COTSWOLD HOLIDAY BLOG

Welcome to our Cotswold holiday blog, filled with up to date information about the lake, our nature reserve and the surrounding Cotswolds. We’re here to keep you posted on everything that’s happening at our unique log cabin holiday site as well as in the local area. From the best days out and our favourite places to eat to the latest wildlife news – the Log House Holidays blog is designed to divulge every detail of our wonderful world. Whether you’re coming to the Cotswolds for romantic UK breaks or pet friendly days out our blog will have something for you. So come join the conversation about the place we call home – the beautiful Cotswolds.

5 ways to enjoy the best mini honeymoon in the UK

After many months spent organising your big day, the thought of planning an overseas honeymoon might just be too much. Why not avoid the stress and simply escape to one of our totally secluded lakeside retreats which are a little nearer to home. We've got...

Bird Watching Holidays in the Cotswold Water Park

The Cotswold Water Park is a nationally important destination for birds and offers unique bird watching opportunities throughout the seasons. The vast 40 square miles of wetland area covering over 150 lakes allows you to easily get out and explore;...

Otter spotting tips for your log cabin holiday

Sometime in 2015 we saw our first otters at the lake and it was a truly magical experience. Unlike anything else at the lake they are amazing creatures to watch as they glide across the lake surface, play with each other under water and dart across land...

The famous snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Gardens

This February we made sure to visit the magical snowdrops once again at Painswick Rococo Gardens. An enjoyable 30 minutes drive through the rolling Stroud valleys takes you to this 18th century garden where blankets of snowdrops cover the ground for the...

How to plan the perfect Girls Weekend away

Whether you’re the organized group that manages to get away each and every year or you’ve been meaning to get together with all your closest friends but have never got round to it – Log House Holidays is the perfect place to escape. Simply find a date that...

5 Reasons Why Our Hot Tub Holidays Make the Perfect Romantic Getaway

We’ve got a secret to tell you. There are many of life’s pleasures to be enjoyed here in the Cotswolds, and many of these pleasures are the simple ones. From the melodic sounds of songbird in the morning and the view of late afternoon light glistening on the lake’s...

How to ‘Hygge’ your cosy Log House Holiday

The kings of cosy winter life are without question the Scandinavians. They even have a special word for this, which has no real direct translation – “Hygge”. Pronounced “Hooga” it loosely means to have a cosy time inside with friends and family whilst the weather is...

17 of the Best Walks in the Cotswolds

Discovering the Cotswold countryside on foot really is the best way if you ask us! Just imagine all the things you’d miss; the wild fungi hidden in fields of bluebells, the sound of trickling streams in the woods, the sweet smell of fresh primroses from nearby...

A day out at Gloucestershire Rally School

Established in 1994, Gloucestershire Rally School offers its award winning Rally Driving Experiences to anyone looking for an unforgettable adrenaline filled day. Kids from the age of 10 are welcome so whether it’s a family get together, birthday party, couples...

The Best Things To Do In The Cotswolds In January

January is a magical time to visit the Cotswolds; a totally underrated month for holiday makers, filled with incredible walks and romantic adventures. As the rush of Christmas tourists fades away into last year’s memories, the quiet and undisturbed countryside awaits...

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS IN DECEMBER

It’s December and festive winter holidays are here! The Cotswold’s is a magical place during this period with lots of fun events going on throughout this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Staying in one of our luxury log cabins is also the perfect place to be curled...

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS IN NOVEMBER

The colder cosier season is finally here and snuggling up in front of the wood burner in your luxury lake house is great for a November hideaway. In between cosy moments inside and steaming hot tubs under the stars head out into the Cotswold’s to enjoy the large...

Quirky Facts About The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is full of charm, beauty and lots of history. Hopefully a few of these unusual facts may inspire you to go to a few spots around this beautiful part of England. Whether it's to see where one of the greats used to live or to take part in the weirdest...

A Guide to the Best Day Trips from the Cotswolds

Our guests are always amazed by how much there is to do on our private lake and the Cotswold Water Park, and some don’t feel the need to venture beyond our beautiful reserve at all. All cabins come with a private pier and rowing boat, a barbeque and fire pit, a...

