The Family-Friendly Lakeside Cabins For A Cosy Getaway
It’s no secret that the Cotswolds is home to a wealth of charming hotels, but for a really magical experience, you need to visit The Lakes by YOO. Home to an exclusive 850-acre sustainable estate, stunning apartments and cabins, and breathtaking views over the lakes at every angle, this countryside getaway is destined to impress.
Having recently returned from a trip with my energetic tribe of five young children for a weekend break, this luxury lakeside haven is a paradise for families, offering an abundance of activities to keep children entertained from the moment you arrive. Here’s why we fell in love with it…
The Location
If there’s one thing you’ll fall in love with at The Lakes by YOO, it’s the location. A collaboration between property developer John Hitchcox and celebrated designer Philippe Starck, it’s unlike other accommodations in the Cotswolds.
Set in the expansive estate, located just outside of the market town of Lechlade on Thames, the cabins, apartments and homes almost feel at one with nature. Expect to be surrounded by endless lakes and billowing woodlands waiting to be unearthed.
The lakeside development seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with a charming log cabin feel, with every interior design-led home looking out over the lakes. It’s cosy brimming with rustic charm that complements the beautiful views.
The Lakes By YOO’s USP
While I’m itching to sneak off here for a romantic getaway, the real pull for Lakes by YOO is its ability to make families and groups feel at home. Finding somewhere to keep the children entertained for hours on end is nigh impossible, but with so many activities created with kids in mind, it was easy.
Peel them away from their game consoles for the weekend and embark on adventures big and small, from canoeing across the lakes to swinging from the treetops at the activities tower.
If you manage to escape from the mayhem for an hour or two – or come without the kids entirely – The Lakes by YOO’s spa has a serious wow factor. You’ll uncover a lengthy 17-metre pool, gym area and airy treatment rooms. The team has also partnered with supermodel and COSMOSS founder Kate Moss to offer special retreats, while skincare specialist Dr Barbara Sturm offers a variety of signature facials that are so good they’ll send you to sleep.
This serene setting is a haven for parents seeking a relaxing escape while also being a haven for children.
The Apartments
We were very lucky to stay two nights in one of the three-bedroom apartments overlooking the lakes. While there were seven of us staying, it was airy and light, and we had plenty of room to move around without feeling like we were on top of one another.
The apartments are modern, spacious and totally secluded from one another, which definitely helps when you have five kids in tow! They are also self-catering, equipped with a kitchenette area and even a BBQ outside on the lakeside deck. In between our busy activity schedules, we happily spent our hours gazing out over the lakes from our decking before curling up in front of the log burner at night time.
Both the living area and bedrooms boast giant floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to soak up the surroundings and views without any distractions.
Each lodge can also come with paddle boards and a kayak for an additional charge, meaning you can hop out onto the lake whenever you want. Plus there’s also a table tennis and croquet set available, perfect for keeping the children happy.
Things To Do
Whether you’re after water sports, a round of tennis or fancy testing your balancing skills on the high ropes, there are so many activities for all ages to get involved with.
For our kids, the highlight of the stay was undoubtedly the zip wire that stretches across the serene lakes. Watching the children zip across the water was so memorable, they were endlessly entertained. At the activities tower, there’s also a climbing wall, high ropes, a power fan and a trapeze for little adrenaline lovers to get involved with – ours loved challenging one another when it came to racing up the climbing wall the quickest.
There’s no better way to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your family.
In the warmer months, I can imagine spending a whole afternoon canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding along the calm waters and watching the world go by – pure blissfulness.
If you’re more into sporting activities, fear not as The Lakes by YOO has two tennis courts, a full-size cricket net, a golf practice net, football goals and a jogging trim trail with outdoor gym equipment around the estate.
Not forgetting the inside gym, spa with swimming pool, fishing and nature walks around the estate’s woodlands. During the holiday season, there’s a kids club for little Lakes’ explorers to busy themselves with, while you soak up the spa or relax by the lakes.
Food & Drink
While the accommodation (except the rooms) are self-catered, The Lakes Bar & Kitchen is well worth visiting. Set inside a tepee-style building complete with rustic interior design, the space, as you would expect, looks out over the lakes. Cosy into one of the velvet armchairs or grab a bigger group table and enjoy seasonal dishes.
Brunch is available from 9am through to 3pm, serving up the glasses like eggs florentine and full English breakfasts, while the all-day menu boasts dishes including cheeseburgers, chicken caesar salads and crispy duck carnita tacos.
We stayed over a weekend and enjoyed a hearty Sunday roast. I opted for the pork belly, piled with crispy roast potatoes, roasted carrots, fresh greens, a giant Yorkshire pudding and rich, meaty gravy. This was the perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn afternoon.
The Verdict
Rich with luxurious amenities, stunning views and packed out with endless activities everyone can enjoy, The Lakes By YOO is a peaceful sanctuary, perfectly tailored for families seeking a hidden escape. Every ounce of the estate has been primed and perfected. From the moment we drove through the entrance, we knew we were in for something special. It’s the type of place that’ll make you revisit time and time again, whether it’s for a whole family break or a romantic getaway.
The team at The Lakes by Yoo are warm and welcoming, always ready to assist with a smile. Whether you need assistance with a special request or recommendations for nearby attractions, they are happy to help make your stay all the more enjoyable.
Getting There
It’s about 90 minutes from London by car but it is well worth the visit for an unforgettable weekend away with the kids or to sneak off as a couple. If you’re travelling by car, it’s easily accessible via the M4 or via M40 from Birmingham. All properties on the estate have two or more car parking spaces available. For those travelling by train, the nearest mainline station is Swindon followed by a 30-minute taxi journey to the retreat.
Bookings & Rates
Rates start from £1,050 per night for a three-bedroom lakeside apartment. For more information and details, head to thelakesbyyoo.com