Really enjoyed our stay! The lodge was cosy and the hot tub was such a bonus.

Nice place but needs hooks

It would’ve been nice if they’d mentioned the refurbishment beforehand, but the bar staff were friendly and sorted us out with a table for eleven, which was great. The bedroom drawers were a bit broken, but overall, we enjoyed a relaxing weekend!

We recently stayed at the lodge during the off-season and honestly, it was a pretty good deal. The place was massive, which was a big plus for us and the hot tub was a lovely touch after a day out. The beds were already made up and towels were provided, so we didn’t have to worry about bringing too much. There’s an Asda and a few pubs and shops just a short drive away, handy for supplies and some evening drinks. On the downside, the dishwasher seemed a bit overloaded and didn’t wash the pots properly, which was a pain, especially since we had to wash some ourselves before using them. Also, there was a strange, foisty smell, probably from the carpet being washed and not quite drying yet. When returning the key, we had to wait a bit because the young guy was busy on his mobile, which felt a tad rude. Still, overall, not bad for the price!

Good bed overall, but the middle sags a bit. Would recommend.

We had a fantastic stay and definitely plan to come back. The lodge was spotless and had everything we needed - truly felt like a home away from home. The hot tub was such a treat! The surroundings were peaceful and well-maintained, making it a perfect escape. You’ll need a car since there’s nothing nearby, but that just added to the tranquillity. The staff were really friendly and helpful too. Loved it!

The house is modern and charming and we loved the secure garden for our dogs to play safely.

We weren’t expecting the rear gated garden, but it turned out to be fantastic. Our dogs loved having so much space to run and play freely. Definitely recommend for pet owners!

We really enjoyed our stay, taking plenty of time to unwind in the hot tub and enjoying gentle walks around the park. The golf clubhouse was a real highlight, with good food and drinks, plus a lovely view of the 18th. Definitely recommend!

We recently stayed in a cosy one-bedroom lodge that welcomed our dogs and honestly, it was a pretty great experience. The place was spotless and the decor felt modern yet comfy. The super king bed was a real treat after long days exploring. We really appreciated the good WiFi, which kept us connected. The lovely touch of welcome packs for our dogs made us feel so cared for! We often hung out at the Clubhouse, where all the staff were genuinely friendly and happy to help with anything. The food was fantastic - we tried the cooked breakfast, a roast dinner and an evening meal, all fresh and tasty, totally recommend! If I had to suggest a couple of improvements, adding oven gloves and a tea towel in the lodge would be handy. Also, some basic essentials like soap and washing up liquid would be helpful. With two dogs, a broom and a gate on the decking to keep them safe would have been great. Overall, we had an awesome time and we’d definitely come back - lovely people and a lovely place!

Really enjoy staying at Messingham Lakes, always reliable and no complaints from us. Definitely recommend to others too!

We recently stayed in the lodge for three nights and honestly, it was pretty decent value for the price. The lodge itself has been updated and the bed was absolutely massive and comfy, which was a real highlight! The staff at the club house were lovely, friendly and the food and drinks were nicely priced and tasted good. The lounge area was a bit shaded due to the trees outside, so it didn’t get much sun, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker. One thing we found a bit frustrating was the lack of some basic info - no info pack or emergency contacts, which would’ve been handy. Also, the kitchen could do with a frying pan and a decent can opener; the current one is pretty useless. The shower area didn’t have anywhere to put soap or shampoo either, which was a pain. Still, the lodge was comfortable and we’d probably come back if the price stays reasonable. Overall, a good stay with a few minor quirks!

We were really disappointed with our stay. The ants inside the lodge were everywhere, which was pretty gross. To make things worse, the maintenance guy decided to clean the hot tub on the first day, so we couldn’t use it at all. Not the best planning, honestly.

We recently stayed at Messingham Grange in a VIP hot tub lodge, but honestly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. When we arrived, the place was quite dusty and cobwebs were everywhere - in the bedrooms on the wood cladding and even on the main lights in each room. It was a bit disappointing, especially for a VIP lodge. The windows could definitely do with a proper clean too. One of the biggest annoyances was the lack of a coffee table in the lounge. We had this huge empty space in the middle, clearly meant for one to put drinks and snacks on, but it was empty. We asked reception if they could bring one, which they did without fuss, but it was a bit frustrating to have to request it when the website clearly shows the lodge has one. Additionally, it would’ve been nice to have a lamp in the living room for the evenings - not everyone wants the bright main light on all the time. The twin bedroom was also missing a side lamp, so the kids had no soft light in the evening. We also found it odd that there was no wardrobe space in the main bedroom - just no place to hang clothes, which was a bit of a pain. The shower stopped working two days before we were due to leave, which was a bit of a pain, especially with Christmas dinner plans. Speaking of cooking, the oven only had one shelf, so it felt a bit cramped for preparing a big meal. The reception did bring us a toilet brush when we asked, since neither toilet had one, so that was helpful. We’re pet owners and while the park is pet-friendly, there are no dog bins around, so be prepared to carry your bags back with you. Overall, we’ve been on quite a few UK breaks and usually expect to pay a bit more for quality, but this time we didn’t feel we got what we paid for. A standard lodge at a lower price probably would’ve been more suitable for us.

