A gem of a find - Woodward Lakes and Lodges
One of our limited number of featured parks, chosen because we have visited and spent some time getting to know them, Woodward is a gem of a find, as our editor explains on a recent visit!
There’s nothing better than finding somewhere on the rise before everyone else does, so before you dismiss locations not traditionally at the top of the UK’s usual destination hot-spots, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the wide number of parks in up-and-coming areas offering just as much to enjoy, but perhaps at a slightly lower cost!
Woodward Lakes and Lodges is in South Yorkshire, in a spot which we visited recently for the second time to really road test its offering to the max – from the lodges and park infrastructure and the ambience, through to the amenities and places to visit nearby which would make it great as an investment opportunity or as an escape to enjoy with different generations of family.
PEACE AND QUIET ON PARK
For those wanting a quiet park, Woodward Lakes and Lodges also definitely fits the bill, sitting in 300 acres of land, which is a mixture of beautiful lakes, open grassland and lodge areas. The wildlife is a key aspect of life here, and with so many different varieties of birds on site it feels like a nature reserve; there’s always something to watch!
Committed to environmental excellence, the park has repeatedly won the coveted and prestigious David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation. Facilites on site include a 9 - hole golf course, boules court, bowling greens, tennis court and a 43 acre well stocked fishing lake of specimen species, and there’s a lovely walk around the lakes if you fancy a daily stroll.
A VIBRANT AND INTERESTING AREA!
When we mentioned at the start that this area is up-and-coming, and what we actually discovered is that it’s already feeling the benefit of several years of serious regeneration, with more to come. The transport network is evolving, and locally that’s improved road and rail links, and they are now pretty hard to beat, along with the local shopping and dining options, which thoroughly impressed us. There were both Tesco and Sainsbury superstores within a few minutes drive, and a petrol station even closer.
PLENTY TO EXPLORE NEARBY
For places to visit we were spoilt for choice. There were several ‘on our doorstep’ as we have shown, but when you start to circle within an hour or so more fantastic options emerge, suitable for all ages and tastes, from the retired to those looking to keep the children and grandchildren busy. Once we had created our ‘wish-list’ of days out we only got through about a quarter of it and had an absolute whale of a time. That said, we could just as easily have stayed on the park and read a book or sat and watched the birds in peace and quiet, and the children actually loved that too.
PLENTY OF CHOICE
There are several beautiful show lodges here to choose from in different spots around the park and many of them lakeside, but there’s also a unique opportunity for you to design, build and take ownership of your very own luxury dream holiday lodge, working with park sales manager Julie Lench and Prestige Homeseeker Park and Leisure Homes, who build the lodges here.
The park has a 12-month holiday licence, so you’ll be able to enjoy staying at any time of year, and you’ll get brilliant value for money as the lodges are accessible in price for such a stunning park, with palatial options available too!
Most lodges are occupied by owners who spend a good amount of me in them, so the park has a great sense of community without everyone being in each other’s pockets, that’s the perfect balance. It’s safe too, with a gated entrance and 24 hour security, so there’s a real sense of freedom once you’re in the park grounds. We were lucky enough to be on site when there was an owners’ barbeque, and chatting to many lodge owners here they all seem extremely happy with their choice, wishing they’d done it sooner.
Lynda Kenny and her husband Chris recently bought two lodges on the park, one to stay in themselves and one for friends, family and to let. When asked what sold the park to them Lynda says; “The peaceful surroundings, the lake and the wildlife. 24 hour security was very appealing and the walks we could do with our three dogs. Even though its in a lovely quiet spot, you are minutes away from amenities and the motorway.’’
LODGES FROM £99,950
Lodges here start from £99,950 and can be designed to suit your budget. The latest development, Wagtail, has just been established here comprising of six lodges, all facing south-west and with lovely views across a small lake and out to the rest of the park, although there are plots also available on the opposite area of the park where we stayed, and this area is just as lovely.
EASY TRANSPORT LINKS
· 5 Minutes from the M18 by car
· Doncaster railway station 15 mins
· London 1.5 hours by train from Doncaster
· Doncaster Sheffield Airport 15 mins
· iPort inland terminal 15 minutes away
· Range of shops and takeaways within a few minutes,
and they deliver to the park!
For further information
For all enquiries and viewings, please call Julie 01302 833962 or 07976 390477. You will need to make an appointment to view the park and lodges as this is a secure, gated park, but visiting is a real must to take a walk around and enjoy the lovely surroundings. In fact, we've heard that some visitors even bring a picnic so they can sit and take in the ambience in comfort without rushing and we think that's a great idea!
Woodward Lakes and Lodges can be found off Junction on 4 on the M18 at Holme Wood Lane, Doncaster DN3 3EH. www.woodwardlakesandlodges.co.uk
DAYS OUT NEARBY
Within 15 minutes from the park
· Yorkshire Wildlife Park
· Sunnybank Gardens & Yorkshire Ice Cream Parlour
· Boston Park Farm
· Doncaster town centre, Hurton Triangle and Dome (for entertainment and shopping)
· Amazon tours
Striking distance for more days out
· Yorkshire Sculpture Park
· Robin Hood Country, Sherwood Forest
· Hull Museums, Galleries and The Deep
· Sundown Adventureland
· Beaches – Cleethorpes and Scarborough