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Hidden among the rolling plains of Lincolnshire is Bainland Lodge, a peaceful oasis with woodland hot tubs, heavenly facials, and rustic cabins, plus bikes and Segway adventures if you fancy.
But really, this place is all about switching off. If you wanted, you could spend your entire time at the park without seeing another soul.
Last year it was nominated for not one, but three British Travel Awards, and was named one of the best getaway destinations in the UK.
It’s even hosted reality TV royalty. Molly-Mae Hague stayed with her family earlier this year to celebrate her sister Zoe Rae’s 30th birthday.
Metro checks in to see what a staycation here is like.
First impressions
Bainland was bought by the Craddocks in 1999 as a trailer and caravan park. In 2015, they gave it a makeover, with luxury lodges and safari-style glamping tents – and it’s grown ever since, into 45 acres of parkland.
The estate is about three and a half hours drive from London, or two hours by train from King’s Cross via Peterborough.
There is a 24-hour security team to greet you at the gate, whatever time you arrive, and check-in was smooth.
It’s only a short walk to the nearest village, Woodhall Spa, whose old-school charm (butcher, bakery, deli) is balanced by frilly boutiques.
The accommodation
Bainland offers several types of accommodation, from ‘basic’ glamping safari tents to log cabins, lakeside lodges and giant luxury villas with their own heated pools and space to sleep 24 (!). There’s even a treehouse.
Our cabin, ‘Newt’, overlooked a small lake complete with lily pads and the enchanting wildlife it attracts.
Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winning garden designer Jody Lidgard was brought in to help rewild the land around the accommodation, which means all kinds of visitors from geese to muntjac deer.
And what better place to enjoy the view than from your own private hot tub? They’re a real USP, and feature at every ‘property’.
Inside, the space was kitted out with Le Creuset kitchenware, a smart TV, and Elemis toiletries, all of which made it look and feel luxe.
All the lodges are made of cedar wood (the smell is wonderful) and are laid out in Scandi log cabin style.
Food and drink
It feels like most people bring their own, and there is certainly ample space to prepare it in every property.
You can elevate your stay with a private chef or bartender, or a grazing board that can be ordered ahead of time.
There’s also a food delivery app called Copper Goose where you can order pizza, burgers, and nachos, all delivered straight to your door via electric golf buggy.
If you prefer to eat out, though, you’re always just a short stroll from the on-site restaurant and bar, The Nest. There’s live music on Saturdays and no outsiders: it’s only open to guests.
They serve a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner, though it must be said the menu is overly ambitious at times.. there’s everything from Pad Thai to Pork Schnitzel.
The phrase Jack of all trades, master of none, springs to mind.
That said, the staff were lovely, and the service was prompt.
Our dinner came to £101.75 for two main courses, bread and olives to share, one dessert and a bottle of the house white.
What to do
Relax. This is the place to do it.
Alternatively, there is a swimming pool on site as well as tennis and badminton courts, a play area for kids and grassed areas for football.
A six-mile bike trail framed by silver birch trees leads to the market town of Horncastle, which is a lovely way to pass a few hours. Bike hire is £20 for a day for adults.
The park is also a half-hour drive to the Norman castle at Lincoln,
and only another 10 minutes to the seaside at Skegness.
After our cycle, we swapped our wheels for Segways (£20 per day). It’s harder than it looks!
The spa
Bainland has just opened its spa this summer. It’s a nice space with a swimming pool and ice bath, as well as a steam room, sauna and heated loungers.
But the downside is that you do have to pay for entry. It’s £7.50 per person to swim.
The spa offers glow-boosting facials and relaxing massages with ELEMIS products, also at an added cost of course.
I can personally recommend the 30-minute ‘taster’ facial, which was £50 and included a double cleanse, tone, exfoliation and a blissful neck and shoulder massage.
The verdict
Bainland is like a bougier Center Parcs. The lodges are lovely, the staff delightful, and I left feeling chilled yet energised.
A fantastic countryside break in an underrated part of the UK.
One-bedroom lodges start from £449 for 4 nights, Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday. Bookings can be made via the website.
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