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The Tranquil Otter

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Traveller (662)
Room & Suite (192)
Videos (1)

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Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 1 villa in Thurstonfield
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Self-catering Lodges by the Lake, with private hot tub, own boat and log burner and superfast broadband. We have one, two and three bedroom lodges. Great for a family break with a well behaved dog. Enjoy walking, relaxing, spa treatments in your lodge? Enjoy the open countryside then look no further. Book online, by email or phone.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Hiking
Board games / puzzles
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Wifi
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Fireplace
Seating area
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Kitchenware
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
686Reviews12Q+A74Room tips

Reviews
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Lauren E wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Disappointed with the customer service. We booked the Alder lodge for Valentine’s Day with my partner, baby and dog. Unfortunately on the day of the booking after we had packed up the car to set off my partner fell poorly making it impossible for us to attend our booking. We were both very disappointed as we were excited to have a first trip away with our baby and the place looks beautiful. I emailed straight away to inform them that we would no longer be able to attend. I then got a phone call from a lady who basically just said there is nothing she can do because her manager has said we can’t have any of our money back or change the date of the booking for when my partner is better. When booking you can add on insurance for if you have to cancel. I remember discussing this with my partner when we booked and we decided to add it on as we have a baby and thought if something happened we would be covered. The lady on the phone told me I had not added the cover on so I had lost all of my money. ( Baring in mind this isn’t the cheapest place to stay ) I’m not sure if this is a fault with there system or my mistake but I definitely thought we had cover. I then got told on top of loosing all my money I would have to pay a pretty pricey admin fee for them to try and re let it. I think this is terrible as we have already paid for the lodge so they are not loosing any money with them refunding 0% of the fee. I feel disappointed that there was no good will gesture given as we would have moved the dates if something had been offered such as a part discount. This was never even discussed as I just got told no from the get go from a woman who told me it was only her second day working there and she was so sorry. It’s such a shame because this place looks lovely and we probably would have visited a number of times if this had not happened.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Lauren, "We are sorry indeed about your partner's last-minute illness so that, consequently, we were not able to welcome you to The Tranquil Otter. We sympathise with your frustration about the monetary cost of unavoidable cancellation at short notice. Life is sometimes so unfair! That, of course, is why we are careful to suggest cancellation insurance to cover such risks. You will readily see that someone has to bear the consequence of your husband's illness: you, us or an insurer established for the purpose to which we provide easy access.. You mention that you believe you had arranged such cover but we have not received the notification that the insurers usually send us. Please apply to our insurers. Alternatively, perhaps you arranged cover with an insurer that you found yourself. In either event, it is up to you, the guest, to claim on any insurance but we shall be happy to support your claim. You omitted to mention that we refunded the cost of all your extra items, which we were not obliged to do or that we also offered you a discount on a future stay. We still hope that, in time, these steps will help you to feel your loss less acutely. In any event, one good thing will result from your review about your loss: those who read it will be reminded of the wisdom of insurance for the bad luck that Fate sometimes hands us! With best wishes for your partner's recovery, Nicholas Kittoe."
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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nigel mcgath wrote a review Jan 2024
2 contributions5 helpful votes
Property's Favourite Review
This was our second visit here and absolutely perfect! We arrived Friday pm for my husbands birthday and on entering the lodge everything was just so lovely. Bottle fizz in the fridge treats for the dog. The place was spotless and so well equipped. The views are great over the lough . Sitting in the hot tub in total tranquility was bliss. We also took a short trip into centre of Carlisle for a fab lunch at Penny Blue restaurant (dog friendly too). Great weekend loved every minute. Nigel McGrath
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Take your wellies!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Nicholas Kitttoe, Owner at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 14 Jan 2024
Well, Nigel, that was great. We’re so glad that you were happy and that you enjoyed your visit to our friends, the Harrison’s restaurant. Come back soon. It seems you had everything you wanted, but if there should be anything else, of course, don’t hesitate to let us know. See you soon. Thank you. NICK, Owner.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Tourist353756 wrote a review Jan 2024
1 contribution
+1
We had the most amazing stay, if you want to relax, take time for yourself to chill out, totally & utterly unwind, then this is the place to be. We have never taken a winter break before so it exceeded all our expectations with the woodland walk, the stunning view, the wildlife, the feeling of total peace & tranquility. Getting back to nature is just so relaxing and we fell right into it here. We stayed at the lovely Egret Lodge, a very nice clean, well equipped lodge, very cosy.. beds are so comfortable, haven't slept that well in a long time..! The view whilst relaxing in the lovely spa pool is stunning & if you take a dip in the evening on a clear night look up at the stars... Wow. There is a little boat you can go around the Lough on, during our stay we seen one take a trip out, swans in tow following.. was just so lovely to see. Feeding them was a step back to childhood and was fab, we loved every minute of our stay here. Hope to be back soon... Thank You Tranquil Otter team.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 23 Jan 2024
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! You have truly captured the essence of the Tranquil Otter. We are so pleased that you felt relaxed. We hope that you are still feeling the benefits of your relaxing break and can't wait to welcome you back for your top-up of relaxation. Thanks again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Jaime S wrote a review Jan 2024
Cumbria, United Kingdom47 contributions7 helpful votes
+1
We had two nights in ChiffChaff Lodge sleeps 2, The Welcome pack and greeting note was perfect much more than we expected. TRANQUIL it was 😍 perfect romantic break for me and My Husband Celebrating his Birthday… HotTub is Lush… the views and Wildlife were just amazing to wake up to. There is nothing I would change it’s very cosy especially the wood burner 🔥 they also provide board games which were so much fun. Can’t wait to return. ❤️
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Every lodge is stunning and each with parking.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 23 Jan 2024
Thank you for staying with us and we hope you and your husband had a lovely time celebrating his birthday! Glad you enjoyed the board games.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Lisa S wrote a review Jan 2024
2 contributions
+1
We absolutely love coming here and it continues to be our favourite place to escape. The lodges are beautiful, very clean with all the top quality amenities you could possibly need. It’s the perfect retreat and nothing beats relaxing in the hot tub and looking out over the beautiful water. We also love the log burner, so cosy especially on a chilly night. The only downside to visiting tranquil otter is when it’s time to leave…….
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 23 Jan 2024
We agree that nothing beats relaxing in the hot tub... hope you had a clear night for some star gazing too! Hope to have you back very soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Maria H wrote a review Nov 2023
Manchester, United Kingdom1 contribution
Just arrived back from a 6 night stay in Fieldfare lodge, and I can honestly say, we both feel so relaxed and recharged. We were wanting peace, quiet and relaxation - the Tranquil Otter ticked all these boxes! The lodges are beautiful and there is everything that you need. Glorious hot tub overlooking the lough and wood burner for a cosy night in. The lodges appear quite close together initially, however, each is angled towards the lough, so you are not overlooked. You wouldn't really know you had neighbours! The views of the lough from the lodges is stunning; an ever changing picture postcard. Beautiful to watch the sun rise and fall, especially at this time of year. We took our three year old Spaniel, and he was in doggy paradise. At your back door, there is a 30 - 40 minute circular woodland walk around the lough, he enjoyed running off lead and exploring new smells. Would we return? Yes. Would we recommend? Most definitely! Special thanks to Grace, so welcoming and helpful. Maria, Pete and Ted. 🐾
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Take your wellies! We took a plastic bowl to wash the dog's paws after the Lough walk.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 23 Jan 2024
Thank you Maria, Pete and Ted! We are glad we ticked all your boxes. We cannot wait for your return!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kathryn P wrote a review Nov 2023
3 contributions2 helpful votes
