Panshill luxury lodges review: hot tubs and alpacas in Oxfordshire

Disclaimer: my stay at Panshill Leisure was gifted for PR and review purposes. All experiences and opinions in this post are unbiased and 100% my own.

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Looking for Panshill luxury lodges with a private hot tub, woodland walks and, yes, alpacas? This review is for couples and anyone after a self-catering break with a bit of luxury, covering the lodge, the grounds, the extras and what to do nearby.

For staycations, I love places that combine flexibility with luxury, so I was keen to see whether one of these lodges could feel like a home from home and a luxury getaway at once when I stayed in May 2023.

About Panshill Accommodation

Panshill sits in the green Oxfordshire countryside, close to Bicester Village and Oxford, and promises a peaceful retreat.

As well as the lodges, the Panshill Leisure complex has bungalows and en suite rooms, each individually decorated. The securely gated grounds include several acres of woodland, walking paths and fishing lakes with day tickets. I even saw a deer running through the woods on an early morning walk.

Where is Panshill Accommodation?

It’s close to Bicester Village, the well-known luxury shopping outlet, and a short drive from the historic city of Oxford.

Getting there

It’s easy to reach by car, close to the M40 and under two hours from London or Birmingham, with secure parking behind a gated entrance. There’s no direct public transport, but you could take the train to Bicester Village station and a 15 minute taxi.

Inside the lodge

The first thing I noticed was how well the space creates an airy yet cosy home-from-home feel. An elegant open-plan layout blends the living, dining and sleeping areas, and ours had lovely pops of spring green throughout.

Self-catering facilities

There’s a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious bathroom with a bath, perfect for a long weekend, and we settled in straight away.

With bathrobes and slippers, plus prosecco and chocolates on arrival, all you need to bring is your clothes and food. I worked remotely for one day, so the fast, reliable Wi-Fi was fantastic, and there’s a widescreen TV with Netflix for a movie night.

Outdoor space and hot tub

Step outside to your own secluded area, with seating for two on the decking. It’s perfect for a morning coffee, or a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the trees.

The star is the hot tub. Every Luxury Lodge has its own, so you can sink into the bubbles surrounded by peaceful countryside. It was easy to use, with adjustable temperature controls, which is great when the air cools on an early May evening.

Exploring the Panshill Leisure estate

A highlight was visiting the resident alpacas. One of them, Elvis (great name), has a bit of a personality and often jumps the fence to wander the grounds. Morning woodland walks were a refreshing way to start the day, and the views over the fishing lakes were particularly scenic.

Extras to add to your stay

There’s a whole host of add-ons, from rose petals to afternoon tea deliveries and private chefs. We tried two.

BBQ hire

With sunnier weather making an appearance, I was so glad to have a BBQ. It was set up on our decking on our chosen day and was super easy to use.

Bicycle hire

The bikes were a great way to explore (especially after a rather large BBQ). We stayed local and had a lovely time cycling around the lakes and woodland, and there are quiet roads outside the gates if you want to go further.

Things to do near Panshill Accommodation

• Shopping: Bicester Village has lots of designer brands. When I stayed, lodge guests could get a VIP pass with 10% off in a number of stores, so it’s worth asking.
• History and culture: explore the University of Oxford, the charming streets and landmarks like the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. I also loved staying at Vanbrugh House Hotel in Oxford.
• Food: foodies should have the Nut Tree, which held a Michelin star when I wrote this, on their radar for its tasting menus.

How to book

You can book through the Panshill website, where there are often special offers.

Final thoughts

This was a lovely, relaxing getaway, and a great way to break up a long drive to London for a flight later that week. With the cosy setting, secluded outdoor space and hot tub, I’d definitely recommend it for a romantic getaway or weekend break. Plus, who doesn’t love an alpaca? If you do, you’ll also enjoy my stay at Alpaca Annex. Find more ideas in my UK staycations guide.

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