Just back from a weekend stay at White Cross Bay with Park Resorts, in Windermere. We went with our two oldest grandchildren (cousins), both not quite 5yrs old.
We went expecting a Gold Caravan and we were very pleasantly surprised to find that we had been upgraded to a Lodge. To say it was luxurious is an understatement. We decided it was better appointed than our own house! It had 3 bedrooms, one with bathroom ensuite. It also had a dishwasher and washer/dryer that we hadn’t expected. We were also given a very generous Welcome pack which was very welcome indeed.
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White Cross Bay was easy to find, just between Windermere and Brockhole. The check in was easy and with a site map it was easy to find our lodge, although we were at first unsure where to park our car, but actually there was plenty of room round the corner, just outside the door. Reception staff were very polite and very helpful. I had to mention a couple of things that weren’t working properly and they were very apologetic and said they would get them sorted, and they did.
Initially our grandchildren were very disappointed about the Lodge, as they really wanted to sleep in a caravan, but they were soon very happily deciding where they were going to sleep and which part of the wardrobes they were going to use.
The Park site was nicely set out, with lots of cul de sacs, and nooks and crannies. It made it a bit of a challenge to find the lake but it was perfect for keeping the traffic at a very slow speed which is great when you have Mini Travellers with you. It was also a very quiet park, except for our 2 when they were playing outside as we had a ‘secret garden’ next to the decking which was perfect for adventures.
The pool was a hit, it was a decent size and the three times we went in it wasn’t overcrowded at all, in fact plenty of room for jumping in!. The changing rooms were communal with decent sized cubicles that were big enough for 2/3 to get changed easily. There were also 2 hair dryers and a spinner for swimming costumes, which was great. The pool also had a special chair/hoist to help disabled people in and out of the pool. The Lifeguards were very vigilant and were very quick to say if someone was running, attempting to dive or similar.
The children’s playground was OK; it had 2 swings, 2 baby swings, climbing net, balancing bars &chains, a barrel to balance on, parallel bars, hanging tyres. Certainly enough to keep our grandchildren occupied for half an hour while I made tea.
There was a small shop next to the Reception for all your basic needs, which we didn’t need to use as we’d taken or own food and we’d been give the welcome pack too.
The Bar/Restaurant/Entertainment area was in the main building with the Reception, Pool and small Amusement Arcade. There was a very comprehensive menu and plenty of choice for the children and the food came quite quickly. The food was good quality but the fish and chips were excellent. While we were waiting for the food the children were getting restless so they went to get some colouring papers and crayons from a big stand. There were no crayons, just papers. I went to ask for some and was told they had none left at all. Our granddaughter then said “that’s rubbish, why have they left the pictures out if they haven’t got any crayons?” fair point I thought!!
Staying at White Cross Bay was a great base for getting around the area of Windermere, it was only 5mins down the road to Brockhole where we were going to catch a boat to go to Wray Castle. Brockhole was a great place to visit, I think you could spend the whole day here, http://www.brockhole.co.uk/ The Adventure Playground was ideal for our 2, it was packed with rope walks, slides, swings, scramble nets and zip wires! There were Tree Top Walks and Tree Top Nets for older children or adults, boat hire, pony hire, gardens, cafe and much, much more.
When we decided it was time to go and get the boat to Wray Castle, we went to the jetty and tried to work out the times of the boats, it was very complicated! However the very kind man in the ticket office explained that we had to go to Ambleside first then Wray Castle, that seemed a fuss but it worked out well as we cruised the Lake too.
After an ice cream at Ambleside, we got back on the boat and went to Wray Castle and spent hours there. I’ll write about that separately. Back to the White Cross Bay, more swimming/jumping in and then dinner in the Restaurant, back to the lodge with 2 tired but happy children, they had no problem sleeping that night.
On Sunday morning, it was more swimming/jumping in, playing in the playground while I prepared lunch for our granddaughter’s early birthday lunch.
Sadly it was then time to pack up and head off home. We’d definitely look at staying here again, as it was a great location and a really good site.
NB: We were invited to visit White Cross Bay as guests of Park Resorts but all views and opinions are our own.
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
White Cross Bay was about the 3rd family holiday we went on about 11 years ago so reading this review certainly brings back some memories. How nice to be upgraded to a lodge but typical that the children wanted to sleep in a caravan. I agree that its a great location and I remember we went to Brockhole and being amazed at the park there x
This looks so lovely, the lodge looks really spacious and a good mix of being ‘outdoors’ but having home comforts too. It’s not too far from me either so would love to visit! x
It looks like White Cross Bay is the perfect place to relax, it’s great that you got some time away with the eldest two grand-children too. I bet the kids loved playing with their cousin and having you all to themselves, dragging you around the play grouns and swimming pool as much as they wanted! It’s great that there were so many fascilities on site for you all to use! Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Ah lovely review it sounds like you all had a fab time, I love Windermere it is the most beautiful place xx
Looks like a great place and location. The adventure park would be a hit with our family. We really need to go visit the Lake District – I’ve never been!! #countrykids
I love the Lake District and this looks like a lovely base from which to explore. The playground looks great for bigger little people #countrykids
The lodge looks lovely. I have always wanted to stay in one. A house but not quite a house! I am glad you had a great holiday.
Looks like a great place, sounds like you had a lovely holiday #sundaystars
sounds like a lovely little break, fab review look forward to hearing about Wray Castle! #sundaystars
Ah sounds like Lily had a great little holiday with her grandparents and cousin. How lovely that they were able to have this time with her before she started school and turner 5. Also, this Parks resort sounds really lovely! The playground looks fab! #SundayStars xx
White Cross Bay sounds amazing! Love all the activities that you can do as well. Would make a fab family bolt hole. #MondayEscapes
Ah this is interesting to read as we are just down the road at a different Park Resorts park, we went to Wray Castle today, it was amazing! So great for kids, a lot of NT places don’t cater for kids very well but all the activities here were fab. I love this area too, we are going to do the boat tomorrow I think. Will check out the place you mentioned too 🙂 x
Fabulous Jess, you should def check out Brockholes. Mine loved it.
What a fun weekend!! Apparently the kids ended up forgetting about sleeping in the Caravan and enjoyed the cabin 😀
Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes
Oh what a wonderful review! Looks like they had a cracking time! That place sounds fabulous! I must stop just travelling south and go and visit some of these amazing places. There’s just too many lovely places to visit. Thx so much for linking up with #SundayStars. Love Steph xxxx
Sounds like you had a lovely trip and to be upgraded to a lodge! Nice one! I do love these cabins, like you said, they’re better than my own house. That adventure playground looks brilliant too! Windermere is such a lovely place to explore. Haven’t been in years, so nice to revist with your post! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes