People say that first impressions can be misleading and, yes, that can sometimes be the case. But in my experience, they’re generally an accurate sign of what one can expect when it comes to choosing a hotel, B&B, apartment or, in this case, holiday park.
Arriving at White Cross Bay on the banks of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, I strolled in to Reception to be greeted with a smile and information pack bursting with maps, vouchers and information on places worth visiting during my stay. This warm welcome extended beyond the reception desk, too. Throughout my family’s week-long adventure at the park (one of six formerly owned by South Lakeland Holidays but now under the ownership of Park Resorts) in the northwestern corner of England, we were made to feel valued and wanted.
There are five types of accommodation at White Cross Bay, ranging from standard caravans to superior plus lodges (both sleep four to six people). I visited with my wife and two children, aged five and eleven, so we chose a two-bedroom superior lodge. With a parking bay right outside the lodge – always a major plus point, in my opinion – it was a pleasant surprise to unlock the door and see such a tidy, spacious and contemporary holiday lodge waiting for us.
The lodge’s well designed, open-plan layout afforded us plenty of room to relax. The walk-in wardrobe, attached to the main bedroom, was very useful for storing not only our clothes but bags, suitcases and the rest of the paraphernalia, which tends to accompany us on trips. Two bathrooms were a benefit, too, but is it only me who wishes manufacturers of lodges and caravans would consider adding a few hanging pegs and shelves. Still, it’s only a little niggle.
I must admit, I’m not someone who likes the thought of being tucked away in a forest so dense that the sun struggles to penetrate. We get so little sunshine, it seems, that I like to enjoy the blue skies and feel the warmth of the sun’s rays. Often, wooden lodges and treed areas go hand in hand when it comes to designing holiday parks but I’m glad to say that at South Lakeland Parks, thought has been given to layout. Like many of the lodges, ours had trees dotted around, but not to the point where the sky was replaced by a canopy of green. Here, thought has been given to the positioning of lodges: instead of uniformed lines of units, the majority are positioned at different angles, making for a more attractive site.
The lodge’s kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed cooking our own meals and, on those occasions when the weather behaved itself, eating at the outside table. But when we didn’t fancy preparing our own tea or eating out at nearby Bowness or Ambleside, both just a couple of miles away, we enjoyed tasty and relatively cheap meals at the park’s Flying Boat restaurant or picked up a pizza at the on-site takeaway.
© Steven Barber Photography Ltd 2007.
After spending the day walking fells, strolling around picturesque villages or simply exploring the beautiful countryside, it was great returning to White Cross Bay to enjoy a relaxing evening and make the most of the park’s facilities. The heated swimming pool, children’s play area and multi-use games area were particularly popular with my children – and most other people’s, too. Hollie, my daughter, had just acquired her first tennis racket so once the avid footballers had left the games area, we’d took to the court!
Overall, the park’s amenities provide you with everything you’ll need during your stay. There is a shop, launderette, picnic area, gym, sauna and free wi-fi; and being that the site nestles on the shores of Lake Windermere, take an evening stroll down to the water’s edge.
Even though the park has lots to offer and the wooden lodges are comfortable and relaxing, no one must come to the Lake District without exploring what the region has to offer – and this is where your voucher booklet (found inside your welcome pack) becomes invaluable. Among the money-saving offers are 10% off an Ullswater steamer cruise, which is highly recommended, 10% off a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, free child admission with a paying adult at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at nearby Bowness-on-Windermere and two-for-one entry to the pencil museum in Keswick.
Somewhere you won’t need a voucher is Brockhole Visitor Centre, just a short walk from the park. Here, there are free exhibitions, an indoor soft play area, café and adventure playground – which my kids love and always enjoy visiting whenever we’re in the Lakes. The grounds, running down to the edge of Windermere, are beautifully maintained and a perfect place to relax and unwind. New to Brockhole in 2012 is the Treetop Trek, where you can, as the website says, “swing, climb, balance and fly your way through 250-year-old oak trees” as you negotiate the 35 exciting treetop challenges.
Situated on the main Windermere to Ambleside road, White Cross Bay Holiday Park is conveniently positioned for exploring any part of the Lake District. One of our favourite day trips is to enjoy an ice cream while strolling along the water’s edge at Waterhead, pop into the pretty town of Ambleside for a little shopping, explore the picturesque village of Grasmere before driving out to our favourite lakes: Buttermere and Crummock Water, to the west. Yes, they can be honeypot sites but once you’ve donned your walking boots it’s surprising that you don’t have to walk far on one of the many footpaths before you’re away from others and can enjoy the serenity of this luscious spot.
Our week rushed by and before long we were heading back down the M6. White Cross Bay Holiday Park is an ideal base for families, but there are other parks worth considering. such as the quieter Limefitt, situated in Troutbeck Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District. Outside the National Park, Todber in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley and Regent and Ocean Edge at Morecambe Bay offer something different.
We enjoyed our time at White Cross Bay and will certainly be back – or perhaps we’ll try out one of the other parks. But which one do we pick…perhaps we’ll put the names in a hat because they all have their own individual attractions.
Further information:
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
Ambleside Road
Windermere
Cumbria LA23 1LF
Tel: 0344 335 3570 or visit www.park-resorts.com