It's hard to judge by a website whether a place will be as good as advertised. This exceeds expectations! Will miss the view and the daily duck feeds. Not all the pubs serve food every night but the Highland Laddie was great (fresh caught salmon) and had no issue with bringing the dog. John's Plaice is great for fish and chips or for those who don't like fish, the best pie ever served at a chippie. We had a couple of lovely walks on the beach at Bowness on Solway. Know that the area is not known for beaches but there was no body there at all. An all round fabulous 10 days and we will also be back!

Katie, Jon & Rosie (dog), 25/5/2012 – 4/6/2012.

Egret

This has been an amazing week for us. The cottages were very comfortable. Our children loved going otter spotting & feeding the ducks. We were extremely grateful for the hospitality of Tazeem, Nick & the crew, who made our stay all the more enjoyable & stress free. Love the view! Thank you for making our holiday so special.

Anne, Tim, Lucia & Francis Wand, Syndey, Australia, 15/4/11 – 22/4/11.

Egret

We had the most relaxing time & just chilled out walking, hot-tub, sauna & beauty treatments – amazing! Wild life & scenery is grand – we both loved being here and will be back soon. Thank you so much.

John & Isabel, 28/2/11 – 4/3/2011.

Egret

We have had a wonderful stay at the Tranquil Otter and would love to return for another holiday in the future.  The Dunnock was perfect for us, a lovely well equipped kitchen and the bed and sofas were extremely comfortable.  

We hope you had a lovely Easter weekend.

Kind Regards,

Matt, Amy and Eva, 6/4/12 – 9/4/12.

Dunnock

This is our second time here and to our amazement it was better than the 1st... A Truly beautiful place, we saw the owl and woodpecker on our walks and much more... the ducks are still as cheeky as ever and tried to join us in the hot tub.

We will most definitely return for a third relaxing triip. Thank you again for an amazing holiday.

Kirsty & Ross, 27/5/2012 - 3/6/2012.

Arctic Skua

On arrival I was quite surprised how close Chiffchaff was to the other cabin, but once inside we were in 'paradise'. It could not have been better, the cabin, the view. "PERFECT". The walk around the lake is wonderful, especially when Leah (the dog) showed us which way to go. The hot tub was fab. We went in the boat everyday, that was such good fun, we barbecued and would recommend the Mango Tree. We did two of the walks in the guide, which were fab. We have just been to lunch at the "The Royal Oak" at Curthwaite, it's a MUST. Food fab, everyone friendly. Casa Romana on Warwick street was great. Really sad to be going home. Enjoy. X

Lee & Debbie, 25/5/2012 – 29/5/2012.

Chiffchaff

"Wonderful way to see out the New Year, lodge & surroundings were fabulous, lots of lovely peace and quiet, will miss feeding the ducks & swan in the mornings! P.S. We fully intend to visit again soon!"

Michelle and James, 29/12/10 – 31/12/10, Dunnock

Lovely lodge and a beautiful setting. We all had a wonderful time. Loved feeding the ducks. We’ll definitely be back. Didn’t want to leave!

Sandra and Nigel, 19/11/10 – 26/11/10.

Dunnock

Thank you for a lovely relaxing week. We hope to be back soon. P.S The tea, coffee and cake on arrival was a lovely touch, thanks.

Little Eona, Big Eona, Elaine and baby Kiara, 5/10/10/- 12/10/10.

Dunnock

Our new favourite place.

The Jones, 29/10/10 – 1/11/10.

Dunnock

Perfect setting and perfect lodge for what we needed – relaxation! Even better than we imagined, and in a beautiful location. Will be back & will recommend. Loved the ducks and Leah!

Emma, Emma & Vicky, 22/10/10 – 25/10/10.

Dunnock

Absolutely wonderful. We will definitely be back soon.

Fiona and Daryl, 22/4/11 – 29/4/11.

Chiffchaff

Our fourth visit since October ’10. This place is addictive. Nature is blooming: saw a Kingfisher on the post by the boat & a family of Moorhens are nesting to the left. I wish the ducks would get a room though. We’ll be back & so will you.

Mark & Michelle, 18/4/11 – 22/4/11.

Chiffchaff

Our second visit to The Tranquil Otter (first visit was our honeymoon last year). We have had an amazing week again, lived up to all our expectations and then surpassed them! We will be back soon though. We stayed in Lodge 5 (now known as Fieldfare) last time and Buzzard was just as lovely - clean, well set up, amazing lake view, hot tub, ducks, swans etc.

