Last week, my dog Moose and I returned to one of our favourite parts of the UK – The Cotswolds. We were heading back for a cosy two-night, dog-friendly getaway at one of the luxurious holiday homes owned by the prestigious Cotswold Water Park Retreats. This was our second stay in a property within the stunning collection of Cotswold holiday lodges on the lakes, near the historic Roman town of Cirencester. Our previous stay at Maricor had set high expectations, so we were eager to see what Pond Lodge had in store for us.
Pond Lodge, our home for the next two nights, is nestled on the serene Little Horseshoe Lake. As one of only five properties on a 55-acre estate, complete with its own private gate, Pond Lodge was exactly the secluded and peaceful escape we needed. In this blog review, I’ll be detailing our stay and explaining why Pond Lodge at Cotswold Water Park Retreats is the ultimate choice for a dog-friendly getaways in The Cotswolds.
LOCATION
Famous for its honey-colored stone villages, narrow lanes, charming English pubs, and quintessential countryside, The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. Among its many treasures is the Cotswold Water Park, a sprawling 42-square-mile expanse with over 180 lakes. Offering a wide array of activities such as watersports, birdwatching, fishing, cycling, and peaceful lakeside walks, alongside the opportunity to explore beautiful Cotswold towns and villages, it’s no wonder that holidaymakers from around the world flock to The Cotswolds to experience its natural beauty.
Cotswolds Water Park Retreats, a family-run business, has established itself as a premier destination in this area. With a range of luxury holiday homes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group break with friends, they cater to every type of traveller.
As I mentioned, Pond Lodge is on Little Horseshoe Lake, which boasts four other architect-designed luxury holiday homes, two pristine lakes, and a nature reserve. Naturally, the wetlands provide a habitat for a rich array of wildlife, including geese, wildfowl, fish, dragonflies, and butterflies. As guests, we had the freedom to explore the grounds taking in the woodland paths adorned with diverse flora, fauna, and art installations. Essentially, we never needed to leave the private grounds surrounding Pond Lodge. Moose was in his element. Now, let me tell you about the lodge…
POND LODGE
As we drove up to the gates of Pond Lodge, I already had a good feeling about the stay. We parked the car and walked up to the expansive glass doors, eager to see our home for the next two nights. Moose, the curious dog he is, couldn’t wait to get inside and explore. First impressions did not disappoint—Pond Lodge is truly stunning.
We walked in and were immediately greeted by a bright, airy, and stylish open-plan space beautifully furnished in sophisticated simplicity with bursts of bold colour. To one side, the spacious kitchen-dining area boasts an impressive kitchen island as its focal point. On the other, a cosy living room that offers spectacular lake views and a log burner with an endless number of wood ready for snug evenings. Pond Lodge comfortably accommodates up to four guests, featuring two super king bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
While the interior was undeniably beautiful, it was the outdoor space that truly set Pond Lodge apart. The private deck and jetty overlook a serene private pond, and the two pristine Horseshoe Lakes beyond. Equipped with sun loungers, an alfresco dining table, and my personal favorite—a hot tub.
But the experience doesn’t stop there. Guests are able to take advantage of the array of water activities offered by Cotswold Water Park Retreats, including kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and even fishing. With so much to offer, why would you want to be anywhere else?
FOOD AND DRINK
One of the perks of staying in a holiday home when we travel is the flexibility to cook our own meals. And at Pond Lodge, I couldn’t resist the allure of its fully equipped kitchen, especially with its impressive kitchen island. However, sometimes it’s a treat to explore the local cuisine and indulge in what the surrounding businesses have to offer.
Pond Lodge provides a comprehensive guide for guests, featuring local hotspots, indoor and outdoor activities, nearby towns, and, most importantly, the best places to eat and drink. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a hot drink, Cotswold Water Park Retreats cover it all with their recommendations. Whilst we were only staying for two nights, which meant we couldn’t get through the entire list, it’s certainly given us a good reason to return.
A short walk from Pond Lodge, just outside the estate and down a woodland path, is a charming cafe on the lake called The Lodge at Lake 12. This wasn’t our first visit—we discovered it during our previous stay in the area at Maricor. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I can say that their cakes and hot chocolate are delicious, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat. Plus, they are incredibly dog-friendly.
One night, we had dinner at The Lakeside Brasserie, a 4 minutes drive from Pond Lodge. It’s a beautiful dog friendly lakeside bar & restaurant offering relaxed family dining with fantastic lake views where you can sit and watch the watersports going on. With it being summer, we sat outside in the garden and and enjoyed the most delicious salad I’ve ever eaten: a watermelon and goats cheese salad with blueberries, pistachio, rocket, basil, mint beluga lentils, lime & honey dressing. If you don’t fancy dining in, meals are available for takeaway too.
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
Cotswold Water Park Retreats redefine the concept of dog-friendly holidays. Their love for their guests’ dogs is evident, and I am so grateful they open their luxury holiday homes for dogs and their owners to enjoy.
Anyone who knows our dog Moose knows he is a water enthusiast. I’m convinced he was a dolphin in his last life. For him, a stay at the lakes is nothing short of paradise. Whilst the estate is secluded and private to its guests, Moose could have easily dived into the private pond and lake. Thankfully, he was on his best behaviour, and we had no water-related mishaps.
Wrapping up our stay at Pond Lodge, I can’t help but rave about how dog-friendly it is. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Pond Lodge and the whole Cotswolds region truly roll out the red carpet for canine guests. There’s an endless array of dog-friendly activities, walks, adventures, and dining options for both you and your dog to enjoy. If you’re a dog parent looking for a perfect getaway, Cotswold Water Park Retreats should be at the top of your list.
Trust me, you will not regret it.