Willowfield Lake Cottages, Devon
Baby Toddler & Child Friendly Cottages, Braunton, North Devon
Willowfield Lake Cottages are a complex of 12 single storey cottages a couple of miles from Braunton, North Devon. Set amongst mature trees and shrubs and surrounded by 12 acres of pastureland, the cottages provide an idyllic setting where mown paths meander through wildflower meadows which encircle a tranquil and picturesque one acre lake stocked to challenge the most ambitious coarse fisherman!
Donna, Pete, Ned & Annie visited on behalf of Away with the Kids:
It's the middle of October and I decide that we (me, P, our beautiful soon to be two year old and our delightful 3 month new addition) should get away before the nights really draw in. With some trepidation we pack the car full of ‘stuff' and head to Willowfield Lake Cottage on the North Devon Coast. The location was tranquil yet very close to the amenities and the accommodation was marvellous.
The cottage was impeccably clean, we loved the fact that it felt like brand new, we also loved; the swimming pool, the hotub, both play parks, the walk around the lake, the brilliant space that is the games room and all it contains for all ages, the quiet, the walks at Braunton Burrows , Wendy and Terrys friendliness/helpfulness, the proximity to the supermarket - especially when you realise that you didn't pack both sizes of nappies, the smell of the fresh bedding, very well equipped kitchen, power shower..... it goes on.
After a good rack of the brain the only recommendation I could make and it's a personal one, with a three month old baby would be a bean bag in the swimming pool area to sit the non swimming baby on - that is all … and we had the most glorious middle of October weather - happy days.
We would most certainly visit again.
The Holiday Cottages
All cottages have been recently refurbished and have come equipped with everything you would need, a real home from home. The complex has 12 cottages that can sleep 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests and are decked out with modern fitted kitchens with washer/Driers, Dishwashers, luxurious bathrooms (some whirlpool) with soft fluffy towels and under floor heating. For chilling out at the end of an exhilarating day, all members of the family will appreciate the digital TV with Freeview and DVD players. Treat yourself to a little extra luxury on your holiday and book a cottage that has its own private hot tub and gardens with patio area and/or decking. Enjoy a barmy summer evening around a barbeque or a picnic in the grounds.
Child Friendly Facilities
Within the well maintained grounds there is a lovely indoor swimming pool which is open long hours 9.00am - 9.00pm every day apart from Saturdays( 11.00am ) so that you can enjoy a relaxing dip at the end of the day. With children's shallow area, and baby changing the whole family can enjoy the pools facilities and parents might appreciate the Hot Tub.
For when children need space away from the cottages the games room is just perfect. With table tennis, pool table (coin operated), table football for the older ones and for toddlers there is a dedicated enclosed play area with Wendy house and slides.
Children will find adventure in the fort and play area with climbing frame and swings. Now extended and with an impact absorbing green wood chip base for added safety. And maybe families can pit their wits against each other on the fun outdoor Giant Chess. The 12 acres of grounds offer ample space for football, cricket and other ball games , kite flying or perhaps an evening stroll with the family.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
Quality wooden cots, moses basket, high chairs, bedguards booster seats, changing mats, potties, steriliser units and Z-beds are available free of charge on request. Stairgates are also part of the comprehensive baby equipment supply even though all cottages are on one level, should you benefit from warm weather, external doors can be left open without worrying about your little ones escaping. A range of special kiddies melamine crockery is provided as standard in each cottage together with thoughtful safety extras such as non slip bath mats.
Location and Family Days Out
Braunton is the nearest village approx a 5/10 min drive away so you don't have to go too far for your supplies. The cottage is in a great location for exploring North Devon; Barnstable, Ilfracombe, Exmoor Zoo, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way and Lynton (to name just a few) are all within easy reach and well worth a visit. Nearest to Willowfield Lake Cottages is the 3 golden miles of Saunton Sands beach. Flat sand backed by massive sand dunes, this beach is excellent for surfing and other water sports. It is wheelchair accessible, has a shop, toilets and car park. Ideal for families and couples as Saunton has plenty of space for all. A two minute drive from Saunton Sands beach takes you to the world famous Croyde beach. Croyde is a haven for experienced surfers. With its sandy beach and abundance of rock pools it is also as popular as Saunton Sands for families. Further north is the award winning beach of Woolacombe.
Lasting Impression
Willowfield lake Cottages are ideal for a relaxing family holiday and is a great base to tour around North Devon. For families travelling with little ones please take note that the fishing lake in the grounds is unfenced but is at least 300 mtrs from the cottages. With 5 miles of golden sands and surf nearby and the surrounding nature reserve, this tastefully furnished cluster of attractive and comfortable cottages offer an indoor pool and extensive range of leisure facilities.
Please note that Willowfield Cottages do not do not accept pets at any time.
46 review(s) for Willowfield Lake Cottages
Kathryn, Chris and Luke write on 26 September 2011
Thanks so much for a wonderful weeks holiday, our first one as a family. The cottage is so well equipped and all of the baby stuff that is provided really saves packing space. It was fantastic to have the pool and hot tub which we used every day. The location of the cottages is great and we had some lovely days out despite the weather not being too good! Terry and Wendy it was a pleasure to meet you both and we hope to return in the future x
Janet Keenan & family writes on 03 September 2011
This is our second consecutive holiday at Willowfield Lakes, staying in the same cottage. We loved it. The location and space is stunning. The facilities are second to none with the 'warm' swimming pool, adventure playground, games room and space to play hide and seek! The cottage was exceptionally clean (as was the hot tub and swimming pool), with amazing attention to detail. We will be back next year - for 2 weeks! Many Thanks Wendy and Tony for your warm hospitality.
Sara Howe & family with baby writes on 29 August 2011
We stayed in Robin cottage for a week with our 8 month old baby in August. The cottage was spacious, clean, modern and very well looked after. We were provided with absolutely everything we needed for our holiday including sterilizer and highchair at no extra cost. Wendy and Terry were so friendly and helpful. The pool, jacuzzi and grounds were GORGEOUS and it was just like home from home. The surrounding area was lovely, Croyde being our favourite. We had wonderful time in the area even though it was rubbish weather! We would 100% go back and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Phil, Jo & Ella from Somerset writes on 28 July 2011
We have to say that this was one of the best holidays we have had for a long time - the setting was amazing, so quiet and relaxing. Wendy and Terry are so warm and welcoming and take the time to show you around the cottage giving you all the helpful tips required, mind you the lay out in Swan did not need any explaining and the rooms flow easily. The whole venue was beautifully set out for children, but would equally have suited our needs before our daughter came along! The play room was well stocked with up to date toys for all ages - including the big kid! The swimming pool was used daily from five pm and became a real social hot spot - making new friends and arranging drinks! We have recommended Willowfields to our friends and shall be returning. What a wonderful part of the world to relax away from the busy world of work.
Sarah Mcombe from Surrey writes on 26 July 2011
We have just returned from a wonderful week in Wren Cottage and cant speak highly enough of Terry and Wendy and the excellent setting for our main holiday this yr. Before we even arrived they rang to ask if we needed any extras for our 2.5yr old son (change mats, highchair,steriliser, toliet training seat, cor or bed?) nothing was too much trouble, anything they could do to save boot space. On arrival we were shown our "home" for the week, as previously mentioned, the pictures online really dont do the cottages justice, we had one bedroom as our son doesnt object to sleeping in our room...yet! There was plenty of space for the double bed, single bed, nice wardrobe, chest of drawers and 2 bedside cabinets. The shower in the bathroom was top -Ghrone and had several settings to the head - recommend the massage option. Pretty much evey base is covered in the kitchen, including washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave. As its meant to be summer, the lighter duvets were much appreciated! Terry and Wendy were around if needed but happy to leave us to it, were very quick to replace the blown lightbulb for us. The communal pool and hot tub were a life saver, our son even found a lovely little play friend and very much hope to keep in touch with the whole family. All in all without waffling on...we will be back and wish Terry and Wendy luck in their expansion plans as they are truly wonderful hosts. Dont delay...book now, for all ages, not just families...highly recommend!
