Exmoor Lodge Review: A Peaceful Stay at Cotswold Farm Park
Cotswold Farm Park is a popular family-friendly attraction in Gloucestershire, set in the heart of the Cotswolds. Run by farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson, the park is well known for its rare breed animals, hands-on activities and open countryside views. It’s a favourite with families, walkers and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
But did you know you can actually stay overnight at the farm? The park offers a range of accommodation - from basic camping pitches and glamping pods to safari tents and luxury Sunset Lodges. There’s something to suit all types of visitors, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the whole family.
We recently stayed in one of the luxury lodges - Exmoor Lodge, which is part of the Sunset Lodges collection.
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In this post, I’ll share what it was like inside, what facilities were provided and what we enjoyed most about the stay. I’ll also cover what you can expect at the Farm Park and why this type of break could be a great choice if you’re looking for a mix of nature, comfort and convenience.
What Are the Sunset Lodges at Cotswold Farm Park?
The Sunset Lodges are a group of modern, self-catering lodges set on the edge of the Farm Park grounds. They are called ‘Sunset Lodges’ for good reason - each one faces west, offering lovely views of the countryside as the sun goes down. Whether you're sitting outside or relaxing inside, you get to enjoy peaceful rural scenes and big skies.
These lodges are tucked away in a quiet corner of the park, not far from the main visitor area but just far enough to feel calm and private. There’s parking right outside each lodge, and the whole area is easy to access on foot, even in wet weather.
We stayed in Exmoor Lodge, one of the Sunset Lodges. It’s a cosy and well-designed space with everything you need for a comfortable stay. In the next section, I’ll walk you through what it was like inside and what we loved most about it.
What Is the Lodge Like Inside?
Exmoor Lodge felt like a home away from home from the moment we stepped in. It’s designed with comfort in mind, with soft lighting, modern touches and enough space to relax properly. Although it can sleep up to six people and is dog-friendly, it didn’t feel too big for just the two of us. In fact, we really enjoyed having the extra space to spread out and unwind.
The lodge comes with everything you need for a short break. The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, crockery, and utensils-ideal if you prefer to cook rather than eat out.
We especially liked the thoughtful layout and little touches that made the place feel welcoming. With its peaceful views, quiet surroundings and all the comforts you’d expect, Exmoor Lodge is somewhere we would return to in a heartbeat.
Enjoying the Views and Outdoor Space
One of the things we loved most about staying at Exmoor Lodge was the peaceful outdoor space. The lodge opens out onto a private deck with wide views across the Cotswold countryside. It was so quiet and calm - just birdsong, rolling hills and endless sky. The setting is ideal if you’re after a relaxing break where you can slow down and soak in the surroundings.
We made full use of the outdoor BBQ to cook up a simple but tasty dinner, which we enjoyed while sitting out on the deck.
Later, we slipped into the hot tub and watched the light fade across the fields. It was a lovely way to end the day.
Sometimes, animals are let out to graze in the paddocks nearby and you can see them from the lodge. This didn’t happen during our visit, but I can imagine how special it would be to sit outside and watch them wander past.
Visiting Cotswold Farm Park
When you check in to one of the lodges at Cotswold Farm Park, you’re given a guest pass that covers entry to the park for all overnight guests for the full length of your stay. This means you can come and go as you like and visit the park as many times as you wish. We definitely made the most of this and returned several times during our stay.
We didn’t want to miss the animal feeding or chick handling sessions, so we made sure to check the timings each day. These sessions were lovely - especially if you enjoy close-up experiences with animals. The chick handling was a particular highlight for us, and it was nice to see how much care the staff took in explaining things and encouraging interaction.
The park is home to over 50 rare and native breeds, spread across seven different species. We took our time walking around and learning about each one. From Highland cows and White Park cattle to Tamworth piglets, pygmy goats, donkeys, and rabbits - there’s a real mix to see. We also spotted some breeds we hadn’t heard of before, like Golden Guernsey goats and Portland sheep.
Everything is clearly signed, and there’s a good mix of indoor and outdoor areas, so you can enjoy the park whatever the weather. If you’re staying in one of the lodges, I’d definitely recommend planning more than one visit - it’s easy to do when you’re just a short walk away.
Things to Do Nearby
There’s plenty to see and do around Cotswold Farm Park if you fancy heading out for the day. Within a short drive, you can visit pretty Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter, all known for their stone cottages, local shops and scenic walking routes. Chedworth Roman Villa, a National Trust site, is also nearby and offers a glimpse into Britain’s Roman past.
If you enjoy nature and birdwatching, WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is around 40 minutes away and makes for a peaceful and interesting outing.
The area is also full of country pubs, local markets and gentle walking trails. That said, we chose to stay in and make the most of the lodge and farm park instead - and we’re glad we did. It was the perfect chance to slow down, switch off and simply enjoy our surroundings.
What Makes These Lodges Special?
What truly sets the Sunset Lodges apart is the location. You get the best of the countryside—open views, peaceful surroundings, and sunsets that live up to the lodge name. At the same time, you’re just a short walk from the Farm Park, which means you can pop in anytime without needing to plan a big day out. It’s a rare mix of calm and convenience that you don’t often get when staying in hotels or even self-catering cottages.
These lodges offer a very different kind of break. You’re not sharing space with other guests in a hotel corridor or squeezed into a village centre. Instead, you have your own private spot with room to breathe, space to cook, and the option to sit outside and enjoy nature. They’re great for families with children, couples looking for a quiet escape, or anyone who simply enjoys being close to animals and the outdoors.
Our stay at Exmoor Lodge was everything we had hoped for - comfortable, peaceful, and full of small touches that made it special. The lodge had all the amenities we needed, and the added bonus of a hot tub and BBQ made it even better. What made it truly stand out, though, was the setting. Having the farm on our doorstep meant we could enjoy the animals, the open countryside, and the relaxed pace of life, all without needing to go far.
It’s the kind of place we’d return to without hesitation. If you’re looking for a break that offers both comfort and a real connection to nature, this could be the perfect spot. To find out more or make a booking, visit the official website: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk or use the details below to contact the team at the farm park.
Cotswold Farm Park | Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5FL
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 01451 850307
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