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Hastings Retreat

Enjoy a 4.8-star stay at Hastings Retreat, a non-smoking holiday home in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Close to Twycross Zoo, Calke Abbey, and Drayton Manor Resort.

Hill Farm, Willesley Woodside, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2UP, United Kingdom View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 34 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Kitchen in all rooms Hot tub
What recent guests emphasize

Exceptional countryside retreat with excellent hospitality

Visitors highlight the tranquil setting and high-quality, spacious accommodations alongside attentive and friendly hosts. The peaceful lake area and clean facilities create an ideal environment for relaxation and special occasions.

Guests often praise

  • Beautiful, well-maintained and spotless accommodations with modern yet homely decor
  • Tranquil lakeside location offering scenic views and peaceful surroundings
  • Friendly, responsive, and attentive hosts who go above and beyond
  • Excellent amenities including hot tubs and multiple patios for groups
  • Spacious properties that comfortably accommodate families and larger groups

Worth knowing

  • Close quarters between some lodgings, though often not an issue for guests
  • Location offers a quiet escape but limited on-site entertainment; nearby attractions require travel
  • Some gravel areas in parking which may be less comfortable for some visitors
  • Water supply issues may occasionally occur but hosts promptly provide solutions
  • Ideal for visits in warmer weather to fully enjoy outdoor activities like hot tubs and walks

Best for

  • Couples and singles seeking a peaceful countryside getaway
  • Families and groups wanting spacious and well-equipped holiday homes
  • Special celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, or hen weekends
  • Guests looking for countryside activities like walking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers seeking an inclusive retreat
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About this property

Welcome to Hastings Retreat

Hastings Retreat is a highly rated hotel and holiday park nestled in a tranquil countryside setting near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Offering a blend of holiday apartments, homes, and non-smoking accommodations, the property features modern yet homely lodgings with well-maintained facilities including private patios and hot tubs. The peaceful environment is enhanced by a private lake, which guests appreciate for fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and quiet relaxation surrounded by open fields and scenic views.

Guest feedback highlights the clean, spacious, and thoughtfully furnished accommodations, with particular praise for the attentive and responsive hosts. Visitors often mention the variety of lodges available, such as Lake View Barn and The Bull Pen, suitable for groups, couples, or solo travelers seeking a countryside escape. Several reviewers also emphasize the property's suitability for special occasions and group stays, noting the calm atmosphere and well-equipped kitchens.

Situated at Hill Farm in Willesley Woodside, the retreat offers convenient access to several popular local attractions. Nearby points of interest include Twycross Zoo, known for its family-friendly wildlife exhibits, Calke Abbey with its historic estate gardens, and Drayton Manor Resort, which offers adventure playgrounds and rides. For those traveling by air, East Midlands Airport is the closest, with Birmingham and Manchester airports also within reasonable driving distance.

The area is appreciated for sightseeing, recreation, and ease of getting around, making Hastings Retreat a practical base for visitors seeking both relaxation and exploration. As an LGBTQ+ friendly property, it welcomes a diverse range of guests looking for a peaceful countryside retreat with quality accommodation and access to the wider region’s leisure options.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Kitchen in all rooms
Hot tub
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

BE
Becky Easter Apr 18, 2026
10

Loved it! Quite close quarters to other guests but never really noticed it. Hot tubs were a lovely addition. The lake is very nice and quiet, even better when the sun came out. Wish we stayed for longer!

KA
Kirsty Allen Apr 14, 2026
10

I organised my sister’s hen weekend and we stayed at Lake View Barn at Hastings Retreat and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect! From the moment we booked, the owners were fantastic with communication and made everything really easy in the lead up to our stay. When we arrived, we were really happy with the accommodation and the hot tub that we added on. It was stunning, beautifully presented and incredibly clean and tidy and it was the perfect setting for such a special weekend. Although the owners were away during our stay, Charlie was on hand if we needed anything and he was brilliant. He was so attentive, quick to respond and sorted anything out straight away which we really appreciated. We had the most amazing weekend and made some wonderful memories there. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again and would highly recommend Lake View Barn to anyone looking for a beautiful, relaxing place to stay. Thank you for such a fantastic experience!