This place is very well named! Tranquility at its best - Soul food!

We are very sad to leave this morning. Can't wait to return, thank you for a fantastic week.

Helen & Martin, 2/5/11 - 6/5/11.

Buzzard

The hot tub was amazing we loved it. The walk is really good Daisy loved it. We have had a lovely relaxing break and look forward to a return visit.

Joan, Jean, Kerry, Georgia and Daisy the Dog, 11/3/11 – 13/3/11.

Buzzard

Words can not describe how perfect the Tranquil Otter is. My partner booked our stay for a relaxing weekend in the busy run up to our wedding in May.

We have loved being here and could stay longer. We love the hot tub, views, Leah the Dog and the cheeky chappie who taps on the window every morning! This place is beautiful a true paradise. Already thinking of when we can come back. Thank you for making our weekend perfect.

Richard & Sarah, 22/4/11 – 25/4/11

Arctic Skua

Why did we only book for 4 nights – we’d like to stay forever! We would never tire of the view and tranquillity. Never felt so relaxed, We’ll be back. Many thanks

Jen & Phil (Driffield, East Yorkshire), 18/4/11 – 22/4/11.

Arctic Skua

Pure tranquillity. Thank you for a very warm welcome and fantastic stay.

Helen & Matthew (Drax, North Yorkshire), 15/4/11 – 18/4/11.

Arctic Skua

What can we say that hasn’t already been said about this beautiful Tranquil special place from the minute we arrived we felt at home. Here on our honeymoon after a busy wedding and weekend spent with family. The Tranquil Otter was just what we needed so relaxing just sitting back and enjoying the wildlife. The funny little chaffinch is great, such a cheeky little fellow tapping on the window. Leah the dog took us on a lovely walk around the lake showing us which direction to go in so sweet. We’ve had great time and can’t wait to come back with our boys.

The newlywed Johnsons, 4/1/11 – 8/1/11.

Arctic Skua

Tranquil Otter is wonderful – we came for a family weekend and had a great time. There is everything you need in the lodge; the hot-tub is amazing (sitting in there looking at the stars) and the setting is beautiful. Thank you for a lovely mini-break.

The Turners & The Holdsworths - 12/11/10 –15/11/10.

Heron

Wonderful weekend, it’s been said many times in this book but this place really is heaven. Will be back soon we hope.

Kate & Tim - 3/12/10 - 6/12/10.

Gadwall

Lovely, lovely relaxing break yet again. Some things never change except maybe the name of the lodge! Our 6th anniversary and as perfect as ever. Never mentioned it before but the ‘Retreat’ spa (few miles down the road) is the perfect luxury treat. Alan has his back and neck massage and manicure. I had a lovely facial and pedicure. You will need to book as there is a discount for Tranquil Otter guests. Wildlife as varied as ever with the water rail making a rare appearance in front of the lodge. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you. xxxx p.s. It will always be Lodge 5 to us!

Linda and Alan - 10/12/10 - 13/12/10

Fieldfare

Lovely lodge and beautiful setting. We all had a wonderful time. Loved feeding the ducks. We’ll definitely be back. Didn’t want to leave!

Sandra and Nigel - 19/11/10 - 26/11/10.

Dunnock

Arrived on the Friday for a week away before the boyfriend was deployed away for 5 months. As soon as arriving Danny switched off into relax mode, letting Laura take in all the info about the cabin. From the minute of being here we were blown away by everything. The cabin, scenery, ducks, privacy and the hot-tub.

We enjoyed a lovely early Christmas here and ventured out a few times. But after about 10 minutes of being out Laura was drawn back to the cabin like a magnet. So we were never gone very long.

We enjoyed every minute and hope to come back many years down the line when we’re old and grey. Have a great stay.

Laura and Danny XXX - 19/11/10 - 26/11/10.

Chiffchaff

This was a last minute decision, we just didn’t feel like flying anywhere and wanted somewhere relaxing, beautiful and interesting. Thank you to the chap who recommended The Tranquil Otter. The lodges are perfect – character yet comforts of modern living with a perfect view. Walking round the lake in the snow is like walking into Narnia, without the need of a wardrobe! We ventured out a little but weather prevented some jaunts. However, it’s very easy to spend days at the lodge with the company of the birds and ducks and swans. Sun all week. Just had the most wonderful time. Dog loved it too. Nick and Tazeem and staff are very welcoming and friendly! As is Leah! Thanks and see you again.