Katherine & family from Winchester writes on 21 July 2011
We had a fantastic holiday here. Terry and Wendy have kitted out the cottage to a very high standard and it really does have everything you could possibly want for a family holiday with small children. The pool is great and the games room so handy on a rainy day. The beach is less than 10mins by car and is stunning. We plan to come again next year.
Sarah & Rob Stanton writes on 18 July 2011
We stayed in Swan Cottage in June and had a fab week here. Would recommend it to families as there is everything here for children - a brilliant games room stocked full with books, toys, trikes and much more, a fantastic indoor pool with a jacuzzi, outdoor play areas for younger and older children and a fantastic meadow buzzing with lovely flowers and wildlife with paths cut through which our children loved running through. If you are into cycling or water based activities, it's all right on the door step with the Tarka Trail and some fantastic beaches only a mile or so away. Terry and Wendy were very very helpful and wanted to do anything they could to make our holiday as perfect as it could be. The only thing my husband and I found ourselves wanting was salt (Terry to the rescue within 5 minutes) and an extra week of course. It really was a brilliant place and I would completely recommend a stay in this beautiful part of the world.
The Somerville Family writes on 14 July 2011
We had a fantastic holiday at Willowfield Lake Cottages. The cottage was immaculate and had everything we needed to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Our kids (aged 9 and 6 years) had a brilliant time and said it was the best holiday they have ever had. There was loads to do onsite with the swimming pool, play areas and games room (not to mention the acres of space in the well kept grounds for walks and games). There is also loads to do in North Devon itself which we really enjoyed. Willowfield Lake Cottages are really well placed for easy access to so many family attractions and beaches nearby which was great. Normally our kids ask to go to theme parks when we are on holiday but this year was the first time they didn't ask to go as there was so much else to do. Wendy and Terry were fantastic and nothing was too much trouble for them. Normally we go somewhere different each year, but as we enjoyed ourselves so much this year we plan to return to Willowfield Lake Cottages again next year.
Stuart Akers writes on 11 July 2011
This was our second consecutive holiday visit to Willowfield Lake, staying again in Swallow cottage with our 2.5yr old son and my folks joined us this time also hiring the cottage next door. The cottages are immaculate and have everything you need, Terry & Wendy are the perfect hosts and really nothing is too much trouble for them. We thought we'd attempt using the break as the time to move our son out of a cot into a bed, after a bad first night Terry & Wendy came to the rescue quickly assembling a cot and turning the room round - Needless to say our son then decided he didn't want the cot the next night & spent the rest of the week in his 'cosy' bed!! The location is fantastic, just a short drive from Saunton Sands beach and then a few more miles along the coast to Croyde and our favourite Putsborough Sands which when you arrive early feels like your own private enclave! (you just need to survive the crazy drive down the narrow lanes!!) Braunton the nearest town, again just 5mins in the car has all you need & there is lovely new Tesco's just before you get into town so you can stock up as & when you need. Willowfield has plenty to occupy all ages whatever the weather from the indoor pool and the games room loaded with toys, games, rackets, balls etc to the toddlers play area and the larger playground (which our little bundle of energy loved even if he needed some help!) Swallow & the connecting cottages had the added bonus of private rear gardens which we thought are well worth the extra cost + we also had the hot tub which we were using all the time and the little man loved it also. Terry & Wendy have really thought of everything and are always seeking new ways to improve the holiday experience. Superb accommodation, hosts & location, I'm sure we'll be back for a third year!
The Keeling Family from Solihull writes on 09 July 2011
We have just returned from our 3rd brilliant stay at Willowfield Lake Cottages, once again the cottage was immaculate and very well equipped. Wendy and Terry think of everything to make your stay very comfortable and enjoyable, our little girl Ellie loves the play room and the playground facilities. We are now planning our return next year. Thanks again for a brilliant week!
Anne Register on 26 June 2011
Found Willowfield Lake Cottages by chance on the internet, and we are so glad we did! The cottages are clean, comfortable and have everything you need. The 'little touches' make all the difference. The swimming pool and games room were a perfect antidote to the sometimes imperfect English weather! The children really enjoyed the hot tub as well. Amazing wildlife to see, with a Barn Owl appearing at night! The cottages are perfectly located, near to beaches and many attractions, but very peaceful. Braunton Burrows make a fantastic walk, and the kids loved running/rolling down the very large sand dunes! The local beaches were perfect for our two boys - sea, rockpools, sand - who can ask for more! Terry and Wendy are the perfect hosts - they made our stay wonderful - nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely be going back next year - our next holiday at Willowfield Lake Cottages can't come too soon!