NT
NEIL THACKER Apr 10, 2026
10

Our recent stay at The Hastings Retreat, Lake View Barn in Ashby-de-la-Zouch was lovely. My daughter and I spent two wonderful nights there last weekend, and from the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed . The accommodation itself is a blend of charm and modern comfort, perfectly capturing the essence of the English countryside. The barn was impeccably clean, beautifully decorated, and thoughtfully furnished, making us feel instantly at home. The views from Lake View Barn were breathtaking—tranquil, and serene. Our host, Dawn, was exceptionally kind and attentive, going above and beyond during our stay. When we accidentally left my daughter's Kindle behind, Dawn promptly posted it back to us without hesitation. Additionally, when there was an issue with the local Severn Trent water supply, she thoughtfully provided us with bottled water to ensure our comfort. My daughter especially loved exploring the surrounding countryside, the wildlife, and enjoying the peaceful setting. The location was ideal, close enough to explore Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and Burton On Trent yet secluded enough to provide a real escape from everyday life. We wholeheartedly recommend The Hastings Retreat for anyone looking for a memorable, relaxing stay. We can't wait to return soon!

KR
kieran rosinger Mar 18, 2026
8.0

We had a very nice week staying here. Fantastic location and very peaceful. The accommodation is new for 2020 with a modern yet homely feel. Plenty of space for each group with separate patios. The lake is great for fishing, although a little cold for swimming. The owner is very friendly and checked up through the week to ensure everything was up to expectations. Multiple parking spaces for each property, though there is a lot of gravel. The only improvements would be, to have bolt locks on every door. Rather than the weird screw mechanism on some. Additionally the water pressure and temperature is pretty poor. One person at a time is strongly recommended. Overall we enjoyed the week and would recommend it to others.

AS
Alice Szczepanska Feb 27, 2026
10

A group of 20+ of us stayed in all the houses before/after our wedding which was nearby. All the houses were perfect - very clean and spacious (especially lake view barn)! Would love to come back in warmer weather to enjoy the walks/hot tub. Highly recommend!

AR
Ade Robinson Feb 20, 2026
10

This was my first visit to Hastings Retreat, and what an amazing place this is. I staying in the Bull Pen. Perfect for singles or couples looking to get away from the rush of daily life. The open plan layout meant that there was plenty of room to relax, eat and sleep. The separate bathroom was immaculately clean and well appointed. In fact, all the facilities of the Bull Pen were high quality, very clean and well maintained. The surroundings were prefect. Open fields all around the Hastings Retreat property, leading down to a private lake - providing for a very tranquil setting. Ideal for walking, fishing and even landscape painting, as the sunrises and sunsets over the lake and distant hills can be quite spectacular. The hosts, John and Dawn, were always on hand to help with anything as needed. They look after all their guests very well and nothing is too much trouble. I will certainly be returning; and have no hesitation in recommending Hastings Retreat to anyone looking to get away from it all, or to spend special occasions with friends and family. Well done.

LE
Lauren Else Jan 23, 2026
10

The most incredible stay-cation we could of hoped for! Kayaking and paddle-boarding on the lake, bike riding around Hicks Lodge, flying kites, using the hot tub & an amazing Great Gatsby evening! PERFECT! Lake View was a beautiful lodge & was perfect for our group! The facilities were outstanding and Dawn was so attentive and helpful - providing wood for the fire pit to toast marshmallows and telling us the best bike trials and short cuts, nothing was too much! 5 stars is an understatement - the entire family cannot wait to visit again!

GL
Gillian Lamburn Jan 14, 2026
10

We stayed in The Dairy for 2 nights to celebrate a 35th and a 65th birthday. There were 6 adults (3 couples). We all thought the accommodation was of a high standard and very clean. All the necessary kitchen equipment was provided and we could not think of anything that was missing. The location was perfect and tranquil, with walks and places to visit sign posted. Unfortunately, we did not get to walk to the lake but that is one of our reasons to go back. Ashby is close by and a gorgeous town to explore. We made memories to cherish as a family and are so glad we chose Hastings Retreat.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Hastings Retreat

Ashby-de-la-Zouch, United Kingdom

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Manchester Airport 1 hr 47 Car · 4 hr 25 Transit
  • Birmingham Airport 39 min Car · 2 hr 49 Transit
  • East Midlands Airport 25 min Car · 1 hr 15 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Calke Abbey 9,878 reviews

Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF, United Kingdom

4.6 · Park
Twycross Zoo 18,940 reviews

Twycross Zoo

East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone CV9 3PX, United Kingdom

4.2 · Zoo
Drayton Manor Resort 20,856 reviews

Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth B78 3TW, United Kingdom

4.3 · Theme Park
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