Set in picturesque countryside next to pretty Ropley station, we enjoyed a 4 night break at the Winchester as a family of 3. The self catering accommodation was well equipped... read more and it was great to have use of a washing machine and tumble dryer with a baby in tow. The highchair and cot we requested were provided although we didn’t end up using the cot as it was a bit tatty and well used. The owner (Jo) was very responsive to queries by phone/text that we had about the heating and Wi-fi and the lodge had lots of welcoming extras and fluffy towels.

We would have rated ‘good’ if there was the option as there are some areas which let the lodge down.
- The sofa was very uncomfortable and worn. It was covered with a throw which we removed as it smelt of dog and had hairs on it. We appreciate that the lodge is let to people with pets but changing throws between visitors could be an idea so they can be cleaned
- A king sized bed was advertised but it was definitely a double. Although not an issue for some, we like our space and our baby likes to co-sleep sometimes too which we found impossible here
- Lack of baking trays in the kitchen
- The lodge wasn’t as clean as we would have liked. There were dead flies on several of the windows, cobwebs and dust on some of the light shades, crumbs in the freezer drawers, dirt in the bathroom cupboard and significant dust on the living room table
- There was no clock or alarm clock other than the one on the kitchen oven. It would have been nice to have rather than relying on our mobile and the TV
- There was only one TV (in the living room) and it was far too small. Having a DVD player or upgrading to a smart TV would be great additions

Overall we enjoyed our stay next to the wonderful steam railway and thought the price was reasonable too. The selection of board games was also a nice touch and made a pleasant change for evening entertainment.

  We stayed in The Winchester Lodge (dog friendly) which was lovely and spacious and has everything you need for your stay. Good facilities overall. The area has beautiful walks for... read more you and your dogs, you can cycle for miles and the steam trains coming and going are wonderful to watch. Great local pubs and places to eat. Alresford and Cheriton are a delight.
Highly recommend. And look forward to our next stay.

  Had a fantastic stay here, shower & toilet block all clean, tidy and well stocked up. The campsite is well looked after with bbq areas and lighting. Car parking on... read more site. Right next door to the watercress line, great for kids. Highly recommended.

  Set in picturesque countryside next to pretty Ropley station, we enjoyed a 4 night break at the Winchester as a family of 3. The self catering accommodation was well equipped... read more and it was great to have use of a washing machine and tumble dryer with a baby in tow. The highchair and cot we requested were provided although we didn’t end up using the cot as it was a bit tatty and well used. The owner (Jo) was very responsive to queries by phone/text that we had about the heating and Wi-fi and the lodge had lots of welcoming extras and fluffy towels.

We would have rated ‘good’ if there was the option as there are some areas which let the lodge down.
- The sofa was very uncomfortable and worn. It was covered with a throw which we removed as it smelt of dog and had hairs on it. We appreciate that the lodge is let to people with pets but changing throws between visitors could be an idea so they can be cleaned
- A king sized bed was advertised but it was definitely a double. Although not an issue for some, we like our space and our baby likes to co-sleep sometimes too which we found impossible here
- Lack of baking trays in the kitchen
- The lodge wasn’t as clean as we would have liked. There were dead flies on several of the windows, cobwebs and dust on some of the light shades, crumbs in the freezer drawers, dirt in the bathroom cupboard and significant dust on the living room table
- There was no clock or alarm clock other than the one on the kitchen oven. It would have been nice to have rather than relying on our mobile and the TV
- There was only one TV (in the living room) and it was far too small. Having a DVD player or upgrading to a smart TV would be great additions

Overall we enjoyed our stay next to the wonderful steam railway and thought the price was reasonable too. The selection of board games was also a nice touch and made a pleasant change for evening entertainment.

  Don’t stay in the tipis! Ripped door, on a woodlouse home, hired air beds that had slow punctures, tipis pitched incorrectly and no space to run about.
Not impressed glad... read more we only booked one night

  We stayed in one of the lodges beside the railway line, and seeing the steam trains was great. The lodge wasn’t the best. We stayed in the Itchen Abbas lodge,... read more and unfortunately it has seen better days. Externally the lodges are long overdue a paint job, and inside, we had a real problem with the shower which leaked through the lounge ceiling. Although a handyman was sent to mastic the shower, the shower itself was a poor design, and water constantly ran out the front door when used. We putter down multiple towels to stop the flow, but it was in vain.
The holiday was somewhat tarnished by the worry of whether the ceiling was going to come down. It was obviously a historic problem, as the ceiling looked as if it had been patched multiple times.
We did ask if we could be moved, but we’re told the lodges were fully booked although the one beside us remained unoccupied for 4 days of our 5 day stay.
I’m sure if the shower was fine, our stay would have been better, but I spent a lot of time on edge, with a bucket constantly positioned on the lounge floor. Some compensation would have been good, but it wasn’t offered, and I wasn’t going to ask.
Although the campsite did try to help with the shower, it was a token effort, and I think the customer service could have been better, although I appreciate it was the height of summer, and they were fully booked.
Would I go back, I don’t think so, which is a shame, as it could be much better if a bit more pride was taken.
If you have booked a lodge, try to make sure it isn’t the Itchen Abbas Lodge.