21 of the Most Romantic Places in England

We like to think that you don’t have to go very far to find the most romantic places on earth. Sometimes it’s the very places right on your doorstep that provide the most magical setting for anniversaries, honeymoons, celebrations, first dates or proposals. So whether...

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS IN OCTOBER

October short breaks are the perfect time to welcome the colder months with a few days of cosiness. Heading out from your home from home holiday lodge only to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy the nearby Cotswolds for the best things this month has to offer....

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS IN SEPTEMBER

The schools are back but the summer is still here! Enjoy the last long hot days by the lake and out exploring the beautiful Cotswold’s. Locally grown food is plentiful as the summer harvest arrives. If a cold snap comes earlier than usual at the end of September look...

17 of the Best Mini Break Ideas in the UK

You really don’t have to go far to enjoy a luxury family holiday, a magical mini-moon, or a memorable weekend break with your loved ones. So as a source of inspiration for your next getaway, here are 17 of the best mini break ideas in the UK. Starting at our charming...

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS IN AUGUST

When you think lake holiday you’re probably thinking long summer days chilling in front of a still lake and enjoying a spot of paddle boarding, swimming and alfresco meals. Welcome to August holidays at the lake! Choose a few of our top choices from below and look...

A Guide to Cycling in the Cotswolds

Fitness holidays on our reserve are popular throughout the year and one of our favourite ways to burn calories and get around the area is by bike. Enjoy your holiday in the Cotswold Waterpark and beyond on two wheels and experience England’s countryside the best way...

The Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds in July

Holidays in July bring together summer days on the lake and afternoons spent exploring the joys of the Cotswolds. From the worlds largest military air show to some spectacular sights of lavender as far as the eye can see. Choose a couple of our favourites below and...

Birdwatching holidays in the Cotswolds

In the lovely month of June, one of our regular guests was back to enjoy the lake and capture some of the many birds and beasts that share it with our guests. Joining him was Ian McGuire, from Wild Owl. Ian is an owl specialist, wildlife photographer and film maker so...

15 of the Best Free Things to Do in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a place that’s riddled with charm and beauty. And although it’s pricey to set up home here, the views come for free. The nature, the sunsets, the country trails, it’s all here in the beautiful Cotswolds. This is the kind of outdoor paradise where you...

Log Cabin Holiday Photos from Elsa Lodge

Thank you to the Dolton's again for sending in your wonderful photos from your last stay. If these photos inspire you to capture some great images too why not come and enjoy a photography holiday wth us. Lots of these photos were taken from our lovely Elsa Lodge which...

The Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds in June

We hope you enjoy our top list of June holiday days out in the Cotswolds. The summer is here and there’s lots going on in the Cotswold’s. Beat the rush of school holidays and enjoy beautiful Cotswold gardens, the first of the summer’s watersports and fun food...

The Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds in May

Enjoying a weekend escape in the Cotswold’s this May? Check out our top list of things to do. May holidays offer a great time of year to be here. If we are lucky enough to be enjoying an early heat wave you can have the joys of the summer whilst even the top...

The Best Things To Do In The Cotswolds In April

Escaping on a short break to the Cotswolds in April? Choose a few of our top things to do in the area this month to make the best of your time here. With the promise of spring ahead this is a lovely month to be out and about as nature wakes up for the warmer months...

The Best Things To Do In The Cotswolds In March

If you’re lucky enough to witness the turn of the season, your time in the Cotswold countryside will be utterly unforgettable. In early March, you’ll catch the last breath of winter, a truly romantic time for couples retreats. Towards the backend of the month, you’ll...

The Best Things To Do In The Cotswolds In February

The misty scenes of winter, with the promise of spring just around the corner…..February is such a wonderful time to see the English countryside. And there’s nowhere quite as beautiful as the Cotswolds at this time of year. So whether you’re here to celebrate a...

Nature Holiday photos

Thank you Paul Dolton for sending in these fantastic photos from your stay with us last year. You have captured some of the many things to see here at the lake from a whole new perspective. If you're want to come and enjoy the abundant nature at our lake check out our...

