Our Unforgettable Heatwave Family Escape at Woodpecker Lodge

When we booked our family getaway to Mill Meadow, we hoped for a bit of nice British summer weather. What we got was the very first heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching over 30°C every day.  As a family with two-year-old twin boys, packing for a trip like that can feel a bit daunting, but our stay in Woodpecker Lodge turned out to be the ultimate masterclass in balancing toddler energy with relaxation.

The Lodge

The moment we walked into Woodpecker Lodge, we knew we were in for a luxury experience. Being a beautifully crafted timber lodge, the natural wood construction acts as incredible insulation. It did a fantastic job of blocking out the intense heat, especially in the lower ground floor bedroom.

We adapted our daily schedule to a classic Mediterranean routine to keep our twins safe and comfortable

• Early mornings Out and about to explore before the heat in nearby woodlands.
• Midday Heading back to the sanctuary of the lodge for lunch, long daytime naps for the twins, and shaded relaxation.
• Late afternoons A second trip out, usually tracking down the nearest breeze or coastline.
• Evenings This was the adults time to relax alternating between the lodge’s soothing sauna and the bubbling hot tub under the stars.

Here’s how we spent our time at Mill Meadow

If you are planning a trip to Mill Meadow with little ones and want to know how far things are and what to expect, here is exactly how we spent our time.

1. Lake Walk and Forest Fun

Where: Right on-site

The Vibe: The first morning routine didn’t require any driving at all. We took a peaceful walk around Mill Meadow’s gorgeous onsite lake while the air was still fresh. The twins had a brilliant time feeding the ducks and peering into to water to spot the fish. The lake has excellent designated wooden decks to fish from, making it safe and easy to set up. I unpacked the rods for a bit of float fishing. One of our boys wanted to try and after a bit of patient waiting, we landed a beautiful carp together. It was an unforgettable moment sharing that catch with him. To beat the afternoon heat, we spent an hour or so under the dense, cool canopy of The Spinney, the ancient woodland connected right to the Mill Meadow site before setting up water play in the front garden of the lodge.  

2. Fyne Court National Trust

Where: 2 miles away (approx. 5-minute drive)

The Vibe: We visited Fyne Court on two separate occasions. This site is fantastic for children and adults alike featuring wild, enchanting gardens and woodland walks to explore plus an on-site café which also had garden games available when we were there. The boys spent a long time playing in a the fresh clean water, floating leaves and sticks under the bridge. Wet shoes but happy kids. Aside from a small parking fee (unless you are a National Trust member), entry to the spectacular grounds is completely free, making it an absolute must-visit. We managed to tackle both of their designated walking trails, enjoying the deep shade of the giant trees.

3. Rock pooling on Kilve beach

Where: 14 miles away (approx. 30-minute drive)

The Vibe: Kilve is an incredible, dramatic shale and pebble beach with massive rock pools and rich fossil history. We stopped for a bite to eat at the lovely quirky Chantry Cottage tea gardens, a short walk from the beach, and as a brilliant bonus, you get free parking for your beach trip. The boys were in absolute heaven here. Armed with buckets and nets, we spent a fantastic morning uncovering crabs, anemones, and tiny fish left behind by the falling tide.

4. Cothelstone Hill & Lydeard Hill

Where: 3 to 4.5 miles away (approx. 10-minute drive)

The Vibe: One morning, we set our alarms extra early for a walk up Cothelstone Hill on the Quantock Hills. It was utterly magical. The air was perfectly crisp, and as we walked to the summit, we were greeted by a stunning herd of wild Exmoor ponies grazing peacefully in the early light and the twins were absolutely captivated by them. Later in the day, we took a scenic drive up to Lydeard Hill, which offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints over the Somerset countryside. There are some amazing walks here but the heat was too much for us so we sat and admired the view.

5. Blue Anchor Beach

Where: 19 miles away (approx. 40-minute drive)

The Vibe: We decided against visiting Minehead as we anticipated crowds during a heatwave, and instead we headed off to Blue Anchor and found the quiet, spacious seaside escape we were craving. It’s a lovely, wide stretch of sand and pebbles. We spent a long, lazy afternoon listening to the waves, building sandcastles, and keeping cool with ice creams.

6. Extended family time

Where: Right at our lodge!

The Vibe: Mid-week, Grandad and Nan drove down to join us for the day. We all went for a circular walk from the lodge to the quaint village of Kingston St Mary, where we stopped off at The Swan pub for a refreshing cider.  Back at the Woodpecker Lodge’s outdoor decking area and pebbled front driveway is great for entertaining, so we fired up for our family BBQ with the coal provided by Mill Meadow.

7. Final Stop – Hestercombe Gardens

Where: 2 miles away (approx. 5-minute drive)

The Vibe: On our final afternoon, before making the journey home, we checked out of the lodge and spent a few hours at Hestercombe Gardens. Spanning three centuries of garden design, it features stunning lakes, cascades, and formal terraces. Luckily for us, they were running a special children’s butterfly trail. The twins happily followed the map, spotting clues hidden among the vibrant summer blooms and burning off that last bit of toddler energy. We happily followed drinking another ice coffee.

By the time we packed up the car, the intense 30°C heat had finally begun to break. We drove home in the with two very exhausted, sun-kissed two-year-olds fast asleep in the back seat.

Huge thanks to Mill Meadow for giving us a luxurious, peaceful, and toddler-friendly basecamp! We will be back.