Choose comfort at Headlands Lodge for a great countryside break

Arriving at Headlands Lodge

Headlands Lodge is a lovely family-run spot with 6 lodges, a fishery, a farm and a coffee shop. The lodges are on the banks of their picturesque lakes so it is ideal for a retreat or as a relaxing secluded country break. It’s located near Romsey and the New Forest so brilliant countryside location and it’s close to Paultons Park, a 6-minute drive away, voted one of the most popular UK theme parks for families.

It’s nice and secure for families as access is via a keycode on the front gate to the location and you get your code in advance for the keybox for your lodge.

As we drove down the gravel lane, the sight of chickens excited the kids. The chickens didn’t sprint away, quite the opposite; as we stepped out of the car the chickens came over to say hello! The kids ran up to our lodge to explore more and we were all instantly impressed by the quiet location and bird song. In the kitchen on the breakfast bar was a welcome hamper with bread and eggs from the friendly chickens, as well as orange juice and milk in the fridge.

The lodges

They have six in total, ranging from larger lodges for families to smaller ones, perfect for couples, or even those fishing as they also have a fishing spot right in front of them. 

This certainly feels like a step up from glamping with cosy interiors and well-decorated interiors, each one with its own unique flavour. For example, Robin Lodge is adorned with suitably themed paintings on the walls and robin mugs. We stayed in Oak Lodge, which is the largest of their lodges, and it features a lovely kitchen and lounge area with sliding doors to the terrace. A bedroom with bunk beds for the kids, a main bedroom with double bed and woodland views, and bathroom.

The kitchen is fresh and has all the mod cons and utensils you need so no need to bring them from home. They also have a firepit outside in the grass garden area for the lodge with some logs supplied for your first BBQ if you decide to get grilling.

One of the highlights is, of course, the terrace which has lovely lakeside views and plenty of visiting wildlife from herons to an array of birds.

Things to do at Headlands 

Well first of all, it’s always good to have a TV in your accommodation when you’re with kids, but I’d be surprised if you are switching it on much as there is plenty to do on-site, primarily in the great outdoors. Relaxing on the recliner seats or hammock style seat of the balcony, a walk around the fishing lakes, finding the woodland adventure playground, being entertained by the chickens, or running around and playing some sports and games on the large open grass field opposite the back of the lodges – so much to do or just relax and read. 

They also have the ‘lodge shed’ which is a small wooden shed along the lane to the lodges which is great fun for the kids to open up with a keycode that you can find in your lodge and peak what’s inside. You will find a range of board games for all ages, books, and toys you can borrow to enjoy in your lodge, which we certainly did.

Things to do around Headlands 

No shortage of things to do around Headlands, of course, the New Forest is a playground of activities for families. Our choice for the weekend was visiting Exbury Gardens, a stunning 200-acre woodland, gardens, and steam train by Beaulieu, you can read more on our visit here – https://ourhampshire.com/a-world-of-colour-visiting-exbury-gardens-at-springtime

I went for a great morning run around the village from the lodge, which you could also do as a walk. 

it’s around 3.5-4K and takes in lots of beautiful countryside scenes including quiet country lanes, paths by farmland, wild garlic woodland and streams. It’s a bit muddy and paths and not buggy friendly etc but easy for an active family. 

I’ve attached the Strava route, but the route is…park up at headlands overflow car park, walk out of the drive and turn left, walk until pavement runs out on left you see a wooden footpath sign, walk until you reach Hackleys lane and swing a left and then reach Church of St Margaret of Antioch where you go right past it and find the footpath sign again and then walk through the woodlands, stream and by a vineyard and then you reach foxes lane, swing a left and then left again when you reach Romsey road. 

Alex and Alex, the owners of Headlands can also organise or recommend things like..walking, horse riding, cycling routes, tennis information, exercise classes, massage possibilities, local attractions, pubs, restaurants, fishing at their fishery.

Headlands Farm Coffee Shop

They have a wonderful coffee shop the general public can visit on-site. It’s also a family-run spot which is always a plus over chains. 

This nice test valley spot has a colourful green garden which is a peaceful place to sit and enjoy a drink and some cake which overlooks apple trees

We enjoyed some nice coffees of course, and some tasty brekkies which included smashed avo on toast and a full English with local produce and eggs from their chickens on the farm. They also serve up light lunches and our fave new Forest ice cream with the Forest also on the doorstep. 

Headlands Farm Coffee Shop West Wellow, Romsey Rd, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6BG

Summary

Whether it’s a mini staycation for locals in Hampshire like a family break, or even a break away from the kids for parents, a romantic getaway, or those visiting Hampshire to explore the New Forest or nearby Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, it’s a perfect alternative with character to a hotel or bed and breakfast.

Prices start from £95 a night in the low season to £180 in the high season – Any bookings made before the end of April reference ‘ourhampshireApril’ to receive a £20 voucher for their coffee shop.

For more info and bookings – visit their website www.headlandsfarm.co.uk,

If you need more glamping inspiration, head this way! Or check all accommodation posts here.