The lodge's cleanliness was pretty disappointing overall.

We arrived around 4 pm and picked up the keys without any hassle. The lodge itself is a good size, with spacious bedrooms and plenty of room for everyone. However, it was pretty disappointing to find it so dirty - chips on the floor in one room and clearly no hoovering had been done. They did send a vacuum over, which was helpful, but it shouldn’t have been like that in the first place. The lounge only has seating for six, even though there were eight of us and the sofa was filthy with stuff crammed down the sides. The dining chairs were also limited to six. The table was grimy with old food stuck in the grooves. The kitchen wasn’t well equipped for a party of eight either. Outside, the light was smashed and just left there and the upstairs shower leaked through to downstairs. We had to use towels to mop up and management just brushed it off. It’s a shame because the lodge could be lovely if properly cleaned and maintained.

We found the place wasn’t very clean and the hot tub only had one speed which was disappointing. Staff couldn’t really answer our questions either, which was frustrating.

We absolutely loved the hot tub and the lodge was stunning, surrounded by lovely scenery. There were a few hiccups, but the staff responded really quickly and tried to help out. Great stay!

We had such a lovely stay! The cottage was perfect, with a cosy log burner and hot tub. Hosts were really friendly. Hope to come back soon!

We had such a cosy stay! The house was packed with everything we needed and kept us warm during a rainy December day. The bath was a real treat and the shower was perfect for quick freshen ups. The location is ideal if your dogs aren’t fans of fireworks - so peaceful out in the middle of nowhere. The house is beautifully converted and really well equipped. Thanks a lot!

We had such a great weekend at this place! Everything we hoped for and more. The underfloor heating was a hit with our dogs, especially Luna, who was wagging her tail non-stop. The garden was perfect for them to run around. We’re already planning to come back soon - can’t wait! Definitely a lovely spot for a break.

The cottage was just what we needed - peaceful location, perfect for relaxing. The hot tub was a lovely bonus. Owners were friendly but never intrusive. We loved it!

We had a lovely stay at Goddard's Mead. Rob and Sharon really put a lot of effort into restoring the historic building and it shows. They’re incredibly welcoming and Bonnie added a lovely touch. The place has everything you need for a comfy, relaxing break. The location’s perfect too - right in a charming part of Essex. We’d definitely suggest exploring Thaxted and nearby villages to soak up the history and beautiful sights. Highly recommended!

We had an absolutely lovely stay here! The location is stunning and really private, which we loved. The owners are super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed without intruding. After a long day cycling, the hot tub was just what we needed - total relaxation! The only thing to note is that the cottage is right under Stansted’s flight path, so there’s quite a bit of noise from planes. It took us a couple of hours to get used to it, but it didn’t ruin our break at all. Great place overall!

We stayed at this charming cottage on a working farm and it was surprisingly private. Robert and Sharon are lovely hosts, really friendly and welcoming. The place itself is huge, with a well-equipped kitchen and a comfy bed that we didn’t want to leave! The garden is perfect for dogs, completely secluded and with nice furniture for relaxing outside. There are plenty of walks nearby and Thaxted’s restaurants, like The Star and The Maypole, are worth a visit. We’d definitely recommend it!

We had a really lovely time staying here! Sharon and Robert were fantastic hosts, making us feel super welcome from the start. The place had everything we needed - spotlessly clean, comfy and safe for our dog Archie. The location was perfect, with loads of great walks nearby and Thaxted and the surrounding villages are just gorgeous. We definitely left feeling refreshed and relaxed, which was just what we needed!

The owners were genuinely lovely and so helpful, especially when the power went out during the storm. The cottage was spotless, warm and well-equipped. Our dog loved the enclosed garden and we really enjoyed the hot tub! We’d definitely come back.

We had a lovely time at this peaceful spot. Sharon and Robert really go above and beyond to make sure everything is just right. Even after our second visit, we’re already planning to come back again soon!

The cottage is a real gem, nestled in such a peaceful spot-perfect for unwinding. The hot tub was a highlight, honestly! Everything inside was spotless and well-equipped. Plenty of walks nearby, both in the village and beyond. We had a fantastic stay!

We had a fantastic weekend here, everything was perfect for a relaxing anniversary escape. Highly recommend!