October half term is a great time to get away in the UK, just as autumn is getting into full swing. The weather can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year though; there is always a chance of glorious autumnal sunshine but equally overnight frosts and the possibility of lots of wind and rain. It also goes dark early. For these reasons we usually go for a proper roof over our heads and, for a full week away, a self catering option is our preference. A lodge always seems a great choice in autumn, giving both the benefit of being right there amidst the great outdoors yet with cosy surroundings to return to after a day exploring. A handmade woodland log cabin with a hot tub under the stars on a riverbank sounds even better, so we were looking forward to our week at Liddel Water Lodges.
There are two lodges onsite, both with their own private access roads. Ours was “Millpond” and sleeps 4. The other lodge is larger and sleeps 10. The Liddel valley is surrounded by woodland and our lodge was right on the bank overlooking the River Liddel on the English side of the border, the other side of the river is in Scotland.
Although very private and secluded the lodge was just off a country road and perfectly positioned with Scotland to the north, Cumbria and Northumberland to the south. Whilst the location is very rural and there was not much in the immediate vicinity – you definitely need a car to get out and about – there was loads to do within an hours drive. It was an ideal base for exploring the city of Carlisle, the Lake District, Hadrians Wall, Kielder and the Scottish Borders.
The kids never really got their heads around the fact that, whilst we were out, one minute we would be in Scotland, the next back in England. It was a source of great interest and discussion. So many ways to blow their minds!
The cabin was very evidently made of wood, both inside and out, and we were amazed by the huge recycled logs used in the impressive construction of the the timber walls. You were left in no doubt that this was a traditional log cabin!
Internally our cabin was all on one level. There was a lovely large open plan living area with a well equipped kitchen and huge dining table. The living area had a large comfy sofa, a leather swivel chair (which apparently doubled up as a fun roundabout!), flat screen tv and a lovely wood burner. Windows on three aspects maximised the gorgeous river views. The whole area was very stylish yet cosy and relaxed with blankets, throws and a huge basket of logs for the fire – a perfect place to chill.
Just off the main living area there was also a separate cloakroom with toilet – useful.
Beyond the big glass doors overlooking the gushing river was a large semi covered deck with bbq, rattan furniture and the all important hot tub with a view!
And what a view!
The owners checked and maintained the hot tub each morning and were perfectly unobtrusive yet really keen to make sure we had everything we needed.
At the back of the cabin the cosy sleeping quarters comprised one master bedroom, with king size bed and flatscreen tv, and one twin bedded room, both with patio doors opening onto the wraparound deck. The beds were super comfy.
Everything was set up for a perfect week of uninterrupted sleep. Until ‘Addy developed an annoying and persistent cough which kept me awake every night and the kids woke up at 6am because the clocks had just gone back. But you can’t have everything.
The family bathroom had a modern free standing bath and separate shower. Towels are provided, including extra ones for the hot tub, as were bathrobes and slippers for our stay.
The general atmosphere was cosy Cumbrian country chic mixed with cool cabin style – perfect!
We felt very much immersed in nature, surrounded as we were by woodland and with the the roar of the river always audible, even inside. In the evening we could hear owls hooting loudly to each other in the trees and we had a resident pheasant who was always pottering around and could be heard crowing at intervals throughout the day.
I absolutely loved watching a cluster of mushrooms, growing among the autumn leaves in the gravel, change and mature as the days went by.
We had beautiful weather for most of our stay, with clear blue skies by day and frost by night. This meant that we saw some awesome dark skies and the stars were something else. On clear nights outside the cabin you could actually see the Milky Way with the naked eye. It is a sad fact these days that light pollution spilling out from our towns and cities means many children are growing up without ever having seen the majesty of a truly dark star-filled sky, nor the Milky Way.
I imagine it is spectacular at any time of year, but autumn here was just beautiful, helped by the glorious British weather, of course. The lodge was just perfect: warm, cosy and super comfortable with everything we needed (a slightly bigger and non stick frying pan for the mandatory full English would have been useful, if I am being hyper fastidious). We absolutely loved returning to the snug cabin, in particular the luxury of the hot tub, after a long day out. It is in a fantastically peaceful and relaxing location right on the river and has the most idyllic views. I could happily live out the rest of my days here.
You can read all about our week in the borders here.
A great description of what sounds like superb accommodation in a stunning location. I especially love the image of the night skies.
Ah thank you! It was a special place. So many stars…