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"This was our third stay at Blackthorn Copse."
I’m running out of superlatives to describe the location and the lodge. It’s superb in every way.
The location is even better than as described in the Sykes website. The huge pull for me is that it’s next to a gorgeous river. Waking up to the sound of a river flowing is so peaceful. A few steps from the lodge and you’re at the water’s edge - stunning. I would imagine it would be perfect for those interested in kayaking up and down the river Leven. We saw a group white water rafting during our stay.
The site itself is steeped in history of the watermill that was once here, which in itself is interesting.
For those with digs, like us, there are walks on the doorstep. A large woods next to the site was a wonderful space for our dog to explore off the lead. There were lots of streams to keep him interested all week!
For those, like me, who are interested in the green credentials of where they stay, will find the lodges themselves seem to be eco friendly. They seem to keep warm forever, so I can only imagine are very well insulated. They’re powered by individual eco friendly heat pumps and there looks to be power generated in the old mill race, although I’m not sure if that feeds the site or surrounding area.
I’ve previously posted how well equipped, clean and modern the lodges are so I won’t repeat myself.
There’s 9 lodges on site (I think), all well spaced with ample parking. All of them seem to be the same size with a couple of different configurations.
We like to keep fit whilst away and so we got in touch with Cascades at The Whitewater Hotel. They did us a membership for a week for the two of us for £50. They have good spa facilities (I had a massage there which was good) and an adequate gym. They have squash courts and a table tennis room too. It takes less than 5 mins to get to Cascades in the car.
The only way I think things could be improved is by having secure bike storage at the lodge as the area is superb for on and off-road cycling. I’ve done both here previously and the roads are much quieter than the tourist hotspots. The owner said it’s something she’s looking in to, so watch this space!
The weather wasn’t great for our trip but we still have really enjoyed ourselves and we will be back!!!
Reviewed by Stuart5.0★Oct 2025
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"Beautiful lodge in a peaceful quiet location."
Scrupulously clean and the welcome pack was a nice touch. Massive comfy beds with quality linen and towels, lovely walk in showers with heated flooring.Kitchen was nice and modern and had everything you could need. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Ian5.0★Oct 2025
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"We had a fantastic time at the Lodge, would highly recommend."
Has everything you would need.
It was spotlessly clean and cosy, with many fantastic things to do close by.
Reviewed by Melanie5.0★Sep 2025
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"We had a fantastic and restful stay at the Blackthorn Copse."
The cabin is clean and well kept and good amenities. I should have booked a week instead of 5 days as we didn’t want to leave. We will definitely go back. Also, Sarah is such a lovely host. She went her way to provide us an extra electric fan as it gets hot at night. We could have settled opening the windows but there are bugs( fruit flies) flying through.
One suggestion though is to deep clean the shower head( big one) in the king size bed. My husband was having a shower and he looked up and noticed that there are black mold/ mildew.
Reviewed by Jennelyn5.0★Aug 2025
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"A really well stocked and maintained cabin set in a beautiful rural and historically interesting estate."
The grounds were well maintained with an emphasis on keeping the area looking unspoilt and natural.
Many interesting walks and picturesque villages within a short drive. The motor museum is well worth a visit.
Reviewed by John5.0★Jun 2025
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"I've stayed before on this beautiful site before, my son lives in the village and it is an ideal location for me."
Reviewed by Angela5.0★Mar 2025
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"Our second and equally amazing stay at Blackthorn Copse."
A very peaceful part of the lake district located a short drive from the tourist hotspots. But you probably won't bother as there's walks on your doorstep and a lovely river running through the grounds. The owners are always on hand to provide any help and we will return again in the not too distant future.
Reviewed by Stuart5.0★Feb 2025
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"I've stayed in the lakes for many years and this is my favourite place."
Peace and quiet but close enough to everything. Gorgeous accommodation and pet friendly. We've just booked again for next year
Reviewed by Stuart5.0★Oct 2024
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"Lovely little lodge in a great, secluded area."
Very well equipped, clean and presented extremely well.
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Sep 2024
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"The lodge was set in a beautiful peaceful location within short driving distance to the local attractions."
The accommodation was to a very high standard with everything supplied to ensure a cosy and comfortable stay. The provided welcome pack was a lovely touch.. even the dog got some goodies!
Only one suggestion to improve stay would be a safe fenced in area to allow dogs some off lead time. Otherwise I wouldn’t change a thing. We will definitely recommend and hopefully return soon
Reviewed by Clare5.0★Aug 2024
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"Lovely property finished to a high standard."
Very quiet and peaceful. Definitely one to consider if visiting area with your furry friend.
Reviewed by David5.0★Aug 2024
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"It was delightful, everything was really good quality, beds and bathrooms were amazing and thought of everything."
Very peaceful. Would definitely return.
Reviewed by Alison4.0★Jun 2024
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"What an amazing place."
We have been lucky to stay in plenty of places across the Lakes District and Blackthorn is definitely up there with the best. The location is great for exploring the south lakes and the owners have done a great job of not making it to large with only about 10 lodges on-site which has helped to keep it quite, peaceful and nature at the heart of it. We will definitely be back soon.
Reviewed by Robin5.0★May 2024
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"The property was outstanding and the hosts very welcoming and informative."
Sadly for our stay the weather was not as impressive but we will definately be looking to return again
Reviewed by Amanda4.0★Dec 2023
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"Had a lovely stay at Blackthorn copse."
Would definitely return. The lodge was beautiful and the surroundings were so peaceful.
Reviewed by Emma5.0★Oct 2023
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"Blackthorn Copse is without a doubt the nicest of any accomodation we have stayed in, the lodge is beautiful and sparkling clean."
The park is very quiet with no noise or light pollution, if you're lucky enough to have a clear night the stars are amazing. Plenty to do in the surrounding area, take a ride on the steam train or a trip up the lake on the steam boat, hire paddle boards or kyaks and of course plenty of walks. The lodge was beautiful with lots of space, the bedrooms are large and both have en-suite showers. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need. The small touches like coffee pods, tea bags, sugar, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, milk, dishwasher tablets and bin bags are all things that you might not think are important but they are and it was a lovely surprise to fine a bottle of wine cooling in the fridge! The little things like that are the things that make the difference. Unfortunately the pub was closed while we were there but there are plenty of other places to go. The only small thing I would suggest is putting a gate on the outside space. It's fine for adults but if you have small children or dogs they could easily get out and with the river being literally meters away it could be dangerous, apart from that our stay was very enjoyable and I would definitely not hesitate to book this again.
Reviewed by Audrey5.0★Oct 2023
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"On arrival we where more than happy, the place is beautiful with lovely natural surroundings."
The owner txt me and said if we needed anything to let them know. I told her the place was amazing and we where very pleased. We went with my parents and 2 dogs. Unfortunately my mum came in from walking the dog on our second day and lost her footing on the front steps as it was dark outside and the steps are dark grey stone with no end step definition so are basically camouflaged. My mum broke her foot which obviously spoilt the holiday. Also like other reviews stated there is an outside space, but no gate so you let young kids or dogs outside. We had to block the gap up with the outside chairs and noticed others doing the same, so then you obvs had no chairs to sit outside and you cant relax with the french doors left open when its hot. The most upsetting part was I txt the owner to advise them of the step and that my mum broker her foot and she never even once asked me how she was, when to be fair we could of sued her as there was no suitable lighting and obv dangerous. We had 2 hospital visits and the extra cost and time of sourcing and paying for a mobility scooter so we could still get out. Lucky for them, my mum is to nice to take it any further.
Reviewed by June2.0★Sep 2023
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