Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-bedroom-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33734" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-bedroom-resized.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-bedroom-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-bedroom-resized-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As you wind your way down the twisting lanes towards <a href="https://www.fairwoodlakes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairwood Lakes</a>, a flash of white catches your eye on the West Wiltshire Downs above. It’s one of the county’s famous white horses, frozen mid-gallop across the hilltop. Meander on a little further and you come to this small, family run holiday park, which is perfectly positioned in prime countryside. Yet while it’s hidden away in amidst forests and rolling hills, it’s also incredibly convenient if you fancy visiting anywhere from Bath to Salisbury, Longleat or Stonehenge.</p>



<p>There’s a range of accommodation here, so you’ll find something for every budget. In fact, it’s a great shout if you’re trying to gather a hard-to-please gaggle for a break. You’ll find camping and caravan pitches, but for those who want to push the boat out, there are five luxury lodges with hot tubs. These are the full works – think bedroom, bathroom, sitting area, TV and a kitchen with hob, microwave and fridge.</p>



<p>If you’re a happy glamper, you might prefer the four ‘treehuts’, which are essentially raised huts with their own balcony. Prettily decorated, these involve bringing your own bed linen and using the shared toilet and shower block. While there’s no cooking facilities, you do have a TV, kettle and fridge – perfect for a morning cuppa and chilling a bottle of fizz. Florence the shepherd’s hut is an oh-so-pretty hybrid – you’ll find a TV and mini-fridge, plus a hot tub for two. Sounds pretty romantic to us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33719" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-10-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fairwood Lakes might be a holiday park, but it doesn’t really channel that vibe. Cabins are tastefully tucked away in their own patch of forest, and the wooded lake area is utterly dreamy. We arrived on a sunny June afternoon and when we explored the footpaths between the pools, the sun was just setting over the water. With rows of ducks and geese hunkering down for the night, it couldn’t have been more zen.</p>



<p>We didn’t hear a peep from our neighbours during our stay, but there’s plenty of opportunity to mingle if you want it. The park’s central hub is a café and large play area, with swings, slides, pitch and putt and a splash zone for hot summer days. Keen to bring your pooch? This place is Fido friendly too, and you’ll find great walks from the doorstep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33723" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-9-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our two-bed lodge (Jackdaw) was a stunner. Think reclaimed wooden walls and floors, with an open-plan living and kitchen area. With all that timber and an electric wood burner tucked away in one corner, it reminded us of a ski chalet, just minus the snow and sub-zero temperatures. Granted, you won’t be whipping up a gourmet feast in the kitchen, but it’s very well kitted out with everything you need. There were thoughtful touches too, like a Roberts radio, tea, coffee, dish soap and children’s cutlery.</p>



<p>The kids’ bedroom is petite but perfectly formed, and they adored snuggling down in their cosy bunk beds. But the real showstopper is the master bedroom, with its picture window and rolltop bath. It made for a pretty special place to kick back with a glass of fizz, while soaking up the woodland views.</p>



<p>The lodges have been thoughtfully placed to make them as private as possible, and our neighbours were almost entirely screened by bushes and trees. Jackdaw and Kingfisher both sit on their own smaller lake and as we bubbled away in our hot tub, we watched ducklings paddle past. There’s also a large shaded outdoor table, perfect for chilling out and enjoying food al fresco.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-resized-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33732" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-resized-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-resized-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-Jackdaw-resized-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With a microwave, two-ring hob, sink and tons of utensils, our kitchenette had everything we needed to prepare a meal. Given we were on holiday, we were all too happy to keep it simple, but it’s worth knowing that the larger lodges have more conventional kitchens with ovens too.</p>



<p>Instead of eating out, we opted for fish and chips from White Row farm shop. It’s well worth the ten-minute drive, but there are tons of other options in the area. We also love La Campagna, an Italian in Upton Scudamore (try the frito misto) and the Three Daggers, a great gastropub with epic views.</p>



<p>Of course, there’s also an onsite café too, which is open every day. There you’ll find a decent cup of coffee and lashings of homemade cakes (the rocky road and lemon drizzle caught our eye).&nbsp; The fry-ups go down a storm with guests, plus there are loads of crowd pleasers like jacket potatoes and fish finger baguettes. There’s also loads of seating outside, right next to the play area – perfect for kicking back with a cuppa while the kids burn off steam.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activities">ACTIVITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33726" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s plenty for kids to do here, from a sizeable soft play for the littlies to a grassy area with swings, slides and climbing frames. In fact, younger children are particularly well catered for with a village of Wendy houses, row upon row of Little Tykes police cars and a splash area for hot summer days.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33727" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/06/Fairwood-Lakes-resized-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s also a shady wooded area, with loads of wooden play equipment – it makes an ideal spot for den making or playing hide and seek in the shade. Teenagers in tow? The grassy lawn makes an ideal football pitch, plus there’s acres of space to explore around the lakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Bookings run from two to seven nights, which is ideal if you’re keen to explore this pretty pocket of Wiltshire. Fairwood is just 20 minutes from<a href="https://www.longleat.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Longleat</a>, with its epic safari park, while Georgian Bath is an easy half-hour drive. <a href="https://www.wookey.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wookey Hole</a> caves and Stonehenge are also within easy reach, and well worth the trip.</p>



<p>The area is heaven for walkers too – for epic views, clamber to the top of Cley Hill or venture up to Westbury’s white horse. Shearwater Lake is another beauty, with miles of trails and pine forests to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;A nature-infused, get away from it all. Ideal for groups of friends, families or even anyone craving a solo break.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;If you panic at the thought of a tech break, it’s worth knowing that wi-fi is limited (cabins do have TVs with Freeview though). With three children in tow, we found this a definite plus – evenings were spent playing games and chatting, instead of staring at screens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>Luxury hot tub lodges start at £555 for a three-night stay and Florence the shepherd’s hut from £285. Treehuts from £195 (three nights) and touring pitches £44 a night.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.fairwoodlakes.com/pitches-lodges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairwood Lakes</a>, Fairwood Road, Dilton Marsh BA13 4EL</em></p>



<p>Tel: 01373 826792</p>


Review: Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park, Dilton Marsh

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