Harley Young has a taste of what it could be like to own a luxury lodge in the Lake District

Finding new ways to escape the stresses of everyday life can be a huge mood-booster. 

Swapping the hustle and bustle of city living for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature can help give your mind and body the well-deserved rest it deserves. 

And while camping can be a great way to do this, we all know it's not for everyone. Putting up a tent in torrential rain can sure put a damper on things in more ways than one. 

So if you’re not too keen on fending for yourself, living off portable stove-cooked beans or forgoing all the luxuries camping comes without (you know - a hot shower, a nice warm stove, a plush comfy bed, or maybe even a hot tub?), then a stay at a holiday park in a calming location, surrounded by fields and greenery, can absolutely achieve this without unnecessary added stresses. 

Lake District holiday park and destination, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat by Darwin Escapes, offers all those added extras and more, from its own on-site bar and brasserie to an adults-only relaxation suite with spa treatment rooms, a fully-equipped gym and even a little shop stocking all the necessities you might need during your time on site. 

Now, imagine if you could make this kind of getaway a permanent part of your regular reset routine…wouldn’t that be lovely?

Well, right now, you can. Darwin Escapes has released a limited number of their luxury lodges for ownership, meaning you can take regular staycations at your very own haven in the Lakes whenever suits you.

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Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat by Darwin Escapes Credit: Darwin Escapes

Unlike typical British holiday parks, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat puts relaxation at the forefront of its ethos, creating a calming space that is designed to feel peaceful and premium rather than busy or entertainment-led. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, focus on your wellbeing and slow down, spending time with the ones you care about most - including well-behaved four-legged family members, who are more than welcome at this destination. 

Nestled snuggly in the green surroundings of Bewaldeth, Cockermouth, Keswick Reach provides easy access to surrounding Lake District hotspots like Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater and, of course, Keswick which is just 15 minutes away. 

To give you an idea of what enjoying five-star facilities in a peaceful countryside setting could look like, Darwin Escapes kindly invited me to experience one of their luxury lodges for myself. Here’s what you can expect from a stay at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Inside the lodges 

Each of the two- and three-bed lodges at Keswick Reach are spacious, bright and airy and decorated to a high standard, featuring their own fully equipped kitchen with full sized fridge, oven, dishwasher and plenty of cupboard space.

The particular two-bedroom lodge stayed in had a spacious family bathroom with full-sized bath tub and another good-sized bathroom with a shower. To the front of the property was an open-plan living room and kitchen-diner with a log burning stove and large floor to ceiling windows facing out towards a private decked area with outdoor seating and its very own private hot tub overlooking the adjoining plot of land belonging to a local farmer - a beautiful sight to sit and gaze over, especially at this time of year when lambs are frolicking through the field.

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Inside the luxury lodges Credit: Darwin Escapes
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Inside the luxury lodges Credit: Darwin Escapes
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Inside the luxury lodges Credit: Darwin Escapes
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Inside the luxury lodges Credit: Darwin Escapes
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Our lodge had its own private hot tub Credit: Confidentials
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Friendly neighbours Credit: Darwin Escapes

Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie

Those looking to dine out while staying at Keswick Reach don’t have to travel too far as near the entrance of the site sits Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie, a well-appointed, cosy space decked out in modern decor with a traditional feel, it’s an ideal spot for socialising and indulging in locally sourced food and drink. 

Here, park guests can enjoy a comprehensive food menu consisting of hearty British favourites like chef’s pie of the day and hand-battered haddock as well as global dishes such as bolognese rigatoni and chicken saag balti. 

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​Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie Credit: Darwin Escapes
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Bolognese rigatoni Credit: Darwin Escapes

Ammara spa & adult-only relaxation suite

If you’re someone who wants to feel your tension melt away when choosing a place to stay, you can literally make that happen at Ammara Spa; Keswick Reach’s very own on-site spa and treatment rooms operated by friendly, professional therapists who are on board to help you unwind. 

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Inside the treatment rooms Credit: Confidentials

Afterwards, you can take advantage of the adult-only relaxation suite where there’s absolutely no chance of anyone disturbing your moment of peace and quiet. 

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The adult-only relaxation suite Credit: Darwin Escapes

Additional facilities & perks

Accidentally left your toothpaste at home or underestimated how many peaceful cups of tea you’d be having on your decking? No need to worry. There’s a quaint shop located next to reception, stocking all the essentials plus locally sourced goodies and even toys and games to keep youngsters entertained. 

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The on-site shop Credit: Confidentials

Those who want to keep their fitness routine in check can take advantage of the site’s air-conditioned gym, equipped with everything from free weights to state-of-the-art cardio machines so you can remain on top of your A-game. 

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The on-site gym Credit: Darwin Escapes

The site grounds are beautifully landscaped too, with lovely walking areas to explore and on-site security ensuring everything is safely maintained as it should be.

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Credit: Darwin Escapes

Plus, if you’re looking to turn your holiday home into a bit of extra income, lodge ownership also includes the option of a managed sublet scheme when not in use. This can be discussed with Darwin Escapes at the time of purchase.

Drew Campbell, managing director at Darwin Escapes says: “These lodges will give your whole family – and your four-legged friends - the freedom to experience the natural beauty of the Lakes whenever you choose. When you’re not making use of it, there’s also the potential to rent your lodge out and offset site fees and ongoing costs. It reduces the ongoing cost of ownership and is a sensible and flexible way of making your holiday home work for you.

“In a world where time has become the ultimate luxury, a lodge at Keswick Retreat offers the space to unwind and connect with the people who matter most. For the many people that dream about owning a holiday home ‘one day’, this rare and limited opportunity to be able to own a little piece of the Lake District could be more than chance. It could be the sign you’ve been waiting for.”

Lodges available for ownership at Keswick Reach start at approximately £130,000, with free site fees until February 2027. 

Interested in owning a luxury lodge at Keswick Reach for yourself? Visit darwinescapes.co.uk for more information and to book a viewing.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, Bewaldeth, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9SY


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