Lodge Country Cafe - Rutland

Easy access to the site – use the left hand entrance which leads directly to a large car park. Unusually there is both a Camping Caravan CS and a Caravan Motorhome Club CL on the same site. The entrance to both are clearly marked as you enter the car park – the entrance to the CL is on the right as you enter The Lodge Trust car park follow the clearly signed directions which lead you onto the CL field. The entrance to the CS is straight ahead then turn left to enter the CS field. The main difference between the two sites is that the CL has 5 large hardstanding pitches with large lawned areas to relax once set up whereas the CS pitches are on grass. The CL hardstanding pitches have 16 amp electric hook up points, are all flat and level and each are clearly marked with posts and pitch numbers. When we made our reservation we were allocated a pitch which we found to be excellent, both in space as well as being easy to access, even for a large twin axle caravan. The CL is very attractively laid out, with flower and shrub borders as you enter the CL field. There is also a wooden gate leading onto an adjacent playing field plus a gravel path which takes you around the perimeter of the field – good for a stroll before turning in for the evening! Within the grounds there is a café with inside outside seating plus an information point and book exchange which are in the same building. A separate building contains a laundry (limited open times) and where the Elsan and recycling bins are situated. There are also wooden chalets for hire – ideal for those members who have family and friends who do not own a caravan or motorhome. We found the staff to be very pleasant and helpful and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the site and we will no doubt return at some future date. Finally local attractions include a number of very attractive villages with thatched houses, flower displays etc. For those who like cycling and walking, Rutland Water is only a short distance (bike hire available) plus the area is surrounded by many quiet lanes and bridleways in which to explore.

We had been to visit the Herb Centre at Thistleton and saw signs for the Lodge decided to go back to have some lunch what a good decision. The ethos and welcome in the café was superb and as well as absolutely delicious food it was lovely to see the mix of residents and volunteers working with each other with absolute respect and kindness. The mushroom soup and scones were delicious and the tiffin was a real treat. Lovely surroundings thank you an absolute pleasure. Also some lovely items of craft work for sale including jams and pickles.

The service here was very good and the food was perfect for a nice lunch with the family which wasnt very expensive either in a nice area.

Having stayed in one of the lodges it was the most relaxing place with beautiful scenery, popped across to the cafe in the morning for breakfast and always felt welcome. Staff were friendly and nothing was too much bother. The lodge, cafe and country park are all accessible making it a great place for me and my family to come to. We have visited many times now and look forward to every visit we make. The park is great for the grandchildren to play in, it is away from roads and the car park is a distance away so it is a lovely place for smaller members of the family too. Just great for the whole family, while you are enjoying a coffee and a slice of cake or food in the sunshine on the benches, the children are off playing on the park and you can keep an eye on them, relaxing and very enjoyable.

Friendly, welcoming and relaxing. I have been coming here for a few years now and everything is fantastic. The food, the service, the people, the staff and the actual cafe. As it is part of a country park there is a lovely walk around the grounds AND a fantastic play park for the children with equipment for all ages including a zip wire, football goal, swings and accessible play equipment (swing and basket swing). The cafe is accessible and just a lovely environment. If you have a large of small appetite they have something on the menu for everyone with scrummy specials and delectable cakes and treats, the menu has a lot of variety and the food is top notch. They offer Christmas dinners in December which again is beautiful and much looked forward to by many. They hold annual events, my favourite being the May Fun Day which has traditional events like welly wanging and coconut shy. One of my favourite places to visit for a drink, food and to relax in lovely surroundings.