United Kingdom
, Stoke on Trent 
Aaron
Very disappointing stay – major issue with trains
In hindsight, I wish I had paid more attention to previous reviews before booking.
The biggest issue by far is the railway line immediately next to the lodges. Trains pass extremely frequently, including late into the night and again early in the morning. Sleep was significantly disrupted for the whole family. There is no clear indication on the listing of just how close the lodges are to the tracks, and had this been properly disclosed, I would not have booked.
The lodge itself felt very tired and dated. While it didn’t appear filthy at first glance, cleaning standards were poor — walking around barefoot left our feet black, suggesting the floors had not been properly mopped.
There was also a persistent unpleasant smell within the property, and the en-suite toilet produced a strong odour after use, suggesting an unresolved drainage or backflow issue. Looking back at older reviews, this does not appear to be a new concern.
Communication before arrival was also frustrating, with repeated chasing required for payment and check-in information.
Overall, the stay was just “meh” — not completely awful, but certainly not relaxing, comfortable, or good value for money. The constant train noise and condition issues completely undermined the countryside experience being advertised.
Would not stay again.
In hindsight, I wish I had paid more attention to previous reviews before booking.
The biggest issue by far is the railway line immediately next to the lodges. Trains pass extremely frequently, including late into the night and again early in the morning. Sleep was significantly disrupted for the whole family. There is no clear indication on the listing of just how close the lodges are to the tracks, and had this been properly disclosed, I would not have booked.
The lodge itself felt very tired and dated. While it didn’t appear filthy at first glance, cleaning standards were poor — walking around barefoot left our feet black, suggesting the floors had not been properly mopped.
There was also a persistent unpleasant smell within the property, and the en-suite toilet produced a strong odour after use, suggesting an unresolved drainage or backflow issue. Looking back at older reviews, this does not appear to be a new concern.
Communication before arrival was also frustrating, with repeated chasing required for payment and check-in information.
Overall, the stay was just “meh” — not completely awful, but certainly not relaxing, comfortable, or good value for money. The constant train noise and condition issues completely undermined the countryside experience being advertised.
Would not stay again.
