"We absolutely loved our stay here! The location is stunning and feels really private, which was perfect for relaxing. The owners are super friendly and always there if you need anything, but they respect your space. The hot tub was a real highlight after a long day cycling-so relaxing! Only thing to keep in mind is that the cottage sits right under Stansteds flight path, so theres quite a bit of aircraft noise. Took us a couple of hours to get used to it, but it didnt ruin our trip at all. Wed definitely return!"
Raj - Mar 2025
"The place was really peaceful and perfect for our dog, the garden is totally enclosed too."
Harper - Feb 2025
"We needed a quick getaway and it was spot on. The place was lovely, close to cosy pubs and scenic walks. The dog loved it too - didnt want to leave! Definitely coming back soon."
George - Dec 2024
"We stayed in one of the Signature Spa Lodges and honestly, it was fantastic. The place was spotless and felt really modern, giving off such a good vibe the moment you walk in. The kitchen was well-equipped with a dishwasher, washing machine, wine chiller and a big fridge freezer-really handy! The hot tub was perfect after a day out and the beds were so comfy, we didnt want to get up. The staff, especially Sarah and the cleaning team, were super friendly and helpful. We enjoyed a lovely walk to the nearby lake to feed the ducks and geese. The beach is about 25 minutes away, so we made the most of the coast before relaxing back at the lodge. Theres a little shop in Dunkeswell for basics, or we just drove to Tesco in Honiton. Luckily, the weather was great, but I bet its cosy in winter with all the radiators. Definitely worth splurging on the Signature lodges with hot tubs!"
Harriet - Dec 2024
"Our Hornbeam Country Park review: Really enjoyed the walk, the fields were gorgeous and the dogs had a fantastic time exploring!"
Alexandra - Nov 2024
"Great spot for peaceful break"
Sarah - Aug 2024
"We really enjoyed our stay at Goddard Mead! The cottage had everything we needed and the walks right from the doorstep were perfect. The owners were super friendly, making us feel very welcome throughout our visit."
Elise Thornton - Aug 2024
"Really enjoyed our peaceful weekend away."
Claire Johnson - Jul 2024
"Absolutely loved our stay! The owners really did think of everything. Super relaxing, we'll definitely tell our friends about it!"
Mark - Jun 2024
"Really enjoyed our stay, lovely place indeed!"
Rachel - May 2024
"Really enjoyed our stay, the place was calming and the Jacuzzi fantastic."
Ben - Apr 2024
"We arrived at the lodge and initially thought it looked a bit tired from the outside - the paint was peeling and the decking could really do with a fresh coat. Some of the railing spindles were broken too, which was a bit of a letdown. However, once inside, it was a totally different story! The updates they've done really paid off; the space was huge and super comfy. The beds were spot on, really cosy and perfect for a good night's sleep. We were two couples and I was a bit worried about fitting into the built-in bunk beds since Im 57, but honestly, they were fine and quite comfy. The bathrooms were lovely with hot water and decent pressure, which was great. One thing to note, though, is theres no WiFi and if youre on O2 or Tesco, signal can be really patchy - I managed to get a tiny bit of reception at the back of the decking, but inside it was pretty much useless. Also, the kitchen could use a bit more in terms of plates and pans, as the ones there werent the best. Still, we had an amazing time, especially relaxing in the hot tub under the stars - pure heaven!"
Ella - Mar 2024
"This cottage was just lovely, with a cosy log burner and a hot tub that made our stay special. The hosts were really friendly too. We loved the peaceful vibe and can't wait to come back for a longer stay soon!"
Olivia - Mar 2024
"We stayed at Little Gem and honestly, its a real find! The cottage is cosy and packed with everything you could possibly need, so no need to pack much. The welcome pack was full of useful info and even menus, which was a nice touch. The owners, Sharon and Rob, were quick to reply if we had questions. Our dogs loved the enclosed garden and the hot tub was fantastic after a day out. Really appreciate the little extras-they made our stay extra special. Thanks for a lovely break!"
Sammy - Feb 2024
"We had a fantastic weekend stay and really enjoyed our time here. The place was just what we needed and were already planning to return! Our dogs couldnt get enough of the underfloor heating and the garden-Luna especially loved wagging her tail so much she hurt it! Honestly, happy pups, happy us. Definitely recommend for a cosy getaway!"
Jamie - Jan 2024
"We just got back from a really nice four-night stay at this cottage. The owners are super friendly and helpful but not at all intrusive, which we appreciated. The garden is huge and fully fenced, perfect for our dog to run around freely. The cottage itself had everything we needed, from kitchen gear to comfy beds. We even enjoyed a BBQ one evening and the hot tub was just brilliant! Wed definitely come back and already told friends about it. Thanks for a lovely break!"