The Willis Family writes on 21 June 2011
This was our second visit to Willowfield Lakes and it was even better than the first! Terry and Wendy were fantastic hosts as always and the cottage was immaculate. The children loved the swimming pool and the games room was fantastic fun for the whole family. With a wonderful location and beautiful weather it was another perfect holiday. We have booked again for next year already! Thank you Terry and Wendy.
Faye Espley & family from Surrey writes on 19 June 2011
What a great find this place is!!! It has everything you can want with a 14 month toddler. A great welcome, all the baby equipment you need, very clean, gorgeous grounds, stunning lake, great play areas, indoors and out, a pool and very close to all the beaches. Our son loved the total freedom he had to run around, hubbie was happy with the fishing and I loved the hot tub. Terry & Wendy are fantastic hosts! The only downside - we couldn't stay longer, we have had one of our best holidays!! We will be back!
Holly Syddall & family writes on 17 June 2011
This was our second stay at Willowfield and we had just as much fun this time around as on our first visit. The cottage was in excellent condition just as the year before, and it was so helpful to have lots of equipment provided for our 18 month old and 5 year old boys (e.g. cot, foot stools, high chair, steriliser). We all enjoyed the grounds, the new and improved games room, and of course the indoor swimming pool so much and of course it was brilliant to be so close to Saunton Sands for lots of beach sessions! We plan to make our third visit to Willowfield next year!
The Hill Family from Paignton, Devon writes on 29 May 2011
This was our second visit to Willowfield Lake Cottages and once again everything was to a very high standard. Cottage was exceptionally clean and well equipped. Swimming pool and spa facilities were perfect for our daughter (age 3). Have already booked for 2012.
Damon Foster from Wales writes on 28 May 2011
I'm just glad I found this place on the web, because it was absolutely perfect for my 20mth old daughter. Excellent condition of cottages and facilities. The pool (warm), games room and grounds are great for toddlers and young ones alike, but don't think it is all family orientated. I could have quite easily stayed here if it was just myself and my wife. Lastly a big thank you to Wendy and Terry for being so nice and friendly.I'm just glad I found this place on the web, because it was absolutely perfect for my 20mth old daughter. Excellent condition of cottages and facilities. The pool (warm), games room and grounds are great for toddlers and young ones alike, but don't think it is all family orientated. I could have quite easily stayed here if it was just myself and my wife. Lastly a big thank you to Wendy and Terry for being so nice and friendly.
Damian, Liz, Benjamin & Lucy writes on 22 May 2011
Had a wonderful time on our second visit. The cottages are lovely and clean and Wendy and Terry go out of their way to accomodate your individual needs. The facilities on site are excellent, ideal for keeping children occupied indoors or outside. The pool and spa is kept immaculate too and is extremely warm and inviting. Cottages are located close to local amenities, beaches and are within 30 minutes drive of many attractions. A superb holiday with or without children, especially if you like fishing, walking, and cycling.
Leanne McClements writes on 22 May 2011
We were so impressed with the quality of the accommodation, the facilities and the beautiful grounds, we didn't want to leave! Willowfield Lake Cottages is an ideal base for families to explore this part of North Devon, with its family-friendly beaches. And the best thing of all - Willowfield is so family-friendly you can leave the cot, high-chair, changing mat, trike and toys at home - amazing! And all for no extra charge. We will definitely be returning next year.
The Donaghy Family writes on 16 May 2011
We had the nicest week in Braunton staying at Willowfield Lake Cottages. Mallard was beautifully presented, extremely clean and to a very high standard. The site is fantastic with all the facilities provided especially the playroom which all the girls loved. We used the pool every day and had it to ourselves. We will definately be returning to Willowfield Lake Cottages and can't recommend it enough.
