What’s The Lodge, Duxford like?
This luxurious yet relaxed hotel and business hub invites guests to work, eat and stay. The grand building, close to IWM Duxford and Cambridge, was given a stylish makeover in 2019 and now boasts beautiful bedrooms as well as a bar, cafe and restaurant. Past guests include Winston Churchill.
How dog-friendly is The Lodge, Duxford?
It’s great. You’ll need to bring your own bed, bowls and food but dogs are allowed in all of the communal areas – including the main Scoff restaurant. The chefs are more than happy to rustle up a sausage for pets at breakfast time, too. The hotel’s four stable rooms are dog-friendly. There’s an additional charge of £25 per night for pets to stay.
Tell me more about The Lodge, Duxford
There are 17 boutique-style bedrooms available, all of which are uniquely gorgeous. Six are in the main house, five are in the loft, four are in the stables and there are also the Courtyard and Cosy rooms. Each one has a Smart TV, a wonderfully comfy bed and high-speed WiFi, as well as a quirky one-off Winston Churchill print.
We stayed in Stable 1, which I LOVED. As you might expect from the name, the room was away from the main house in a separate block and although it was quite cosy, it had lots of cute little touches. The dark blue walls were bang on-trend and the retro radio, mini fridge and Nespresso coffee machine were great to have. The complimentary decanter of boozy liqueur also made for a perfect post-dinner tipple.
The monochrome shower room was compact but chic and had a bit of an industrial vibe going on. The black framed shower screen was gorgeous and the Prija toiletries smelled divine. My only quibble was that there was no hook or rail to hang wet towels but aside from that, it was perfect. Real house goals!
We visited The Lodge soon after the second coronavirus lockdown had lifted and were very happy with the measures taken to keep staff and customers safe. There were hand sanitisers dotted around the main house and clear screens had been put up around the reception area. Masks had to be worn at all times too, unless eating or drinking. The hotel had also invested heavily in its outside dining areas.
What’s the food like at The Lodge, Duxford?
Excellent. The hotel really champions local produce and this is reflected in its food. The menus have something for everyone too, whatever time you visit. By day, you can enjoy coffee, cake and light bites in the hotel’s Graze cafe, while wood-fired pizzas are served most days in the courtyard garden outside. The elegant Scandi-style glasshouses (pictured below) for groups of diners are wonderful!
In Scoff, the main restaurant, you’ll find dishes such as pigeon, steak and burgers on the menu. When we visited on a Sunday, we opted for a traditional roast dinner but went for the veggie option of tofu and stuffing (pictured above), which was unusual but delicious. Breakfast is also well worth getting out of bed for.
Cocktail lovers should head to Churchill’s Bar, where there’s an extensive range of drinks on offer, including house specials. The wine list also encourages guests to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, from Hungarian whites to Uruguayan reds.
Are there resident dogs at The Lodge, Duxford?
If you’re lucky, you might bump in to black labrador Tiggy, who is the owners’ dog. She can often be found at the hotel, demanding tummy rubs from guests.
Where are the best dog walks near The Lodge, Duxford?
Duxford Park is just a short walk from the hotel and is a great place for your pooch to burn off some energy. It’s also where you’ll find the Duxford Community Centre which is home to the dog-friendly Cafe 19. The newly-opened Brewery Field nature reserve is just across the road, too.
Another great place for a walk is Wandlebury Country Park, on the Gog Magog Hills, where you can enjoy a mix of woodland and wildflower meadows. The city of Cambridge and the historic market town of Saffron Walden are both roughly a 10-minute drive from the hotel, too. Check out my Essex Life article detailing dog-friendly things to see and do in Saffron Walden by clicking here.
What Ernie loved about The Lodge, Duxford
Exploring the grounds, the sausage for breakfast, having a room that opened straight out onto the garden
What I loved about The Lodge, Duxford
The stylish decor, the comfy bed, the delicious food and drink on offer
How to book The Lodge, Duxford
B&B stays start from £129. To book, call 01223 755677 or visit the hotel website. Be sure to look out for special offers and packages online. We took advantage of a great Sunday night deal for £69 per person. This included your overnight stay, a glass of fizz on arrival, breakfast and £30 per guest to spend at dinner. Anyone booking direct will also get a free welcome drink.