Lisa, Allison and Maddie - Chepstow, Monmouthshire - 27/11/10 - 4/12/10.

Buzzard

This is our first visit to The Tranquil Otter and certainly won’t be our last. Had a fantastic, chilled out and relaxing weekend. Hot-tub with glass/bottle of champagne staring up at the stars at night, so romantic! Also enjoyed a massage/facial by Vanessa. An absolute must. Hope to see you soon.

Chris & Emma X  3/12/10 - 6/12/10.

Arctic Skua

Our first visit, we are coming again. Fantastic lodge; great views and such a peaceful and relaxing place to stay. We brought our dog and have enjoyed lots of walks and trips out. The location of the lodge is a good base to explore from. Thanks to the team for their attention to detail and helpful attitude.

Elaine & Tim, 9/5/11 - 13/5/11.

Egret

We even looked out one day and the woodpecker was at the tree just outside! The walk around the lake is lovely and rowing out into the middle is a must as well. Thanks again and we hope to see you again.

Hi Tazeem - The lodge was luxurious beyond our expectations, and we had a great time with the hot tub and the boat especially. I did finally see an otter ... what a privilege ...and our own little troupe of adolescent ducklings...

Louise

Thank you for a wonderful week's break in Lodge 6 at the Tranquil Otter. We will miss the ducks bullying us to feed them and the swans hissing at us for getting too close.

Rob & Catrina

Hi there, Thought I'd send a quick email to say thanks for the great stay. I'm a keen photographer, and found the location spot on! Wish I got a better quality of the Otter though.

Gary

We had a great time and certainly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. We certainly feel refreshed and hope to return again in the future. We promised to send some photos of the otters ... they seem to be a bit camera shy!!

We had a marvellous time during our stay at the Tranquil Otter ... the lodges are extremely comfortable and clean and could not be in a more idyllic location ... we found ourselves more inclined to just relax in the lodge watching the wildlife on the lake.

Ross & Suky

We all had a great time and didn't want to come home.

Stephanie & girls

Thank you so much to you both for making us feel so welcome at The Tranquil Otter in April, The lodge was gorgeous and you were so acommodating and helpful, ensuring that the stay was exactly what we had hoped for. It was so refreshing to have a nature reserve on our doorstep, and such a serene environment.

Sarah & Will

A wonderful week, plenty of wildlife the highlight being while rowing on the loch seeing two otter playing together, diving in and out of the water, an unforgettable experience!!

Shirley & Jeff

Another brilliant time at The Tranquil Ottter. Seen lots of birdlife nesting, woodpeckers etc. Wildlife seen fox, red squirrel. Weather a bit iffy, but didn't spoil our break. Thanks again for a lovely time. You really deserve the Gold Award.

Melv, Linda and Jean

15/5/2012 - 21/5/2012

Dunnock

A return to this little bit of paradise for our second visit was a must. We enjoyed every minute. The beautiful autumn colours were breathtaking. Many thanks.

Dennis and Margaret

If we were any more laid back after our stay we'd have been horizontal! Can't wait for our return in the summer.

Russ and Claire

Excellent - what more needs to be said! Beautiful lodge and surroundings, lovely out on the lake, really too good to leave. Will definitely be back. Thanks for all your help and recommendations.

Anne and Jeremy

A little taste of heaven. Thank you!

Tom and Anna

Wonderful warm welcome, breathtaking view, peace and quiet to relax and unwind. Beautiful unspoilt place with lots of wildlife. Hope to be back soon.

Angelina and Iestyn

Another wonderful week.

Relaxation started as soon as we saw the Lough. A cosy welcoming lodge. Thank you for making the place so special.

Daphne and Trevor

Another fantastic totally relaxing week.

It just gets better and better. Love the new lodge. It is a credit to you both. Seeing the otter and the woodpecker feeding was the icing on the cake. Thanks again.

Linda, Phil, Jennifer and Stephen

Had such a lovely relaxing holiday. The hot-tub and sauna were such a treat. The walk round the lake was lovely and easy with Grace's wheelchair. We followed your recommendation to Hadrian’s Wall but the snow was too bad to continue! Would love to return in the summer time. The lodge was everything and more than we expected. Thank you.

Katrina, Steve, Grace and Isabella, 3/12/10 - 6/12/10.

