Our Guide to Choosing a Luxury Lodge Park

We can all agree that buying a holiday lodge is a big decision. 

Unlike booking a holiday for a week or two, lodge ownership is about finding somewhere you can genuinely see yourself returning to time and time again.

That means there’s more to consider than the appearance, size or specification of the lodge itself. 

The location, holiday park, surrounding attractions, the type of breaks you enjoy and how easy the lodge is to reach from home can all influence whether your lodge becomes a place you use regularly, or somewhere that sits empty for most of the year.

If you’re currently looking at lodges for sale or struggling to decide where you would like your holiday home to be, we’ve listed five key things to consider before you make your choice.

5 Things to Think About Before Buying a Holiday Lodge

1. Choose a Location You’ll Want to Keep Visiting

If you ask us, the most important thing to consider is location.

It can be tempting to choose a destination because you’ve enjoyed one memorable holiday there, but lodge ownership is different.

You need to ask yourself whether you’d still enjoy visiting the area several times a year.

The ideal lodge location should give you enough variety that you don’t feel as though you’ve exhausted everything after a handful of visits.

If you love being by the sea, it doesn’t make sense to choose a countryside retreat.

If you like to be busy, there’s no point choosing a lodge in the middle of nowhere.

For example, Woodside Coastal Retreat offers a very different experience from a countryside lodge retreat. 

Located on the coast of the Isle of Wight, the park combines woodland surroundings with direct access to the shoreline.

This could appeal to you if you want your lodge to be a coastal escape, with seaside walks, island adventures and relaxing by the water forming a regular part of their holidays.

But, not if you want to be surrounded by countryside scenery and outdoor adventures.

2. Think About What’s Around the Lodge

A beautiful lodge is only part of the ownership experience.

Before you buy, look at what you can actually do in the surrounding area. 

A destination with a lot of attractions can keep your holidays feeling fresh and exciting. 

You might spend one weekend exploring a local town, another walking in the countryside and another relaxing at your lodge.

Consider how far you’ll be from beaches, parks, towns, family-friendly attractions, restaurants, pubs and shops.

It’s also a good idea to consider whether there are things to do outside of the busy summer season, as seasonal appeal will give you more opportunities to use your lodge throughout the year.

3. Look Carefully at the Holiday Park

It’s easy to become focused on finding the perfect lodge, and forget to properly research the park it’s located on.

However, the holiday park you choose will become an important part of your ownership experience.

Think about the atmosphere you’re looking for. 

Would you prefer somewhere peaceful, or a park with lots of facilities and activities? 

Do you want somewhere that’s family-friendly, or are you looking for somewhere more focused on relaxation?

Facilities can also make a difference.

For example, Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa offers a woodland setting near the Mendip Hills, with a focus on leisure and wellness. 

Its location near Cheddar Gorge and within easy reach of places such as Wells, Weston-super-Mare and Bristol means owners have lots to explore away from the park itself.

For one buyer, the appeal might be the peaceful woodland environment, but another might be drawn in by the combination of countryside, spa facilities and access to Somerset attractions.

4. Consider How You’ll Actually Use Your Lodge

Before buying, be realistic about how you expect to use your holiday home.

Will you mainly visit for long weekends? 

Do you want somewhere for school holidays with the family? 

Are you looking for a quiet place to relax with your partner? 

Do you imagine spending several weeks there throughout the year?

Your answers can help you to find the location and park that will work best.

For example, if you’re planning frequent weekend trips, accessibility will be important, as a lodge that takes several hours to reach might be less practical for spontaneous breaks.

5. Look at the Long-Term Appeal

Don’t just ask whether you like the destination now, think about whether you can imagine yourself still enjoying it several years from now.

This is especially important if you’re buying a lodge as a long-term holiday home.

Think whether the location has enough variety to keep you interested. 

Are there attractions you haven’t explored yet? 

Can you enjoy different activities in different seasons? 

Would the destination work if your circumstances change?

A location that offers several different types of holiday tends to be the most sensible choice.

So, What Makes a Lodge Worth Buying?

There isn’t one feature that automatically makes a holiday lodge worth buying, it’s the combination of the lodge, the holiday park, the location and the lifestyle that really matter.

A beautifully designed lodge in a destination you rarely want to visit is unlikely to provide the experience you’re looking for. 

Similar, a slightly less premium lodge in an area you love could become the place you look forward to visiting every few weeks.

That’s why taking your time before buying a lodge is key.