiting in summer months wear mossi-repellent when going down to the river at dusk or they will eat you alive!!

Local Gems:

A ride up to Grasmere - the views and shopping are good

En Route:

Kendal has an Asda and reasonable petrol prices.

We also stopped at Settle and watched the steam train that comes through every Monday.

Jane C, Doncaster, S. Yorks - 28th July 2012

Owner’s Reply:

’’Glad you first trip to the Lakes was so enjoyable for you, Jane. Delighted to hear Dickens Lodge was all you expected and more’’ - Mark

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 28/07/2012
By Jane C from Doncaster

I CONFIRM that Jane was a bona-fide paying guest at Dickens Lodge. Her recommendation was not incentivised and is factually accurate at the time of posting
Mark Holdcroft, Lake District Lodge Holidays - 7th August 2012

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Recommended by:

Keith A from York

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Dogs:

• 4
• 18 - 54
•  
• 1

Stayed:

4 Nights
April - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“A little piece of paradise”

Have stayed many times at Dickens Lodge and it never disapoints.The lodge itself it always clean and tidy and well presented. The amenities make it like a home from home including a dishwasher which appeals to my wife as she doesn’t do washing up!!.

The bedrooms are comfy and spacious and clean. The exterior decking area looks lovely and is always looked after and as for the hot tub. what a delight after a day’s walking!!

The Haybarn pub on site is reasonably priced and serves local Jennnings beer and the food is always excellent. As for the wildlife - from deers to badgers to wild birds - always a delight.

We always book to go a few times a year from short breaks to full weeks. If dogs could smile our dog Belle would be beaming when we drive up to the lodge and always hides from us when it’s home time!!!

Specifically Recommend:

The hot tub
The local Haybarn pub
The walks
And of course delightful Windermere and Keswick

Local Gems:

Boat trip around Windermere
Far Sawrey village (Beatrix Potter’s village)
Indian restaruant in Bowness (take aways)
Views from the hills behind the lodge
Wildlife!!!
The stunning sunsets

Keith L and Belle - York - 24th July 2012

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 24/07/2012
By Keith A from York

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Recommended by:

Caroline B from Birmingham

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  

• 4
• 22 - 23
•  

Stayed:

4 Nights
July - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Lovely Location

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“Perfect lodge in every way, I am so glad I got to experience my first holiday in the Lake District in Dickens Lodge.”

I can honestly say I was blown away by Dickens Lodge. Not only is it fully equipped, gorgeous inside and out and in a beautiful location, but it is filled with wonderfully personal touches which made it feel truly like a home from home. As soon as we walked through the front door we had quickly forgotten about the long drive and torrential rain filled morning we had travelling.

On our first afternoon-evening, after going for lunch and getting some essentials from a local shop, we headed to the pub within Limefitt Park where we were greeted by a lot of friendly, fellow holiday makers. We then headed back to the lodge and enjoyed the hot tub - the perfect way to set our holiday off!

The Lodge is perfectly located about a 5-10 minute drive from Windermere which has a wonderful range of shops and activities to keep anyone of any age entertained. One of the highlights for our group was taking a boat trip on lake Windermere. We also stopped off for a game of crazy golf, which was brilliant fun. We also went to a tapas bar called Bodega for dinner in Windermere, the staff were friendly and the prices were decent so couldn’t fault that.

The owners had very kindly and thoughtfully provided a lot of information and guides for walks, which was something I had not expected and added a wonderfully personal touch to the feel of the lodge. Also, the lodge was filled with DVDs, books and games which left you with no possible way of finding yourself bored. We particularly enjoyed the YesNo game which none of us had ever played.

The lodge has regular visitors in the form of badgers and deer, again something which blew me away as I had never seen either up close before.

The lodge was the perfect size for our group of four adults, without a doubt it would have fitted another one or two in comfort. There was a BBQ and we even had the weather to enjoy it! Most importantly, the lodge was spotless, everything was clean, something which is incredibly important and did not go un-noticed or ignored. Everything has been thought of in this lodge, if you feel like you’ve forgotten something there’s bound to be a substitute to tide you over in this lodge!

This was my first holiday to the Lake District and I will always think of it fondly, I couldn’t have wished for a nicer lodge or surroundings, Limefitt Park is beautiful and a perfect location for such a perfect lodge. The Lodge is a credit to its owners and I would love to be able to enjoy another stay in the future.

I would recommend this lodge to anyone looking to relax away from the real world, dog owners, families, groups of friends just wanting to catch up and enjoy each others’ company. Potential guests should be aware that once they visit this lodge, they probably won’t want to leave - I know our group didn’t.

Specifically Recommend:

Leave food out for the badgers - watching and listening to badgers eat is most definitely something everyone should do!

