I’ll never forget the drive to Ebony Lodge in Bridgnorth – it was meant to be a straightforward jaunt through Shropshire’s rolling hills, but of course, I managed to turn it into a proper comedy of errors. Picture this: me, my partner, and our daft Labrador, Rufus, piled into the car with the sat-nav chirping away like it knew better. We’d left Birmingham early, dodging the M54 traffic, and were buzzing about our three-day getaway at this VIP hot tub lodge we’d booked on a whim. Shropshire’s countryside was living up to its postcard reputation – those lush green fields, ancient hedgerows, and the odd sheep eyeing us suspiciously as we trundled past. But then, about five miles out from Bridgnorth, disaster struck. Or rather, a rogue crisp packet did.

I’d chucked a bag of cheese and onion crisps into the passenger footwell for later, but Rufus, ever the opportunist, decided it was snack time. In his enthusiasm, he lunged, knocked my water bottle flying, and suddenly the car smelled like a soggy crisp factory. Water everywhere – on my lap, the gear stick, even splashing the windscreen. “Bloody hell, Rufus!” I yelped, swerving slightly while my partner howled with laughter. We pulled over near the River Severn, just outside town, for an impromptu cleanup with damp wipes and a lot of swearing. Rufus sat there wagging his tail, looking utterly innocent, as if he hadn’t just turned our arrival into a scene from a Carry On film. By the time we got moving again, we were late, flustered, and I was questioning my life choices – why did I think bringing a dog on holiday was a good idea?

Finally, after navigating Bridgnorth’s quaint high street – all those wonky black-and-white timbered buildings and the aroma of fresh pasties from the bakery – we wound our way to the lodge. It’s tucked away in a peaceful spot on the edge of town, surrounded by woodland walks that scream proper Shropshire idyll. Pulling up, the chaos melted away. Ebony Lodge is one of those places that hits you right in the feels: a cosy wooden cabin vibe, pet-friendly to its core, with a massive VIP hot tub bubbling away on the private deck like it was waiting just for us. The owners had left a welcoming note and a bottle of local Shropshire cider – thoughtful touch, that.

Stepping inside, first impressions? Blimey, it was spot on. The open-plan living area had this warm, rustic charm – plush sofas begging for a collapse, a wood-burning stove ready for chills (though it was a balmy spring day), and a kitchen kitted out with everything from a Nespresso machine to local tea bags. Rufus immediately claimed his spot by the patio doors, nose pressed to the glass, eyeing the hot tub like it was his personal spa. The bedrooms were ace too – king-sized bed piled high with pillows, and that en-suite shower so powerful it could blast away the drive’s stress in seconds. But the real star? That hot tub. We fired it up straight away, slipping in with glasses of cider as the sun dipped behind the trees. Steam rising, jets massaging our backs, and Rufus splashing at the edge – pure bliss.

Looking back on that messy arrival, it was the perfect kick-off to the holiday. That little mishap reminded me how the best trips aren’t flawless; they’re the ones with soggy trousers and daft dog antics that make you laugh later. First impressions of Ebony Lodge? It felt like coming home to a hug – luxurious yet laid-back, with Shropshire’s gentle magic right on the doorstep. We didn’t venture far that first evening, just soaked it all in, toasting to more chaos ahead. If you’re after a pet-friendly bolt-hole near Bridgnorth, this is it. Couldn’t recommend it more.