10 Romantic Ideas for Valentines Day and your Romantic Getaway at the Lake…

“What can I do that’s extra special for our romantic break?”. We get asked this a lot – don’t worry you are not alone. Whether you are escaping for a honeymoon, minimoon, romantic break or just a few days of quality time together, we hope these ideas will give you...

Which season to visit the Cotswolds?

Our log cabin holidays change with every season. That's one reason why many of our regular guests love to come back throughout the year - enjoying a unique holiday each time. Summer is the obvious choice for a lake holiday with long hot days exploring on the kayaks...

Our easy guide to lighting a fire…(and impressing the in-laws this Christmas)

To some this may be over simple. But…if you have ever lit a log fire, you have more than likely had that embarrassing moment at least once when your log fire just doesn’t get going. Follow these simple steps and you’re sure to have no problems whatsoever. It’s all...

Our top three Cotswold festive events in 2015

Escaping to one of our log cabins for a cosy winter holiday? Lucky you. If you can tear yourself away from the crackling log fire, or pull yourself out of the steaming hot tub, here are a few of our favorite festive days out. From family walks under illuminated...

Stay with us next summer for the Cotswold Show and Food Festival!

Pick the first weekend in July for your summer holiday by the lake and enjoy the best of the Cotswolds in one fantastic day out. The Cotswold Show takes place over two days and is one of the most popular regional shows nationwide. From spectacular arena attractions...

A short walk across the fields…

Today we enjoyed a short walk to a new attraction. On the edge of Somerford Keynes, The Elemental Sculpture Park is well worth a visit. Passionate owner, David Hartland, has carefully landscaped this woodland area over the last 21 years with an amazing collection of...

18 Fun Activities To Do With The Kids In The Cotswolds

Our top picks for fun family days out and activities to enjoy with the kids. From farm shops and toy museums to miniature villages and wildlife walks. Make sure you remember all of the things from our quick checklist too to ensure a perfectly smooth day for kids and...

Some new Moondara photos for you…

We are always making improvements and new additions to our cabins and Moondara has seen some great changes over the last year. New solid oak floors on the ground floor, Cotswold stone tiles in the kitchen and some lovely pieces of unique furniture and art from our...

Seafood for your romantic night in on holiday

So you’ve escaped to the Cotswold’s for a romantic short break. Enjoying the secluded hot tub with a view and exploring the lake with your own rowing boat. How about finishing one of those special days off perfectly with a romantic meal – cooked by yours truly. And...

A brave winter paddleboarding holiday

Last summer we tried paddle boarding for the first time ourselves and loved it so much we just had to get some for you to enjoy too. They’ve been such a success for everyone who has tried them. We really can’t wait for the summer holidays now. Bring on the long...

Take a peek at our final log cabin (on its own private island!)

We are so pleased to have finally finished Mayo Landing. Just in time for already a near fully booked year ahead! Everyone on the team has been working hard to complete our long list of finishing touches for this special holiday home. Bridge building, a new hot tub...

Drone video of our lakeside family holidays!

Check out Moondara’s Drone Holiday Video below… Thank you to Paul Dalrymple for sending these great bits of footage over from your summer holiday with us. Looking forward to seeing you back here later in the year! Moondara Lodge sleeps 8 people in 4 large bedrooms....

Star gazing from a lakeside log cabin

Enjoying the starry Cotswold sky whilst unwinding in the hot tub is always a highlight of our guests holidays. When we saw a recent couple with enough technology set up to supply a Star Wars convention though we knew it wasn’t just a bit of casual star gazing! Dave...

A special celebration on your log cabin holiday

Whatever the occasion, our lakeside log cabins are a great place to celebrate. We are finding a lot of our guests are staying at the lake for a special way to mark an event whether it’s with all the family, a group of friends or simply with a loved one. Hidden away on...

7 Ways to Make the Most Of Your Holiday to the Cotswolds

Winning days out for your romantic weekend break in the Cotswold’s

Heading to us for a glorious romantic weekend in the Cotswold’s? Exchanging everyday routines for early morning steamy hot tubs, rowing around your own private lake, getting lost in our beautiful woodlands and watching sunsets from your pier. And we haven’t even...