Tracey, Alan, William and Charlotte writes on 05 May 2011
We had such a wonderful time at Willowfield Lakes that we stayed another night! Terry and Wendy were so welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble for them. The accomodation was great and the site facilities kept our children (7 and 5) occupied all day. I have never enjoyed a holiday so much and yet done so little! There is a lot to do in the vacinity if you want to get out and about but we were content with the lake, the pool, various activites from the games room and trips to the beach. Highly recommended!
Michelle Davies & family from Stevenage writes on 03 May 2011
It was our first holiday as a new family and we had a fantastic time. A friendly welcome and brilliant cottage that had everything we needed to make it home from home! North Devon has loads of places to go with a baby and the cottage grounds have lots to do if you don't want to go out. Our little one enjoyed the pool and we loved the jacuzzi to relax in. Wendy & Terry you are fantastic hosts and it was nice to see you everyday with a friendly 'hello'.
Sean McSorley & family writes on 27 April 2011
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Willowfield Cottages where the accommodation is excellent and the facilities are superb. Terry and Wendy certainly go out of their way to make you feel welcome - and nothing is too much trouble. Have already recommended it to friends and family and look forward to going back.
The Whyleys Family writes on 23 April 2011
We had a wonderful stay at Willowfield Lake Cottages, staying in 'Mallard' we had everything we needed & more, the Hot Tub was bliss. The 'fort' playground was great for the kids and we used the warm & inviting pool everyday. We visited many of the local places of interest and can recommend hiring bikes along the Tarka Trail. It was easy riding and very enjoyable. Overall we had a great stay and wouldn't think twice about visiting again. This was the best place we've stayed in Devon, others could learn alot from Terry & Wendy !
Claire, Damian, Zac (5) & Jake (2) on 23 April 2011
We have just returned from a fantastic week. We had a really relaxing holiday, the cottage was perfect, very clean and had everything we needed for the boys. The pool was great as was the playground and games room. We met some lovely people and Terry and Wendy were perfect hosts. We had some good days out at local beaches which would rival any overseas, the big sheep and the dinosaur park. There are so many places in the world, you should never return to the same one twice, but in this case I think we will be making an exception.
David Hall & family writes on 17 April 2011
Thanks again for a wonderful stay. The cottage was wonderful, and the facilities for the children are excellent. We will be back! Thanks again
Sarah Crowe & family writes on 12 April 2011
I have just returned from a fantastic week at Willowfield Lake Cottages with my husband and two children aged 3.5 years and 8 months. Terry and Wendy were extremely welcoming and very helpful throughout our stay. The cottage was immaculate (as were all the facilities) with a lovely new kitchen and bathroom and the perfect size for a family of four. We loved the setting - beautiful grounds and very peaceful. The facilities are ideal for families - our son loved the pool, the games room and the outdoor play areas. Willowfield Lakes is also ideally situated near to some of the best North Devon beaches. We all had a great time and can't wait to go back again.
Pam McLuskie & Family from Stoke on Trent write on 06 April 2011
What a fantastic place. From the warm
welcome to the fond goodbye nothing could
have been bettered. Our two daughters,
18months and 4yrs were in their element
on the two play areas, in the playroom and
in the pool. The location is great, a short
hop to the beautiful north devon beaches.
We are busy trying to work out when we
can return.
The Hartney Family from Kent writes on 19 March 2011
Just returned from a week in Moorhen, my family also stayed in Mallard for the weekend and I highly recommend both these cottages and site. The cottages were well equipped with everything you could possible need, my daughter has a young child and highchairs, stairgates proper cots all were supplied free of charge. Moorhen has a jacuzzi bath which was lovely to relax in at the end of the day, Mallard has a hot tub which was very nice too.The games room was well equipped with a sectioned off area for younger children with lots of toys which kept the little one happy while the adults played pool and table tennis. The indoor pool and hot tub were lovely and very well heated which was nice.The owners are very welcoming and friendly and nothing was too much trouble with a real attention to detail. Thanks Terry and Wendy we all had a great time and hope to come back again very soon.
Donna & Family from Dorset on 19 January 2011
So. It's the middle of October and I decide that we (me, P, our beautiful soon to be two year old and our delightful 3 month new addition) should get away before the nights really draw in. With some trepidation we pack the car full of ‘stuff' and head to Willowfield Lake Cottage on the North Devon Coast. The location was tranquil yet very close to the amenities and the accommodation was marvellous.