Egret

I wanted to drop you a line to say that we had a great time at the Tranquil Otter. I particularly wanted to mention that the wheelchair facilities in the lodge were excellent - the best I have encountered. It makes a refreshing change that someone has taken trouble to accommodate all needs. We hope to return. Thanks.

James.

Heron

This is our second visit, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves yet again. Great for wheelchair access.

The swans & ducks are delightful, great walks. Everything in the cabin is there for you.

The England Family, 25/4/11 – 29/4/11.

Heron

This has been our first visit to the Tranquil Otter and we’ve had a great time. The lodge & location are fantastic. Gnocchi the dog was mesmerised by Dave and the web-footed posse. We will be back! Many thanks.

The Gilberts, 18/4/11 – 22/4/11.

Gadwall

My lovelies Born Day.

Greeted by the 3 Amigos (Ducks) who stayed all weekend chilling with us. Big Dave knocked on the door & hung around for a while. Leah visited regularly & sat in the boat relaxing with us too.

The walks around the lake & the lovely bird hide were magical. Sunday was gorgeous wife’s Born Day. Barbecue then picnic moored out on the lake, bobbing about – watching buzzards above & just the sounds of birds to be heard.

Hot tub – so relaxing & moresome.

Loved it all – first time for ages head wasn’t busy joy. Thanks for a fab birthday weekend.

Mags & Mow, 15/4/11 – 18/4/11.

Gadwall

Our first visit to the Tranquil Otter – a surprise trip by my husband for my ‘40^th’ & what a wonderful way to spend my birthday week! Weather started off with high winds & rain but has gradually improved & now sitting here is sunshine listening to the birdsong. Have had a fabulous week – not doing a great lot apart from eating well, drinking, lovely walks around the Lough, cosying up in front of the fire & of course the hot tub!

Made friends with the ducks & swans & each tried to get out of the rowing boat although wind blew us back in quicker than we could row at!

Thanks for a wonderful relaxing break in this retreat away from it all.

Lorraine, Byron & Bobby the Dog, 4/4/11 – 8/4/11.

Fieldfare

Yet another fantastic stay at Tranquil Otter.

Drier, brighter weather this stay so managed to get out and about, including the walk around the Lough, and a row around the Lough.

Sat in the hot tub last night; a calm clear evening with nothing to break the quiet but birds in the trees, cows in neighbouring fields and the odd "quack". Thought to myself "what could be better than this" - could not think of anything! Try it - you'll see what I mean!

We'd love to come back again before too long.

Ray, Bev & Jess (the cocky spaniel), 3/5/2012 to 7/5/2012.

Gadwall

This is our first visit to the Tranquil Otter, upon arrival we were given a friendly greeting, shown around the lodge and made to feel very welcome. We were also impressed by the personal touches, such as the tasty cupcakes!

The lodge is fantastic, very well kept and maintained with all the mod cons and stylish, contemporary fittings required. The surrounding environment is very peaceful and relaxing, it’s like having your very own personal nature reserve at your back door.

One of the highlights that we found was the ‘cars of the stars motor museum’ which if you’re a film/tv buff you will find quite rewarding. If you’re looking to go out for a pub lunch, we would recommend the food at the ‘Royal Oak Inn,’ Curthwaite.

Overall, a delightful place to visit, we really enjoyed our stay and will sorely miss the hot-tub! Thanks for a great weekend.

Jayne & Tim, 8/4/11 – 11/4/11.

Fieldfare

After a lovely week we have to leave. The surroundings and the tranquility will be missed. One warning, if you feed the ducks once, they will be back every day at the same time with a raiding party - so you have been warned.

The lakeside walk is wonderful. The hot tub and sauna enhance the experience.

You will have to be Victor Meldrew to not enjoy your stay!!!

Kim, Chris, John & Betty, 18/5/12 - 25/5/12

Egret

Our first stay here – and hopefully not our last! Delightful rural retreat – everything catered for. A truly relaxing break – the perfect escape. We saw lots of wildlife, including deer and kingfishers, but missed the elusive red squirrels! The swans & ducks kept us well entertained!

The lodge was cosy and well equipped & the hot tub was great. Thank you for giving us such a warm welcome – first class service, we look forward to our next visit…

Telleck family, 22/4/2011 - 25/4/2011.

Heron

Fantastic time had by all in wonderful surroundings. Lucky the weather held out ok. Excellent site, as it says on the tin, Tranquil. Hope to be back soon.

Mary, Norman, Jackie and Ken, 20/4/2012 - 23/4/2012.

Egret