From misty spring mornings to cosy winter spa days, discover what each season brings to the lake, the gardens and the woodland, and when to plan your stay.
Guests often ask us when the best time to visit is. The honest answer is that the lake has no off season, only different moods. Across our 40 acres of gardens, woodland and shoreline, every few weeks brings a change in light, colour and pace.
Here is what to expect throughout the year.
Spring: waking up
Spring arrives slowly by the lake. Mornings are cool and often misty, and the woodland fills with birdsong and fresh green growth.
Why we love it
- The kitchen garden comes back to life, bringing the first tender herbs and leaves to the menu
- Woodland paths are lined with wildflowers
- Mist on the water makes sunrise kayak tours especially atmospheric
- A calm, unhurried feel before the summer months
Spring is lovely for walkers, photographers and anyone who prefers a quieter resort.
Summer: long days on the water
Summer is when the lake is at its most inviting. Days are long and bright, and life drifts between the pool, the shoreline and the terrace.
Why we love it
- Long, sunny afternoons around the heated 30-metre infinity pool
- Relaxed lunches at the Pool House Kitchen and dinners outdoors at The Lake Terrace
- The Kids’ Nature Club in full swing, with pond dipping and den building
- Golden evenings on the sunset ridge hike
It is our busiest season, so we recommend planning ahead. Our guide to infinity pool days has tips for finding the quieter corners.
Autumn: colour and calm
Many of our team would choose autumn if they had to pick a favourite. The woodland turns copper and gold, the air sharpens and the lake takes on a deep, still quality.
Why we love it
- Spectacular colour on our guided forest trails
- Harvest from the kitchen garden, from squash and roots to orchard fruit
- Crisp mornings followed by long, warming sessions in the Forest Spa
- Cosy evenings in the Cedar Bar
Autumn is ideal for couples, food lovers and anyone who enjoys a good walk followed by a good dinner.
Winter: slow and cosy
Winter is our quietest season and, for some guests, the most restorative. Frost on the gardens, low sunlight on the water and long evenings indoors set a gentle pace.
Why we love it
- The Forest Spa thermal circuit feels at its best on a cold day
- Steam rising from the heated infinity pool on clear, frosty mornings
- Hearty seasonal menus built around winter greens and stored produce
- Peaceful shoreline walks with few others around
Winter by the lake is about warmth: the sauna, the pool, the fire and the table.
It is the perfect time for a Forest Spa ritual and a long, slow lunch.
So, when should you come?
It depends on what you are looking for:
- For pool days and long evenings: summer
- For colour and food: autumn
- For spa days and quiet: winter
- For walks and wildflowers: spring
Plan your visit
Whatever the season, your personal host can shape a stay around the weather and your interests. See our location page for travel details, explore seasonal offers, or book your stay. If you would like a recommendation, get in touch and we will be happy to help.
