Upton Lakes Lodges

So I stumbled across Upton Lakes Lodges during one of those random countryside drives through Devon, and honestly, I’m kind of glad it doesn’t have an official star rating because it would just confuse things. This place sits right on the edge of Cullompton – and I mean properly on the edge, where the town sort of gives way to actual farmland and those rolling hills that make you remember why people move to Devon in the first place.

The lodges themselves are scattered around these small lakes (hence the name, obviously), and each one feels like someone’s really thoughtful take on what a countryside retreat should be. Not trying to be a grand country house hotel or anything – more like if your mate who has great taste decided to build their dream holiday home and then let you stay in it. The interiors have that boutique feel without being precious about it, you know? Modern enough that the wifi actually works and the shower has proper pressure, but with enough character that you’re not staying in some generic chain place. I stayed in October and could hear the water lapping right outside my window – which was either incredibly peaceful or slightly unnerving depending on your perspective, but I went with peaceful.

What really works about Upton Lakes is its location relative to everything else. Cullompton itself is one of those market towns that doesn’t get much tourist attention, which means the local pub (The Manor House, if you’re wondering) still feels like an actual local pub. You’re also perfectly positioned for day trips – Exeter’s twenty minutes down the A38, the Blackdown Hills are right there for proper walks, and if you fancy a bit of shopping, there’s that outlet village at Clarks Village in Street, though that’s more of a Somerset expedition. The M5 is close enough to be useful but far enough that you won’t hear the traffic unless you’re really listening for it.

I’ll be honest, the 7.3 rating makes sense – it’s not going to blow your mind, but there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about the whole setup. The staff seem to actually know the area rather than just pointing you toward the nearest National Trust property, and check-in was refreshingly straightforward. Parking’s easy (you literally just pull up outside your lodge), and if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love spotting the ducks and whatever other wildlife hangs around the water. The only thing that might catch you off guard is how quiet it gets in the evenings – I mean properly quiet, countryside quiet – so if you need constant background noise to sleep, maybe pack some earplugs or embrace the peace. It’s the sort of place that works best when you’re not trying to cram too much into your days, when you actually want to slow down a bit and remember what it feels like to hear birds instead of traffic.