Jess - Nov 2023
"Absolutely loved the experience! Honestly, we didnt want to leave. Hoping to return and see everyone again next year!"
James - Sep 2023
"We had a lovely time staying here! Sharon and Robert really went out of their way to make us feel at home, which we appreciated a lot. The place was spotless, cosy and felt secure for our dog Archie, which is so important. The location was perfect for exploring Thaxted and the nearby villages and we definitely left feeling refreshed. It was just what we needed for a relaxing break!"
Laura - Jul 2023
"We really enjoyed our stay! The lodge was lovely, especially the small touches that made it special. The hot tub was fantastic and perfect for relaxing. Staff were super helpful and friendly, making everything smooth. Definitely planning to return soon!"
Oliver - Jun 2023
"Absolutely loved our stay! The place was perfect for our elderly collie and were already planning to come back. Highly recommend to anyone needing a break."
Sam - Jun 2023
"We had a fantastic stay at the cottage! The location is perfect-so peaceful and relaxing, with stunning views of the surrounding farml and. The horses nearby were a lovely bonus. The owners were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. Definitely recommend for a quiet getaway, absolutely loved it!"
Charlotte - Jun 2023
"We had such a lovely time! The kids were over the moon and the staff made us feel so welcome. Definitely booking again!"
Hannah - May 2023
"We really enjoyed staying at the cottage. The peaceful location was perfect for us, far from busy areas. The hot tub was a lovely touch! The owners were so helpful and unobtrusive. They've got it just right!"
David - May 2023
"We really enjoyed our stay. The lodge was spotless and modern, plenty of space, though the beds could use some new mattresses. Still, lovely place!"
Emma - Aug 2020
"Weve stayed in loads of lodges before, but this one honestly tops them all. Its super cosy and perfect for the family, especially with the hot tub-it was such a treat! We didnt feel like going out at all because everything was just so lovely. The place was spotless and all the little extras like towels made things so much easier. Plus, its really quiet, so we got proper rest. Definitely a great find, well be back soon!"
Emily - Mar 2020
"Absolutely loved staying here with our senior collie. The place was perfect for him and well definitely be returning soon. Highly recommend for a relaxing getaway!"
Alex - Jan 2020
"Wow, what a stunning place! The lodge had such a luxurious vibe, we couldnt believe how amazing it was in person. We stayed in signature 8and honestly, the photos dont do it justice - its even better! Everything we needed was thoughtfully provided, from books and games in the chest by the dining area to super comfy sofas. The bed? Absolutely unreal, so cosy! They even had a hairdryer hidden in the bathroom drawer, plus a cute complimentary cosmetics bag with some goodies inside. We got a lovely welcome pack with cookies, teas, coffees and more - such a nice touch. The hot tub was spotlessly clean, heated and ready when we arrived and it quickly became my favourite part of the trip. The only hiccup was finding the place late at night - the sign was a little small, so we got a bit lost, but thats understandable. Overall, we had a fantastic relaxing break and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Wed definitely come back and highly recommend it - just book it already!"
Amelia - Nov 2019
"We had a fabulous break here as a family of 4. Kids ages 8 and 5 and the dog. The lodge itself was absolutely beautiful and the hot tub was the highlight. The staff are so friendly and welcoming . I arrived super early as my plan was to explore before checking in however my daughter wasn’t feeling well at all and we took the chance to ask if early checking was an option . I couldn’t believe how easy it was I explained the situation and I had my keys in minutes and the little one tucked up in bed . Thank you very much for that . The hot tub was checked everyday by a lovely man who gave us so much information about the best beaches and things to visit . He had a dog named Myrtle that my kids adored. The site itself however in the middle of nowhere is situated in the middle of a housing estate but there is a local shop,Indian restaurant and chippy. Supermarkets are a 15 min drive away . This is an ideal base to stay to visit places . You are 30-40 mins away from nearly every beach. A car is a must if you are staying here and planing to go places as nothing around within walking distance that we found other an a short woodland walk that was full of flies. We booked looking for a quiet chilled experience as we wanted to completely unwind and that is exactly what we got and enjoyed."
Emma - Jul 2022
"Staff very good, always helpful and willing to go out of their way to make sure that everything is okay."
Malcolm - Jun 2022
"I really enjoyed my staff at hornbeam. We stayed for a long weekend. The lodge was very nice, clean and had all amenities. The site was quiet so if you want a piece full break Hornbeam is an ideal location."
James - Jun 2022
"Excellent place for a holiday break, there are many places in the area worthwhile visiting, I highly recommend the donkey sanctuary.
My wife and I will definitely be returning in the future."
Andrew - Jun 2022