8 Cotswold Blog Posts We Loved in 2014

It’s been another great year in the Cotswold’s. We’ve enjoyed finding new things to do throughout the seasons. From stumbling on new farm shops and restaurants to discovering hidden walks and cycles in the Cotswold Water Park. Some of these hidden gems have come from...

What our WIFI can bring to your next holiday…

One of the best things about our holidays is how secluded they are. With no one else in sight you can really feel like you’ve escaped the everyday. Our guests always say they feel like they had the whole lake to themselves. This was partly why we were unsure about...

Winning photos from dog house holidays…

We have had so many lovely guests down at the lake this year and it definitely makes our work all the more rewarding when we do. But when we get lovely guests who also take amazing photos – that really makes our day! Thank you to Jeremy and Julie Morrish who have sent...

An Autumn view with Steve Townsend

Thank you to Steve Townsend for sending in some pictures of your romantic holiday with us at Elsa (where he proposed too!). We’re so glad you had a great holiday. You’ve captured the natural seclusion of our getaways buy cheap tadalafil uk very nicely. We hope to see...

Woodchester Park and a Jolly Nice treat

Spend an afternoon exploring the enchanting woodlands and lakes at Woodchester Park. Followed by some much deserved hot chocolate and baked treats at Jolly Nice. Whatever the season we think this would make a lovely day out in the Cotswold’s for romantic getaways or...

Cotswold Dry Stone Walls – as long as the Great Wall of China

You probably already associate a Cotswold holiday with honey coloured villages and winding stone walls. They are a feature that is unique to this beautiful part of the world adding unity to the rolling countryside and scattered settlements. Beyond their pretty...

Take a free tour at this exciting Cotswold micro brewery

Force Brewery is quietly creating some seriously fresh local ales just 4 miles away. On the edge of Cirencester, Charles Malet; brewer, barman, chief cask washer and director, puts on quite a show for anyone wishing to hear about his eventful ales and see where and...

Take a luxury midweek break in the Cotswold’s…with our list of things to do

If you’re lucky enough to get time off for midweek breaks they really do have a lot to say for themselves. Whilst all of your friends have the Sunday blues followed by that horrible Monday at work, you’ll be just arriving at the start of a few very memorable days...

Our new Cotswold Resources page for your next trip to the lake

Earlier this year we compiled our Ultimate Guide for a holiday in the Cotswold’s. We’ve had some really great feedback too and we hope we have unearthed some local gems, which you may not have found otherwise. With WIFI in all of our cabins now this list of resources...

A National Trust Day in the Cotswolds – Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate

Next time you’re down at the lake enjoy a day exploring this beautiful 17th century Cotswold country estate. From stunning autumn views to a period house oozing with history. Just 30 minutes beautiful drive from Log House Holidays – these National Trust attractions...

Enjoy a paddle boarding holiday down at the lake…

Did you know paddle boarding is the fastest growing sport in England right now? Earlier this summer we thought we would give SUP (the lingo for stand up paddle-boarding) a try down at the lake to see what all of the fuss was about. Instantly we were hooked. We’ve...

Want to know where the locals go for coffee and ice-cream?

Dolcetti technically make Italian gelato – ice-cream’s creamier (and tastier) friend. This family-run parlour in Cirencester hand makes every 5 litre batch with love, passion and all of the traditional methods you’d find in an Italian counterpart. The best thing is...

No more pretending you know how to row!

We are now offering electric outboards for your rowing boat! These great outboards fit perfectly on the back of your boat and allow you to sit back and soak in the beautiful surroundings without having to lift a finger. No more pretending you know how to row! Explore...

Our new Photography Holidays

A new photography course to enjoy on holiday… Did you know we now offer landscape photography courses? We’ve recently teamed up with the passionate and very talented David Hall. A local to the Cotswold Water Park, David really knows the area's best spots for both...

Spotting rare dragonflies at Log House Holidays

The Cotswold Water Park is considered to be regionally and nationally important for the populations of dragonflies and damselflies found here. Both for the assemblage of 22 breeding species (about half of the UK’s total breeding species) as well as for the scarcer...

Make plans with our new Ultimate Guide to the Cotswolds…

We’ve been very busy this summer pulling together our new Cotswold guide… A great way for you to get inspired about this gorgeous part of England. Once you’ve booked your holiday use it to make exciting plans for your time away. Whether its a romantic getaway, a...

