We finally took our first non-cruise holiday since we started cruising seven years ago. We couldn't find any cruise we wanted to do during the Easter holiday this year so we looked for something different. After a bit of browsing we discovered: www.loghouseholidays.co.uk/. I loved the idea of being able to go rowing on a 100 acre lake, and my wife wanted a peaceful week – we weren't disappointed!
Our log cabin was called Monty's Retreat – one of only six cabins dotted around a huge lake in the Cotswolds. Each cabin is situated by the side of the lake and is completely secluded. They vary in size – ours was one of the smallest and sleeps four – and they each have a rowing boat for your personal use.
The cabin was absolutely luxurious – it was almost brand new, and very spacious. From the balcony the lake stretched out in front and we could watch geese, swans, cormorants, grebe, ducks, coots, herons, and many other birds. The water is crystal-clear and we could see fish and even the occasional grass snake and toad swimming past.
During the week we did a great deal of walking and rowing. We also visited Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle, Cirencester, and Bristol (to see SS Great Britain). The Thames Path passes the lake and we followed it to its source.
So how did it compare with a week's cruise? The cost was a little less at about £1000 for two for a week – although of course meals weren't included. We could smoke on the balcony without upsetting anyone, and there was no mention of tipping! Would we do it again? Definitely – at another time of year the experience would be quite different. The Log House Holidays website has photos taken when the lake was frozen and it looks fantastic.