If you’re thinking of booking a trip away here….do it now! You will not be disappointed. This was our second visit to The Tranquil Otter after our first trip in February. This has fast become a very special place to my partner and I and is a place where we can lock the doors and just escape the madness of every day life and work. The lodge itself was immaculately clean with everything that you would need. The additional gifts, tea and coffee are such a wonderful personal touch and really made us smile. The location is perfect. Although there are other lodges next to you, when you’re on your balcony the set up means you can’t see anyone else at all. It’s just you and the amazing view out on your private lake. There’s a lovely little private walk around the lake, and a bird watching hut. The comments in the guest book thats in the hut is testament to how much people love this place. At night what could be more perfect that sitting in the hot tub looking up at the stars. Alternatively, light the log burner and cosy up on the sofa. We have returned home feeling very rested and grateful to have had the opportunity to return. We will be back again. Thank you so much. K+C - 17-19th November.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t plan days out or meals out…I would honestly take all you need for your stay, lock the doors...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 27 Nov 2023
Thank you for your review, we are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay and the tranquillity of the Tranquil Otter.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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steve220558 wrote a review Nov 2023
Biggar, United Kingdom5 contributions1 helpful vote
This is the second time this year we have stayed in the Alder Lodge a proper log cabin. The 2 bedroom lodge has wonderful comfy beds a fully fitted kitchen with a welcome pack, as we were returning guests they also left us a bottle of wine and chocolates, the log fire was great too. Out on the decking with great views over the lake was a hot tub which we frequently used as the weather was good, we didn’t use the barbecue though. You also had your own boat if you wanted to venture out onto the lake and get closer to the ducks and swans. The hosts were always there if you needed anything. It is a great place to chill out and relax. Would recommend to anyone and can’t wait for our next visit. Thanks Nick for making our stay really enjoyable.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 27 Nov 2023
It is a pleasure to have you back to stay with us once again! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay in Alder Lodge. I will pass your kind words on to Nick. Thank you!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kerrie wrote a review Nov 2023
Herefordshire, United Kingdom1 contribution
+1
Following returning from a couple of days in Fieldfare lodge, I felt that I must leave a positive review! The views were unbelievable, the photos don’t do them justice. Everything in the lodge was perfect - there is nothing more you could possibly want. The boat, hot tub and log burner were lovely additions and the local walks were great too. There is so much to do around the local area that we wish we had booked to stay longer - we most certainly will be back again. The 5 hour drive was 100% worth it!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 27 Nov 2023
Thank you for your very kind review and for coming all that way to stay here! The team are thrilled you had a wonderful stay in Fieldfare. We hope to see you back soon to make the most of the local activities.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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claire wrote a review Oct 2023
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom1 contribution
+1
Where do I start. What an amazing place. Came here on a break with my family including our dog. We stayed in the Buzzard Lodge. When we walked in we were greeted with a lovely welcome pack for the humans and one for the dog which was a lovely surprise. The lodge was really clean and fully equipped with what you need for self catering. We cooked every night and enjoyed our luxury welcome package we went and bought more locally sourced food for our dinners. The welcome packs are perfect and we have discussed when we come back we would be more then happy to go to the local butchers again and buy locally sourced ingredients. We enjoyed the hot tub every night after having days out. We also spent a day in and explored the lake. You also have a log burner which we actually didn’t use every night as the lodge has good central heating. The washing machine was a godsend for after exploring with kids. You feel like you are on your own and it’s so peaceful. We have our daughters 16th Birthday coming up in February and she has said she would love to come back and spend her celebrations there. It’s a little gem and we will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Care, Guest Services / Front Office at The Tranquil Otter
Responded 31 Oct 2023
We are glad that you enjoyed your stay! Hope to see you all back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
the tranquil otter hotel carlisle
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaCarlisleThurstonfield
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE TRANQUIL OTTER - Updated 2024 Reviews (Thurstonfield)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Tranquil Otter
Which popular attractions are close to The Tranquil Otter?
Nearby attractions include Carlisle Cathedral (4.9 miles), Cumbria's Museum of Military Life (4.7 miles), and Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery (4.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Tranquil Otter?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and a hot tub.
Which room amenities are available at The Tranquil Otter?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
Is parking available at The Tranquil Otter?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Tranquil Otter?
Conveniently located restaurants include Romano Pizzeria, Crofton Hall Coffee Shop and Eatery, and Whytes Cafe Bar.
Is The Tranquil Otter located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.03 miles away from the centre of Thurstonfield.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Tranquil Otter?
Yes, self serve laundry and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Tranquil Otter?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Tranquil Otter?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cartmel Medieval Village Priory (8.5 miles), Kirklinton Hall & Gardens (9.9 miles), and Priest's Mill (6.4 miles).
Does The Tranquil Otter have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
Is The Tranquil Otter accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.