Top 5 places to propose in the Cotswolds

Looking for a truly romantic place to get engaged in the Cotswolds? Log House Holidays gives you our top 5 spots for a unique and memorable “I Do” moment… Westonbirt Arboretum Get lost in the winding paths of this world famous arboretum. Ancient trees and masses of...

Staying in the Cotswolds for the Royal International Air Tattoo

If you’re lucky enough to be staying with us for a weekend break in July on the right dates then look to the skies for some special treats. From Red Arrow displays to pass-bys of fast jets, giant transporters and historic aircraft. This fantastic Military Air Tattoo...

Dads story: “An island of my own…”

A spring clean of the filing cabinet and I found this. Written by Dad in the early days, for one of the newspapers at the time, it summarizes the unique story behind Log House Holidays when it started back in 1980. Since then we have been the home of many happy...

Your Quick Dog-Friendly Holiday Guide

We know your dog is a big part of the family. They are looking forward to their pet friendly lakeside holiday just as much as you are too, so we have put together a few ideas and tips for you next getaway with us. Our pet friendly holidays are great for dogs and they...

Nesting heron enjoys his lakeside getaway…

With wingspans up to six feet the grey heron is one our biggest characters down at the lake. Despite herons usually being sociable birds when it comes to nesting, making homes in long-established heronries, this guy has been busy enjoying his private nest on a central...

Our Hot Tub Guide to Meteor Showers in 2014

There’s nothing more perfect for a romantic honeymoon or couples getaway than seeing a shooting star with someone special. It’s an absolute back to nature experience too. But a meteor shower – now that’s a whole new kind of light show! So picture this… You are lying...

Winning photos from our Photography Prize…

We have a winner…! Photos below from the latest winner of the Log House Holidays Photography Prize. Thank you to Richard McD. A steaming wooden hot tub on us awaits for their next visit… The Log House Holiday Photography Prize: It’s simple. Come and stay with us for...

The Cheltenham Gold Cup in Finnish style…

One of the biggest highlights of the Jump season is coming up. What better way to enjoy your winnings, after a thrilling day of drama and excitement too, than with some celebratory champagne in your own lakeside hot tub? A perfect day out for a romantic getaway in the...

The Great £1,500 Holiday Giveaway…

Hoping to escape on a special getaway in the new year? Well, we have the perfect prize for you worth over £1,500… Through our friends at Yeo Valley and Cool Rental Guide, we are giving away a four-night midweek break for one lucky winner. Staying in any one of our...

Who wants to be first?

We are on schedule to finish Keno Lodge a little earlier than expected! Which means we are now offering the gap from the 20th Dec – 23rd Dec 2013 for a very special getaway. Newly laid oak floors, fresh pine logs, a gorgeous new hot tub and a brand new kitchen. Sound...

47 Reasons why your Log House Holiday will have the complete WOW factor

Just to make going on that much deserved getaway easier we have put together some of the many reasons to inspire you. They’re not just our reasons though – these are the things that have led our past guests to come back again and again… 1. All 8 of your secluded...

The luxury log cabin build continues…

The final lorry from Finland has now arrived (along with two big Finnish men to help us out!). With all of the logs up in the first three weeks we are now racing to get the roof watertight and ready for the approaching winter. Now that the structure is partly covered...

Top 10 things to do on your Log House Holiday in the Cotswolds…

Most of you enjoy just unwinding in the hot tub and exploring in your rowing boat. For those with a taste for adventure, culture or country walks we have found a great list of things for you to fit into your memorable holiday schedule. Whether you’re on a romantic...

The beginnings of a new getaway…

It’s been a busy few weeks around the lake. Now that the summer’s really there's a lot of mowing. We also established a large bank of primroses in the area behind Monty’s Retreat. With regular watering these are doing well and as we move forward the wild flowers are...

Hello from Log House Holidays!

With this new blog we hope you never miss an exciting moment down here at the lake. Through the rolling seasons and the ever-changing landscape of our special site we hope you will look forward to hearing our news and watching things develop. We’ve been running now...

COTSWOLD HOLIDAY BLOG

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