ad. You know those holidays that quietly exceed every expectation? That was our experience during our long weekend at Bainland Lodge Retreats in Lincolnshire.
Tucked away just outside the charming market town of Woodhall Spa, Bainland feels like a secret gated haven. It’s designed for families who love the outdoors but also appreciate space, privacy and a touch of luxury. It works just as beautifully for couples or groups of friends too.
From the moment we arrived, we knew this wasn’t your average UK holiday park. There were no flashing arcades or noisy entertainment schedules. Instead, it felt calm, beautifully kept and surprisingly peaceful, filled with trees, birdsong and wide open spaces where the kids could roam and the adults could truly switch off.
There’s a sense of privacy throughout the retreat that instantly helps you relax. The gated entrance and thoughtful layout make everything feel tucked away and secure, adding to that exclusive, countryside escape feeling you rarely get on family breaks.
Our lodge on the lake
We stayed in one of Bainland’s stunning lakeside lodges, which sleeps up to eight people. It was spacious, modern and incredibly well designed for comfort and relaxed family living.
Each bedroom had its own ensuite, the kitchen was high-spec and fully equipped, and there were smart TVs throughout. Everything felt considered and luxurious without being overdone.
I stayed in a bedroom at the back of the lodge which had patio doors opening straight onto the decking overlooking the lake. It meant going from bed to hot tub took only a few steps and opening the curtains was a joy.
The real highlight was the outdoor space. Our huge deck overlooked our own private lake and came with a large hot tub, a fire pit (just off the deck in a little woodland spot) and a generous dining table for outdoor meals. Evenings spent soaking in the hot tub as the sun went down were easily some of the most memorable moments of the trip. It was one of those setups where you could tell every detail had been thoughtfully planned.
Activities for all ages
While the peaceful setting is perfect for slow family days, there’s plenty on offer if you’re feeling more active. Bainland has a full programme of instructor-led activities available to book in advance of your stay.
Our children absolutely loved the Mini Land Rovers, which were easily the highlight of their trip. There are also Segways, a climbing wall, tennis, badminton and lots of woodland paths to walk or cycle.
On top of that, there’s a large outdoor adventure play area made from natural materials, with zip lines, slides, swings, climbing frames and balance routes built into fallen trees and logs. It’s the kind of playground that encourages imagination and free play rather than feeling overly structured.
The pool experience
Another standout surprise was Bainland’s beautiful indoor pool complex. This is far from your typical leisure pool. It feels more like a boutique spa, complete with fluffy towels on arrival, heated loungers, water jets, saunas, steam rooms and gorgeous changing areas stocked with high-quality toiletries.
You can book a private pool session, but be quick as we weren’t able to fit this in on the busy weekend we stayed, but we managed to have a session with a couple of other families which was perfect! The adults loved the sauna and the children absolutely loved swimming together.
For those who book the private session, for a full hour you would have the entire pool space to yourselves as a family.
Evenings at Bainland
Evenings at Bainland felt calm and unhurried, with a slightly grown-up atmosphere that still worked perfectly for families.
One night we ate at the on-site restaurant, The Nest, which was brilliant. The food was beautifully presented, the service was warm and relaxed, and the whole place had a quietly upmarket feel without being formal or stiff. When we visited there was a live singer performing, which added a lovely backdrop to dinner and made the evening feel even more special.
On nights when you just want to relax at your lodge, there’s also the option to order food directly to your door using Bainland’s Copper Goose app. After scanning the QR code, you can order and pay from your phone and staff deliver meals by electric cart straight to your decking, which is perfect for low-effort family dinners in hot tub and hoodie mode.
After dinner we headed to The Loft for a quick game of pool and interactive darts (which the children decided was one of their favourite things to do), before returning to our nightly ritual of sinking into the hot tub under the stars back at the lodge.
The Bainland vibe
What we loved most about Bainland was the overall feel of the place. It manages to strike that rare balance of being genuinely family-friendly while also feeling peaceful and refined.
There’s more than enough to keep children entertained, but the atmosphere never tips into busy or noisy. Instead, the retreat feels spacious, slow paced and calming. It’s the kind of break where everyone gets what they need from the trip, whether that’s activity or rest.
We left feeling rested, reconnected and already talking about when we could return. Bainland really does feel like a hidden gem for families wanting to slow down and enjoy simple luxury in the countryside.
Who will love Bainland
Bainland is ideal for families who want luxury and space without crowds or arcades. It works particularly well for families with older children or teens who value independence and activities you can choose as and when. It’s also a great option for multi-generational stays, thanks to the combination of privacy, comfort and calm surroundings. Couples looking for a romantic escape will also love the adults-focused lodges available on-site.
Tips for booking
It’s worth booking popular activities and private pool sessions in advance, especially during school holidays and weekends. Bring your swimwear but you don’t need to worry about towels or robes as these are provided. If you can, plan your first evening to be slow and relaxed so you can enjoy that lovely “we’ve arrived” moment straight into the hot tub. You can also order food shops to your lodge, just let reception know – perfect so you can get the staples in!
Where is Bainland Lodge Retreats?
Bainland Lodge Retreats
Horncastle Road
Woodhall Spa
Lincolnshire LN10 6UX
Phone: 01526 352903
Email: bookings@bainland.co.uk
Website: www.bainland.co.uk
FAQs
What is Bainland like?
Bainland feels more like a peaceful luxury hideaway than a traditional holiday park. Think birdsong, beautiful landscaping and space for families to properly unwind.
What accommodation is available?
There’s a wide range of stylish lodges, including large family lodges that sleep up to eight guests. Many feature ensuite bedrooms, expansive decking areas with hot tubs and fire pits, and modern interiors throughout.
What activities can families enjoy?
On-site activities include archery, Segways, climbing walls, Mini Land Rovers, tennis and woodland walks, alongside a large outdoor adventure play space for free play. Activities are instructor-led five days a week and can be booked ahead of your stay.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes. Bainland has a beautiful spa-style indoor pool with heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms and water jets. Families can also book private pool sessions for exclusive use.
Where can guests eat?
The Nest restaurant offers relaxed dining on site and is great for families wanting an evening out without leaving the retreat. There’s also a lodge delivery option via the Copper Goose app. For special occasions, private dining experiences with a personal chef and bartender are available. You can also cook in your lodge which we did one night.
Is there a shop?
Yes there is and it’s perfect for a few top ups, but you will need to either order basics or bring them if you are planning on self catering.
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