Bainland Country Park in Lincolnshire offers Romantic Cabins, Lakeside Firepits, Cosy Wood-Burners & Al Fresco Hot Tubs under big night skies – making it the perfect escape for two this winter.
In the heart of Lincolnshire is Bainland, a collection of laid-back lodges, glamping tents and two brand new holiday villas, set within a 45-acre eco-park on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It is, however, the romantic cabins for two that are garnering the most interest this winter as guests seek to escape the threats of cancelled Christmas, higher tiers, greater restrictions and tighter lockdowns. It is the allure of cosy cabins, wood-burning stoves, lakeside firepits, and al fresco hot tubs from which to gaze at the stars, that have been driving Bainland’s bookings as of late.
Bainland’s accommodation options for two range from cosy Shepherds Huts to luxury lakeside lodges and dog-friendly cabins. These are discreetly set within a sensitively landscaped park which is currently undergoing a purposeful replanting and rewilding programme led by Chelsea Flower Show gold-medal winning landscape designer, Jody Lidgard. This includes the addition of some 500 plants and trees, wildflowers and wild swimming lakes – part of owner Simon Craddock’s vision to make Bainland a destination for both mental and physical relaxation.
It isn’t just Bainland that is undergoing change. Lincolnshire, often overlooked for better known counties such as Cornwall and Norfolk, has seen an influx of investment too. A new £70 million retail and leisure development, Cornhill Quarter, has recently opened in Lincoln and 2021 sees the opening of the stunning outdoor garden at Lincoln Cathedral after a £16 million redevelopment. The local tourism board is also keen to put Lincolnshire on the map as a top foodie destination with a trip to Redhill Farm Shop in the Bailgate – winner of three Golden Fork Awards – a highly recommended stop.
So if a winter escape is on the cards, here is your guide to book the best lodges for two at Bainland:
Cosy Shepherds Huts
Good things come in small packages and The Shepherds Huts at Bainland are no exception. Situated within their own private gated garden, The Shepherds Huts boast an open plan living area with studio accommodation including a double bed, fully fitted kitchen and cosy sofa. On a raised decking area adjacent to the hot-tub, which is set to temperature prior to each guests’ arrival, lies a two-person hammock, alongside comfortable deck chairs for enjoying the starlit sky. The Shepherds Huts have been finished to a very high standard including underfloor heating throughout. As is the case with all of the lodges at Bainland, Wi-Fi is free and super-fast, great for Netflix nights à deux.
Rates at The Red Sky Shepherds Hut start from £449 for a four night stay.
Luxury Lakeside Lodges
For the ultimate luxury getaway, Bainland offers a selection of one-bedroomed lakeside retreats inspired by American mountain hunting lodges, with a romantic English countryside twist. Dotted around one of Bainland’s newest lakes, each lodge features a south facing decked veranda offering an al fresco Villeroy & Boch hot tub; perfect to enjoy the starlit sky from. Step inside to a stunning living area with a wood-burning stove, bespoke fitted kitchen with Belfast sink, and Le Creuset cookware. The interior-designed bedroom features a king-sized bed and heritage style bathroom with a rainfall shower. There is also a 55-inch Smart TV in both the bedroom and lounge and underfloor heating throughout.
Rates at The Lakeside Hunting Retreats start from £679 for a four night stay.
Dog Friendly Cabins
Most of the lodges at Bainland are dog-friendly but if your idea of a romantic escape means not leaving your pet behind, Bainland’s brand new one-bedroomed Ranch Retreats, with private enclosed gardens, provide the ultimate dog-friendly getaway. As well as premium Villeroy & Boch hot tubs, the Ranch Retreats are fully equipped with everything you need to be self-sufficient, including a bespoke kitchen complete with Le Creuset cookware, a stylish living area and an en-suite bathroom with a two-person shower. Add to this, fabulously fluffy towels, superfast WiFi and large Smart TVs in the lounge and bedroom. If you’re looking to get away with your furry friend in tow, and relax in complete isolation, then the Ranch Retreats are just the ticket.
Rates at The Ranch Retreats start from £679 for a four night stay.
Whilst winter stays often revolve around hot tubs and hot fires, for those that can peel themselves away from their lodges, Bainland offers cycles for hire, tennis, a running track, resident petting goats and numerous opportunities to spot wildlife. The genteel town of Woodhall Spa is on Bainland’s doorstep where guests can pick up tasty local supplies or watch a movie at the quirky Kinema in the Woods, where the organ is still played during intermission.