The cottage was impeccably clean, we loved the fact that it felt like brand new, we also loved; the swimming pool, the hotub, both play parks, the walk around the lake, the brilliant space that is the games room and all it contains for all ages, the quiet, the walks at Braunton Burrows , Wendy and Terrys friendliness/helpfulness, the proximity to the supermarket - especially when you realise that you didn't pack both sizes of nappies, the smell of the fresh bedding, very well equipped kitchen, power shower..... it goes on.
After a good rack of the brain the only recommendation I could make and it's a personal one, with a three month old baby would be a bean bag in the swimming pool area to sit the non swimming baby on - that is all.
.....and we had the most glorious middle of October weather - happy days.
We would visit again.
David Downing and family from Paignton on 15 January 2011
Fantastic holiday, brilliant family site. Had great weather and surf cannot wait till next year.
Dad, Pregnant Mum and Toddler from Birmingham writes on 14 January 2011
As our daughter was toddling we sought somewhere safe and child-friendly to enjoy a relaxing week in June of last year near the beach. Whilst there were many places suggesting they were child friendly we chose Willowfield Cottages for a number of reasons and we were not disappointed. The cottage was all on one level (good for a toddler) with all the modern comforts of home, including contemporary furnishings, luxury bathroom, fitted kitchen, complete with plastic plates, bowls and cups for the little ones, plus the use of a cot and highchair. For the adults much of the essentials were provided such as washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, tea towels, cloths, all the things you have to remember and often forget when choosing self catering accommodation! The thoughtfulness of Wendy and Terry is clear to see and this also extends to the outdoors in the provision of Little Tikes climbing frames as well as indoor play with toys for both boys and girls and all ages - great on the odd day of poor weather. The indoor pool was also great for the little ones whilst deep enough for the adults to enjoy, plus a hot tub. Wendy and Terry even loan you the use of a BBQ and with a Tesco a short drive away, you can dine alfresco. Whilst Saunton Sands is lovely we found Puttsborough to be more suitable in that it has flat wet sands (great for pushchairs) and small warm rock pools for the children to enjoy. It is a bit of a steep path down to the beach but there is a slope for pushchairs. Having discovered Willowfields on the net, all that you read and see if what you get and we had a fantastic holiday and look forward to returning this year.
Tony & Andrea on 21 October 2010
Had a great week at Willowfields, Wendy and Terry are great hosts. Swimming pool lovely, had it to ourselves most of the week, lake is beautiful, carp were elusive, means we will have to return and try again!! Wren is lovely and comfortable with all mod cons, a relaxing week. Local area is great with some good walks and cycling to be had, Squires fish and chips in Braunton is a must but give the Chinese a miss! Will definitely be back.
Julie Pettitt writes on 13 October 2010
We had a lovely time at Willowfield Lakes with our two daughters. We stayed in Swallow cottage and were really impressed with how well equiped and how clean it was on arrival. The outdoor play areas, toys and bikes and especially the pool were a huge hit with our two year old who got more and more confident swimming as the holiday went on. There were countless fantastic things to do in the local area - we particulaly enjoyed the sand pools on Woolacombe beach (toddler heaven) and also Lynton and Lynmouth (heaven for people who love eating!!) We very much hope to visit again in the near future.
Maz Elston-Evans and family writes on 05 October 2010
We had a wonderful holiday at Willowfield and our cottage was very well equipped. The grounds were superb, as were the play areas, games room and the fantastic indoor swimming pool. We loved the fact that it was so tranquil and you never felt cramped. The children adored willowfield and are already asking when we can go back. Which we def. will next year. Thank you Wendy & Terry for thinking of everything for young families. We cannot find any fault at all and would highly recommend it to our friends and anyone with young families.
