If you’re old enough to be reading an article about holidays with kids, chances are you’re old enough to remember Noel’s House Party. When the Saturday night TV ratings winner reached its peak in the late 90s, one enterprising Somerset country estate signed up to become the ‘House’ of the ‘Party’. It proved to be a costly mistake.
The fallout for Cricket St Thomas led to the sale of the hotel, a legal battle with Noel Edmonds and the eventual closure of its safari park.
Now, nearly 15 years on from its brush with Mr Blobby, the next generation of the Taylor family, who own the estate, have transformed it into a peaceful, natural and gimmick-free zone.
We’re staying at Swandown Lodges, a small, intimate collection of luxury lodges at the top of the estate. The exotic animals may have all been re-homed, but the lush green parkland they grazed is still open for exploration, rolling gently down beyond our balcony towards Dorset, and a tiny sliver of blue sea.
There are only seven lodges available for holiday hire, of varying sizes. A few others are privately owned. Ours is one of a row of chalet-style additions, with an upside-down layout that maximises the beautiful view from the It’s quiet here; relaxed and open. There’s a warm, safe indoor pool, a games room and a shed full of new bikes of all sizes. The adventure trail in the woods uses fallen trees to create climbing and balancing challenges for children of all ages, and like everything else here it’s naturally, carefully done.
GETTING THERE
Emily Shelley stayed in Netherhaye Lodge at Swandown Lodges, Somerset, part of the Evermore Lodge Holiday Collection, courtesy of Hoseasons. Accommodation consists of lodges sleeping four to six. A week’s stay at Swandown Lodges starts from £485 and short breaks start from £275. Call 0844 847 1100 or visit www.hoseasons. co.uk
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