Kielder Waterside and Lodges

This is a special place to me and my partner as he recently proposed to me here. Both times we have visited it has been wonderful. We stay in the Aurora Lodge which is always stunning but is more on the expensive side. The reception staff are always friendly and helpful and the facilities / activities available are fantastic. I hate taking a star off what would be a 5 star review however on our second visit one of the rooms in our lodge smelled very strongly of beer. I’m guessing this was from a previous guest but unfortunately it made the room feel unclean. Because of this we opened the window to air out the room not thinking of the repercussions that would come later... When we returned to the lodge the room did smell better but there were hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of midges inside which were set on flying at you whenever you entered the room. The reception staff were very helpful in getting us some citronella candles and midge spray however this didn’t really do anything to combat them, especially as you cannot light citronella candles inside. We couldn’t use the hot tub one night as the midges just descended on us in a swarm so we had to retreat back to the lodge. This is unfortunate as you pay a premium for the lodge with the bigger hot tub but then cannot use it. In the end we had to travel out of the park to get some insect killer spray to manage the sheer amount of them inside the lodge to make it liveable again. So even though the weather was wonderful you couldn’t experience this inside as if you had a door open it would mean the lodge became infested with midges. I think next time we will come in the colder months to avoid midge season but it’s a shame the lodges do not have netting on the windows allowing you to air out the rooms without inviting the insects in. Looking past that though, it is definitely worth a visit! We got to see ducklings and goslings right outside of our lodge which was amazing. The instructor for archery was also fantastic and made us laugh and enjoy our time doing the activity.

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We had a great stay in the Falstone BBQ lodge for a week over Easter. Accommodation was perfect for us and nice little arrival touches are nice and fun. It is a shame alot of trees have been felled due to storms over the past few years but it does not detract from the natural beauty that surrounds you. The lodge park is great but I think we must have been just out of season as a few things we not operating or available e.g. bike hire. We did archery which was well run and had a great instructor. New games room was a hit with us and pool facilities are great for a short swim and play. Only had a meal in the restaurant once which was good but was turned away a few times for drinks as the bar was "full". Not sure how or why we couldn't get a drink and sit on the terrace but did feel like they are missing a trick as they are turning business away. Same with cafe. Doesn't open till 11 which feels like missing out on breakfast trade and more business. Overall it was relaxing and great position for a base to do active activities around kielder like walking, biking and running.

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Just back from visiting over the weekend, we stayed on the campsite touring pitches. We loved the site it has everything you need beautiful views and lovely walks. The staff at reception were really nice, friendly and very helpful. Sadly the pub and restaurant spoilt our stay. On arrival we popped in to see if we could book a table to eat the following night as it was fully booked for that night. We were advised we couldn’t pre-book because we were on the touring site and only people in lodges could book in advance we asked to speak to the manager and he more or less said the same but with a very unsympathetic look on his face. We were also advised if we would like a drink we’d have to sit outside as all the tables were booked bear in mind their wasn’t any customers there at all. We were make to feel like second class citizens. The manager did say that only four tables had been pre-booked (by the lodge tenants) the following evening so we did stand a good chance of getting a table but couldn’t guarantee it. Needless to say we didn’t bother. So if your planning on visiting and staying on the touring campsite take your own food because your money is only good enough in the restaurant if he has no other guests.

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Stayed on the campervan site. I'd recommend the L(ake) pitches - W(oodland) pitches are not as flat. Stunning views, facilities, service, space, and walking / cycling. Even a Prosecco on arrival! Partner had a Swedish Massage. I enjoyed a trail run on a frosty morning. The car park, if you're a day visitor, gives all day in any of the lakeside car parks for £6:50. Just needs a more sophisticated menu in the lakeside bar, and a touch more care in the shower block.

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