Review: Jennifer O’Shea
Wenningdale Escapes overlooks the Three Peaks in Yorkshire and features a collection of high-end pods and lodges, all of which are nestled around the highly regarded Bentham Golf Course. Wenningdale’s locations has to be one of the most picturesque in the UK, surrounded by the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. You can choose to enjoy the peaceful tranquility or partake in a range of readily available activities such as walking, cycling, golfing and fishing. Dogs are also welcomed here and are well looked after by the team.
Wenningdale Escapes is a family-owned business that includes Bentham Golf Club and a collection of luxury lodges and pods. The pods are compact but decked out in sleek décor and take the word ‘glamping’ up a few notches. Kitted out with everything you need for a UK mini-break; double bed, sink, fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities and bathroom with shower. There are three lodges available for rent and also lodges available for private purchase, with the owners telling us they plan to expand and build more. Lodge owners can rent them out and it would be managed by the team at Wenningdale.
We stayed in Wennsleydale Lodge, the largest of the 3 lodges for hire. Sleeping 8 people, this is a perfect pick for families. There are four bedrooms; 2 doubles and 2 twins. Two Bathrooms and large open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. Sliding patio doors lead to a generously spacious enclosed decking with far reaching views of the golf course, lakeland fells and Ingleborough.
“The lodges are fully equipped with all the essentials for your holiday, including bed linen and towels, with nothing extra to pay for your utilities when you leave. Included in the lounges are TVs with DVD players and free view TV channels. “
Food is served daily in Wenningdale’s 1922 Bar and Kitchen, or you can pop down the hill to the quaint village of High Bentham, which is home to some great Yorkshire pubs; The Black Bull, The Horse and Farrier, and The Coach House, all of which serve home-made food at very reasonable prices.
The golf course has been extensively renovated since its purchase in 2009, and local golfers informed me it is often described as the ‘Augusta of the Dales’. There is also an eight-bay driving range next to the first hole if you wish to partake in some practice on your swing. Green fees start at £12.50 with a discount fee for those staying in one of the pods or lodges.
For a family day trip, we visited White Scar Cave which the kids found really exciting and the stalectites, stalacmites and natural rock formations are definitely worth the nature walk from the bottom of the hill to the cave entrance. Tickets cost £10.75 and all trips, which last 80 minutes, are with a guide.
Wenningdale Escapes is truly situated in a picture perfect location, the lodges are luxe, the views are dreamy and the pods are like mini boutique hotel rooms. This is place you’ll visit and definitely return to.
Wensleydale Lodge from £875 for 4 Nights.
For more information, go to www.wenningdale.co.uk