Rosina Chambers from Hampshire writes on 03 September 2010
We booked two cottages for the week - one for my partner my two children, aged 12 and 9 and myself, and one for my ex in-laws and family. When we arrived we were made most welcome and were very pleasantly surprised. We had read previous reviews before we booked and can only say that all were spot on. The cottages are spotless, spacious and very comfortable. Ideally placed, with Tesco's a short drive away, and with ample land for the children to run around and let off steam. My daughter and partner had much success in catching fish from the the lake whilst the rest of us chilled in the idyllic setting, and we have captured some fun moments on camera that will make us smile in years to come. I would strongly recommend a visit to Willowfield Lake Cottages, and we aim to visit again in the future. Many thanks to Terry and Wendy, and their hard work and dedication is evident throughout. The only disappointment was for us to have only booked 1week - we all wanted to stay for much longer!
The Keenan Family from West Midlands writes on 30 August 2010
WOW! The cottage and facilities far exceeded our expectations. The cottage was extremely well furnished with attention to detail; which was great when we had some rainy days. There was even a games compendium - so learned how to play lots of new games. The pool and hot tubs were used on a daily basis - 5* for cleanliness and comfort. We had the pool to ourselves most of the time. We spotted two kingfishers on the lake, which we were really excited about. Spent many an hour walking over the Burrows, where the marines train - our sons thought it was great following the tank tracks. Saunton Sands are just A-MAZ-ING! Already looking to book for next year. Thank you for your warm and friendly hospitality - you'll be hearing from us soon!
The Wainwright Family from Hampshire writes on 31 July 2010
A wonderful week's holiday was spent in Swift Cottage - we really enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the location and Louis had a great time on his first ever holiday! The cottage was beautifully presented and imaculately clean - perfect for a very inquisitive 10 month old. It was great to have baby equipment provided and we made good use of the washing machine! Willowfield's facilities were just right for a family get away and we loved having the pool to ourselves on a number of occasions. We would love to visit you again soon and would happily recommend Willowfield Lake Cottages to anyone, particularly those concerned about the logistics of travelling with and entertaining a baby.
Holly,Rob and Thomas from Somerset write on 30 July 2010
We have two young children and Willowfield Lake Cottages are the perfect venue for our family holidays. The cottages are superbly equipped, attractively decorated, comfortable and very clean. The location is tranquil among the beautiful and unusual landscape of Braunton Burrows but the amenities of Braunton are less than five minutes drive away. Several days of our holiday we didn't even need to leave Willowfield by the time we had all made use of the outdoor play areas, the games room, the walks around the grounds and fishing lake, and of course the fabulous indoor pool and hot tub! When we did go out it was great to be so close to the beaches at Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Crow Point and to be able to drive to them via cunningly quiet back roads! Terry and Wendy were great hosts and were always on hand to help with any queries we may have had either about the cottages or the local area. We loved Willowfield so much that we have already booked to go again next year. We would definitely recommend it as a great holiday venue for familes!
Suzanne and Keith Bown write on 28 July 2010
We stayed at Willowfield Lake Cottages for the May school holidays this year and had a wonderful time. Wendy and Terry were very welcoming and helpful and their beautiful Heron cottage was a delight.
Every home from home comfort you could wish for - clean linen and towels, immaculate surroundings and beautifully kept grounds. Another bonus - the indoor pool. We spent many hours in the pool and hot tub and had the exclusive use on many occassion - which our 3 year old daughter thought was great as she could jump in as much as she wished!!!!
The location of the cottage was perfect - near enough to the beaches and village pubs, but secluded enough to have peace and quiet - we felt truly relaxed.
This was our first holiday with our 8 month old son, who could crawl around the playgrounds safely and make his way to the baby area on his own while we watched from our cottage - knowing he would be safe.
We just cannot fault Willowfield Lake Cottages in any way.
Abigail Dalziel from Derby writes on 18 July 2010
We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at willowfieldlake cottages in July! It was the perfect base for exploring the area around North Devon with the beaches only being 10 minutes away and many other attractions close by. Thankyou to Terry and Wendy for being extremely friendly and helpful during our stay.
We found the cottage very comfortable and tastefully decorated throughout and it was immaculately clean on arrival. It was also well equiped inside-even had plastic plates, bowls and cups for the kids so won't need to pack those next time!
