I’ll never forget the drive down to Cheddar Lodge Premier WF in Somerset – a proper faff from the start. We’d piled into the car from Bristol, me, the missus, and our two lads, aged eight and ten, buzzing with excitement for a three-day cottage break. The sat-nav, bless it, decided to take us on a scenic detour through some winding lanes near Cheddar village, and wouldn’t you know it, I missed the turning for the lodge’s private lane. Cue a five-point turn in a spot barely wide enough for a milk float, with the boys chanting “Dad’s lost again!” from the back. A right laugh, that was – nothing serious, just the sort of daft mishap that kicks off a family holiday with a bang.

Finally spotting the lodge nestled in its wooded spot just off the edge of Cheddar, we pulled up, and blimey, first impressions didn’t disappoint. It’s one of those Premier WF lodges you hear about – spacious, modern inside but with that cosy Somerset charm that makes you feel instantly at home. The exterior’s all timber cladding and pitched roof, peeking out from mature trees like it’s hiding a secret. We tumbled out, bags in tow, and the fresh country air hit us – that mix of damp earth and wildflowers that screams West Country. No traffic hum, just birdsong and the distant low of cows from the nearby fields. Perfect for shaking off the week’s stresses.

Stepping inside was pure bliss. The open-plan living area opened right up, with a massive corner sofa that practically swallowed us whole as we flopped down. “This is bigger than our lounge!” I joked to the wife, who was already eyeing the kitchen – gleaming worktops, a huge American-style fridge, and all the gadgets you need for lazy self-catering. The boys made a beeline for the French doors leading to the private decked veranda, yelling about barbecues. I could picture evenings there already, feet up, watching the sunset over the rolling Mendip Hills. Cheddar Gorge is only a couple of miles away, but here it felt worlds apart – peaceful, private, the ideal spot for a relaxed family unwind.

We unpacked in a flurry, claiming bedrooms like it was a game of musical chairs. Ours had a king-size bed with fluffy pillows that promised proper kip, and the lads’ room had bunks they immediately turned into a fort. First impressions? Spot on for lodge life chaos in the best way. I nipped out to the shared grounds – well-maintained lawns rolling down to a serene fishing lake, where a couple of other guests were chilling with rods and folding chairs. No hordes, mind; it’s got that intimate vibe, maybe a dozen lodges dotted about, each with its own hot tub bubbling away. Ours was pristine, steaming gently under the veranda cover, begging for a dip later. “Dad, can we go in now?” the boys pleaded, noses pressed to the glass. I laughed – typical lads, straight to the fun.

As we settled in, cracking open a pack of biscuits with tea from the welcome pack (nice touch, fresh milk and local cheddar – cheeky nod to the village), I had a quiet moment of reflection. Staring out at the tranquil lake, with the family’s chatter in the background, it hit me: these simple pleasures – a mishap-free arrival (well, almost), a comfy perch, and no agenda – that’s what family breaks are about. Not grand adventures, just pottering about Cheddar’s trails tomorrow, maybe a cream tea in the village, but right now, this lodge felt like our little Somerset sanctuary. First day, and we were already hooked. Can’t wait to see what the next morning brings.