Overview of Woodland Lakes

Woodland Lakes is a large lodge resort at Carlton Miniott near Thirsk, surrounded by the North Yorkshire countryside. With the North York Moors to the east and Yorkshire Dales within reach to the west, this park is well positioned for families, couples, anglers and walkers exploring this part of Yorkshire. explore more parks offering caravan and lodge holidays around the North York Moors here.

More than 130 lodges are spread around landscaped grounds, woodland and water features. The accommodation ranges from one bedroom lodges for two to four bedroom lodges sleeping eight, with many choices offering a private outdoor hot tub. Waterside and dog friendly accommodation is also available.

Families have plenty to do at the park, including a heated indoor swimming pool, Little Pips three-level soft play, an outdoor playground and an organised activities programme. Activities can include archery, body zorbing, Nerf challenges, disc golf, axe throwing, craft sessions and pool-based activities.

Anglers have access to the adjacent Woodlands Fishing Lakes, an established 45-acre coarse fishery with 13 stocked lakes and a tackle shop. Additional fishing charges apply.

The Olive Tree Café serves meals, snacks and drinks, while a convenience store at reception stocks everyday essentials. Spa treatments and countryside walking routes add further options for a relaxing Yorkshire break.

Woodland Lakes at a Glance

Why is Woodland Lakes a Great Holiday Park?

• More than 130 lodges ranging from couple’s accommodation to four bedroom family lodges
• Private hot tubs available with a large proportion of the accommodation
• Heated indoor swimming pool with a jacuzzi
• 13 stocked fishing lakes immediately beside the resort
• Three-level Little Pips indoor play area and an outdoor playground
• Instructor-led activities including archery, body zorbing and axe throwing
• Olive Tree Café and an on-site convenience store
• Convenient location for Thirsk, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodland Lakes

Where is Woodland Lakes?

Woodland Lakes is at Carlton Miniott near Thirsk in North Yorkshire. Thirsk is approximately four miles away, while the A1(M) can be reached within a few minutes by road.

Does Woodland Lakes have an indoor swimming pool?

Yes. This park has a heated indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. Family swimming sessions operate throughout the week, with additional pool activities available on selected dates.

Are dogs welcome at Woodland Lakes?

Yes. Selected lodges welcome up to two medium-sized dogs. Guests should choose designated pet friendly accommodation when booking, and dogs must be kept on a lead around the park.

Does Woodland Lakes have hot tub lodges?

Yes. Private outdoor hot tubs are available with many one, two, three and four bedroom lodges, including selected waterside accommodation.

Can guests go fishing at Woodland Lakes?

Yes. Woodlands Fishing Lakes is adjacent to the resort and has 13 stocked coarse fishing lakes containing carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch, barbel and golden orfe. Fishing charges apply.

Is there somewhere to eat and buy groceries?

The Olive Tree Café serves breakfast, lunch, drinks and other meals according to its seasonal opening hours. A convenience store at reception stocks frozen food, snacks, cleaning products and everyday holiday essentials.

Accommodation at Woodland Lakes

Woodland Lakes has more than 130 lodges, giving couples, families and groups a particularly broad choice of accommodation. The current range extends from compact one bedroom lodges sleeping two to four bedroom accommodation for up to eight people.

One bedroom lodges are designed primarily for couples. Depending on the accommodation selected, features can include a king-size or double bedroom, roll-top bath, walk-in shower, veranda and private outdoor hot tub.

Two bedroom accommodation sleeps between three and four people. Layouts vary, with choices including double and twin bedrooms or two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Many two bedroom lodges have private hot tubs, and waterside positions are available.

Three bedroom lodges sleep up to six people, generally combining a double or king-size bedroom with two twin rooms. Selected accommodation has an en suite bathroom, utility room, washing machine, decking and hot tub.

Four bedroom lodges sleep up to eight and provide the largest family accommodation. Current layouts include two king-size and two twin bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, spacious living areas and waterside decking.

Dog friendly choices are available throughout much of the range. Wi-Fi is included with selected newer accommodation, with free Wi-Fi also available at reception and the Olive Tree Café.

Accommodation Comparison

Choosing Accommodation at Woodland Lakes

Exact bedrooms, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, waterside positions and pet allowances vary between accommodation choices.

Park Facilities at Woodland Lakes

The heated indoor swimming pool provides year-round swimming, with a jacuzzi for relaxing beside the main pool. The current activity programme also includes swimming lessons and seasonal pool activities such as the inflatable Aqua Run.

Little Pips is a three-level indoor soft play area within the Olive Tree Café complex, with a separate section for babies and toddlers. There is also an outdoor playground for children.

The organised activities programme changes throughout the year. Current choices can include target and mini archery, body zorbing, axe throwing, Nerf challenges, disc golf, bug hunting, pottery decorating, tie-dye workshops and themed children’s sessions.

Woodlands Fishing Lakes sits immediately beside the resort. Its 13 coarse fishing lakes extend across approximately 45 acres and cater for pleasure and match anglers. A tackle shop is available, with fishing charged separately.

The Pamper Lounge offers bookable massages, facials and spa treatments. Guests can also follow local nature trails or hire bikes to explore further afield.

The Olive Tree Café provides meals, cakes, snacks and drinks, while the reception convenience store stocks groceries and holiday essentials. Electric vehicle charging points and parking close to the accommodation are also available.

Woodland Lakes Facilities

Facility	Details
Indoor swimming pool	Heated pool and jacuzzi
Indoor soft play	Three-level Little Pips Play Zone
Outdoor playground	Children’s outdoor play equipment
Activities	Archery, zorbing, Nerf, disc golf, axe throwing and crafts
Fishing	13 stocked coarse fishing lakes adjacent to the resort
Spa	Massages, facials and beauty treatments
Café	Olive Tree Café serving food and drinks
Shop	Convenience store at reception
Bike hire	Bikes available for exploring local routes
Walking	Nature trails around the surrounding countryside
Wi-Fi	Free at reception and café; included with selected newer lodges
EV charging	Electric vehicle charging points available

Places to Visit Near Woodland Lakes

Thirsk is the closest town and has a traditional market square, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and regular markets. The World of James Herriot occupies the original home and veterinary surgery of Alf Wight, author of the famous James Herriot stories.

Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is another nearby family attraction, with a large collection of birds and opportunities to watch flying displays and learn about conservation.

The North York Moors National Park begins within a short drive. Sutton Bank is a popular starting point for walking and cycling, with extensive views across the Vale of Mowbray and towards the Yorkshire Dales.

Lightwater Valley provides rides and attractions for families, while Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal combines substantial medieval abbey ruins with a Georgian water garden and deer park.

Ripon is a historic cathedral city with a compact centre, museums, shops and places to eat. Longer days out can include Castle Howard or York, where visitors can explore York Minster, the city walls, museums and medieval streets.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is also within reach for waterfalls, walking, historic villages and limestone landscapes.

Nearby Attractions

Distances and journey times are approximate and can vary with traffic.