Let’s face it, not every family holiday needs a passport. Especially when there’s a place like Bainland Lodge Retreats tucked away in Lincolnshire, where hot tubs, Himalayan saunas and mini Land Rovers all exist in one perfectly balanced mix of adult luxury and childlike joy.
Just a few hours’ drive from Manchester, Bainland is the kind of place that makes you exhale the minute you roll through the gates. Set across 45 acres of peaceful woodland, this staycation secret is quietly making a name for itself, and for good reason.
Welcome to Bainland: Slow Luxury Done Right
Driving in, you’re met with timber-clad lodges nestled among trees and duck-dotted ponds. Each one feels like a retreat in itself, many with private hot tubs, sunken decks and proper countryside calm. Inside, you’ll find log burners and stylish decor that feels both inviting and elevated.
There’s no garish signage, no kids’ clubs blasting Euro-pop on a loop. But don’t mistake serenity for stuffiness. This is understated luxury where families and couples alike find their rhythm.
Eat Well, Sleep Better
At the heart of the resort is The Nest, a relaxed, all-day dining spot serving up solid breakfasts, standout steaks and surprisingly sharp cocktails. Whether you’re sat indoors, out on the terrace or somewhere in between, the vibe is low-key and genuinely lovely.
If you’re feeling reclusive, the on-site farm shop is stocked with fresh local produce to cook at home. Or better yet, opt for the private chef service, because sometimes, putting real clothes on just isn’t the vibe.
Activities For All Ages (and Energy Levels)
This is where Bainland gets the balance just right. While you’re soaking in the spa or reading on a heated lounger, the kids can burn off energy in genuinely good activities that go way beyond the usual: archery and climbing walls; mini Land Rovers on a scaled-down 4×4 course; tennis and badminton courts with optional coaching; bike hire for exploring the woodland and nearby Spa Trail; and an adventure playground with rope bridges, slides and treehouse energy.
For quieter moments, the indoor heated pool is available for private hire at around £30 per hour, or you can simply wander the grounds with a coffee in hand while the kids roam.
Wellness That Works (Even with Kids in Tow)
Hidden within the retreat is a proper Wellness & Fitness Suite, not an afterthought, but a well-designed sanctuary.
Expect a heated pool with Vitality Jets, a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room and Techno Gym-equipped gym. You can even book the entire spa for private sessions, or escape during the adult-only hours while someone else handles bedtime.
It’s wellness with no faff, just warmth, stillness and time to breathe.
Dog-Friendly and Genuinely Relaxed
Got a four-legged family member? No problem. Bainland is fully dog-friendly, with plenty of space to roam and trails to explore. Even the goats, chickens and donkeys on-site add to the charm, no screens, just simple fun that actually sticks.
What a Day at Bainland Feels Like
A typical day might look like this: a morning swim in the pool, kids off to archery, coffee and a pastry from the shop, a bike ride through pine-scented trails, a long lunch at The Nest and an evening of stargazing from the hot tub. With a firepit crackling and the kids properly worn out, it’s the kind of stillness that usually costs a plane ticket.
Stay on a Monday for live music on the terrace, the perfect wind-down to a weekend of family mayhem.
Location: Bainland Lodge, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
From Manchester: Around 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive (via M62 and A15)
Lodges: 1 to 12 bedrooms, many with hot tubs, log burners and luxe kitchens
Food & Drink: On-site restaurant, farm shop, private chef options
Dog Friendly: Yes – most lodges welcome dogs
Price: From £479 for 4 nights (mid-week, low season)
Activities: Archery, cycling, pool, spa, tennis, climbing wall, kids’ 4x4s
Wellness: Salt sauna, steam room, gym, private spa hire
Nearby: The Kinema in the Woods, Spa Trail, RAF heritage museums
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