With the cost of living crisis it's not always possible to book a holiday every year, but one location just an hour from Derby makes you feel like you're abroad
With the cost of living crisis hitting households hard, booking a big holiday every year simply isn't an option for many people. But if you're craving that holiday feeling of basking in warm waters with a breath-taking view, you need look no further than just 1 hour from Derby.
Staying closer to home and uncovering hidden gems on your doorstep has never made more sense, and that was exactly the thinking of Manchester resident Annabel, who opted to visit Whitmore Lakes, nestled in Staffordshire.
Whitmore Lakes is billed as a tranquil haven, offering secluded lakes ideal for wild swimming, water sports, or even competitive training. Upon booking online, visitors can enjoy facilities including paddleboarding, wild swimming, wood-fired saunas and wellness classes.
Perched overlooking one of the lakes is a café where all cakes, bakes, breakfasts and lunches are crafted entirely in-house, guaranteeing a homemade quality in every mouthful.
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The menu offers an impressive selection of tempting cakes, sandwiches, breakfasts, burgers and salads, alongside ever-changing daily specials.
The café also provides a wide range of hot and cold drinks, making it the perfect spot to visit at any time of day.
After spending a day at the location, Annabel remarked: "For £12.50, you can have the whole day here at the Whitmore Lake. This was honestly one of the most magical days. The water was 25 degrees and beautiful for swimming in..
"The facilities were amazing and so was the cafe. I honestly felt like I was abroad. I could spend every weekend here. I can't wait to go back."
Why visitors travel hours for the Whitmore Lakes sauna and cafe experienceAnnabel isn't the only person who believes Whitmore Lakes merits a visit, as another woman who is disabled was equally enthusiastic about the attraction.. She commented: "Our 1st time wild swimming at Whitmore with our youngest daughter whose 20 and we can't wait to return. As I'm disabled we didn't know what to expect, but actually getting into the lake was easy.
"Annabel said: "We do suggest you turning up early though as the closer it gets to lunch the busier on hot days its get. The only difficulty I had was walking on the gravel pavement and small climb up to the lake but an able-bodied guest would fine it easy.
"Annabel said: "We placed ourselves on the grass embankment close to the lake entry and held on the bar as I slowly entered the lake (but access is easy). "Annabel said: "To swim in such a beautiful lake was absolutely lush.
Maybe next time we will take a picnic as there was a 45min delay in the cafe but our drinks and cake were great. ". A further visitor remarked: "Whitmore Lakes is truly one of our favourite places. We travel over an hour to come here because there is simply nowhere in our area that offers the same level of peace and tranquillity.
"Annabel said: "The swimming lake and sauna are absolutely wonderful - such a relaxing and restorative experience every time we visit. We also love spending time afterwards at the Cake Shack for something to eat and drink, which always finishes the day perfectly.
"Annabel said: "What really makes this place special though is the staff. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming and genuinely helpful, and you can tell how much care they put into both the site and the people visiting.
"Annabel said: "Places like this are rare and deserve to be appreciated and looked after. Thank you to the whole Whitmore Lakes team for creating such a beautiful, calming space - we'll continue making the journey for many more visits to come!"
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