Thomas(3) and Millie(21months) particularly enjoyed the outside space-the toddler playarea was great! And when the weather wasn't so good the indoor playroom was useful with ride-on toys for toddlers and table tennis for adults. Thomas made good use of the indoor pool and we found that most days we had it to ourselves. What made it even better was that it was a peaceful place for adults to get away from the stresses of daily life while the kids were happy.
We will definately be returning and are recommending it to friends and family.
Andrea Treble from Hampshire writes on 05 July 2010
We have just returned from our first visit to Wagtail Cottage, Willowfield Lake Cottages. We only have the highest praises for this child friendly but tranquil holiday site. Beautifully decorated, meticulously maintained and truly great for pre-school children. We have three children under 5 years old, and they were all happy as sand boys here. There is a little toddler playground area, an exciting fort playground for the older chidlren, a well equipped huge games room/indoor play area, plenty of grass for kicking balls about and a lovely warm swimming pool with steps into shallow area for the children & a five seater hot tub. All of the facilities are within sight or near sight of all twelve cottages and cars are in the car park at entrance so no worries re traffic or letting them outdoors on their own. The lake is near enough so you can walk there with buggy or children on the mown paths but far enough away that you have no fears of children falling in. The cottages have some luxurious touches like underfloor heating in the bathrooms and big fluffy towels and well equipped kitchens. Braunton is a five minute drive away for all your food and drink supplies and very easy to reach sandy beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe by car. We honestly can find no faults with Willowfield Lake Cottages and all its facilities and are already planning on returning next year.
Karen White from Surrey writes on 03 July 2010
Myself, my mum and 2 daughters had a most enjoyable week's stay at Willowfield Cottages.
We found the cottage spotlessly clean and spacious and it had everything we needed to make our stay enjoyable.
The girls enjoyed using the pool and the hot tub which was in our backgarden.
We would definately recommend Willowfield Cottages to our friends and relations.
Dawn & Pete Tugwell from Kent writes on 15 June 2010
Really enjoyed our 2 weeks in May, couldn't of wished for a better place to have spent my 50th birthday, the weather was perfect especially for fishing, as usual it didnt take long to unwind and feel totally relaxed, fresh air and lovely lazy days, I'm going to do a spot of bird watching in september hopefully spot a kingfisher, and the barn owl, and a spot of shopping.
Laura Cannon from Hampshire on 12 June 2010
Another fabulous holiday at Willowfield Lake Cottages - we came home already planning our return next year.
It is a fabulous place for a holiday, particularly with young children, as everything is geared up to make everyone enjoy themselves. Even if it rains, there's a lovely warm swimming pool, that you often get all to yourself, and a games room with comfy chairs for the parents and toys and books to borrow. It's a beautiful spot that's so tranquil that some days we just picnicked in the grounds and had a wonderful time without having to pack up the car.
Wendy and Terry couldn't be more helpful. I even got a phone call the day before we left asking if there was anything they could provide to save me packing it. I borrowed high quality highchair, cot, trainer seat, bed guard and changing mat - much more than the usual range on offer at most places. They even lent us a bbq and a bucket and spade.
The cottages are clean, well equipped, and all on one level, so perfect for crawling babies and no need for stair gates. The beds are very comfy too.
The lake is far enough away from the cottages not to worry about toddlers falling in and also far enough away that you can fish in peace away from the family for an hour or two. Having Tesco down the road means you don't have to bring lots of food with you either.
We've done lots of day trips, and there's plenty to do within an hour if you can't go to the beach - which is also a lovely sandy one with a nice cafe.
We can't praise it enough and will definitely be returning for a third year in 2011.
Nigel Reilly from Bradford writes on 06 June 2010
Thank you to Terry and Wendy very much for another magical week in heaven , I have to say this now , they are the best people in charge we have met down there since we started going in 2004 . Hope to bring my brother and family next year too , more nature lovers and anglers !
Neil Starling from West Sussex on 05 May 2010
Thanks for a lovely stay at Willowfield, although we had hoped for more fish we really enjoyed having almost exclusive use of the lake and facilities, although not warm we really had the best of the weather. The standard of the cottages are a credit to the owners as are the upkeep of the grounds and pool, we appreciated the fact that we were able to make use of everything so early on a busy change over day, Matthew commented soon after we got home that he wished we had been able to stay longer.