Games - particularly the YesNo game, definitely make time to play a few! It’s something you dont always get a chance to do when your not on holiday and in the real world.

Go for a walk - test your sense of direction, be adventurous!

Hot tub - goes without saying, it is a gem in this lodge! Nothing beats the feeling of sitting in the hot tub having a chat with your friends or family after a long day and being able to admire the beautiful countryside.

Local Gems:

Haybarn Inn, Limefitt Park - just how a pub should be!

En Route:

Kendal - pretty little town, with its own delicious mint cake!

Caroline B from Birmingham - 24th July 2012

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 23/07/2012
By Caroline B from Birmingham

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Recommended by:

Kathryn N from Bognor Regis

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Dogs:

• 2
• 21 - 22
•  
• 1

Stayed:

3 Nights
April - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“An amazing break...Just what everyone needs!”

An absolutely amazing stay! The location is great and everyone is friendly on site. Great walks straight out of the park and a nice pub near by.

Very dog-friendly which is great for us and it’s fabulous for dogs too.

Overall an amazing family break!!!

Specifically Recommend:

I would definitely recommend the hot tub to guests...even on a freezing night. We nearly didn’t go in as it was slightly on the chilly side but I am so glad we did. Once you are in it’s so warm and relaxing...a must do!

Local Gems:

The Mortal Man pub. Just a short walk once you leave the site and the walk isn’t too rough going. They do amazing food in there and everyone is really friendly.

Having known Windermere all my life I would recommend it to anyone. Also Hawkshead is very very nice, great for both walking and shopping.

Kathryn - Bognor Regis - July 22nd 2012

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 22/07/2012
By Kathryn N from Bognor Regis

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Recommended by:

Malcolm H from South Shields

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  
• Dogs:

• 4
• 27 - 55
•  
• 1

Stayed:

4 Nights
May - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Local Food

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment

Summary:

“A brilliant lodge in perfect location”

An absolutely brilliant lodge in perfect surroundings.

The lodge is in excellent condition and we were welcomed with tea and biscuits.

The site is perfectly located and the hot tub is a delight after a long walk and eases any sore feet.

Specifically Recommend:

All of it

Local Gems:

The Mortal Man

Malcolm H, South Shields, Tyne & Wear - 5th June 2012

Owner’s Reply:

’’It was great to meet you all Malcolm and so pleased you had a great stay at Dickens Lodge. Do come back and visit again soon’’ - Mark

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 05/06/2012
By Malcolm H from South Shields

I CONFIRM that Malcolm was a bona-fide paying guest at Dickens Lodge. His recommendation was made without incentive and is factually accurate at time of posting
Mark Holdcroft - Lake District Lodge Holidays - 6th June 2012

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Recommended by:

Dee B from Wakefield

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  

• 3
• 37 - 63
•  

Stayed:

3 Nights
April - 2012

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Wildlife

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Local Food

Summary:

“The perfect retreat for a few days with nature”

Dickens Lodge is a very well equipped, spotlessly clean and welcoming place to stay. The owners have thought of everything, including games and DVDs for kids, a bookcase of fiction and factual material and a kitchen cupboard crammed with every cooking utensil you could imagine.

Being at the foot of the fellside it’s not uncommon to spot deer through the window and a variety of birds on the feeders. We’ve filmed up to seven badgers coming down to eat the food the owner supplies.

The park itself is a delight. There are walks everywhere for the energetic types and dog walkers, and for the lazy sit-abouts like us, the decking is spilling over with flower tubs and fairy lights. (impressive after dark!)

I never dipped my toes in the hot tub on the decking, but I imagine that if you’re brave enough to try, it would be a treat sitting in there with a glass of red wine and a view accross the valley.

Specifically Recommend:

I can highly recommend the beautiful location of the park in the Troutbeck valley, and the close proximity to Windermere for shopping.

Any wildlife lovers will be blown away by the daily sightings of badgers, squirrels, deer and birds.

There’s no need to worry if you forgot to bring something with you. Just open the drawers and cupboards and you’re bound to find it.

Local Gems:

In Bowness, an old pub frequented by Charles Dickens, The Hole in the Wall.

The Beatrix Potter exhibition in Bowness and the house where she lived.

Dee B from Wakefield, West Yorks - 6.5.12

Owner’s Reply:

’’Dee. Many thanks for your kind review of your stay at Dickens Lodge. Glad you enjoyed yourselves and hope to see you back again soon’’ - Mark

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 06/05/2012
By Dee B from Wakefield

I CONFIRM Dee was a bona-fide paying guest at Dickens Lodge. Her recommendation was written without incentive and is factually accurate at the time of writing
Mark Holdcroft - Lake District Lodge Holidays

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