Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside, Wallops Wood is universally adapted for all visitors and enables them to do as much or as little as they like.

Within seconds of arriving, my two boys had each staked their claim having dropped their rucksacks next to the bed they wanted in the twin room. Seconds later came the predictable request: “Can we go to the pool?” – an easy “Yes”, given that it’s within a few metres of all of the lodges. Hilariously, we spotted several swimmers over the course of the weekend who preferred to change in their own lodges (rather than the pool’s changing room) scampering across the path in bath towel and cossie, despite the brisk breeze.

Back for tea, we tucked into some of the goodies from the complementary hamper before receiving the rest of our weekend supplies from the supermarket delivery service.

The lodge itself was both spacious and luxurious and kitted out with pretty much everything you could possibly need to create meals for the family after a stroll around the country lanes or through the woods. (People with dogs might like to know that up to two pets are welcome.)

Accessible

The modern lodges are beautifully presented, with accessibility in mind but with no compromise on design. In fact, it’s really only if you’re in the know and looking for specific adaptations that you’d notice things like waist height power sockets or that some of the kitchen work surfaces are roll under. Owner, Katherine, was good enough to show me around other lodges, including Woodbrook, a brand new cottage featuring two en suite bathrooms, one wetroom and accessible to M3A standard, before the other guests started to arrive. Lodges also have their own secluded courtyard and hot tub – and other arrangements regarding accessibility in the kitchen for dedicated cooks, can be accommodated.

Located in the beautiful Meon Valley within the South Downs National Park, the lodges at Wallops Wood are an excellent base from which to explore all that Hampshire has to offer, with Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton all close or you could choose to relax on the beach, just 20 minutes away. Saying that, the local area is gorgeous, not only are the lodges situated in stunning countryside but also because of the charming villages, complete with friendly pubs, not to mention the nearby Hambledon Sparkling Wine vineyard who are happy to conduct tours.

When you’ve done all that you could again, as the boys did, take advantage of the pool which I should also mention has a Jacuzzi and accessible hoist – or relax with a glass of something in your lodge, which I should also mention all feature underfloor heating, wood burner and are accessible to M3A, V1 and H1 for three of the cottages, with the others rated M1, V1 and H1.

Indeed, the big wood-burning stove seemed to provide that extra sense of comfort whenever it was lit – and just the thing to start the boys’ eyelids drooping shut. Talk on the journey home was all about when we might return, with hints that there were more walks to do and that they’ll have probably opened their new games room by then. I can’t think of a reason why not!

www.wallopswoodcottages.co.uk