Where is Pine Lake Resort?
Pine Lake Resort is a Diamond Resorts destination that is located in Carnforth, Lancashire. This is within easy travelling distance of Lancaster, Morecambe, and the Lake District.
Its address is Dock Acres, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1JZ.
You can visit their website here.
It is ideally located for exploring Lancashire as it is just off the M6 motorway. The resort is just down the road from Carnforth train station, if you plan to arrive by train. There are also excellent public transport links to the surrounding area.
If you are unfamiliar with this part of England, the staff is more than happy to offer advice and assistance. There are also plenty of leaflets in the reception for attractions and events in the surrounding area.
What is My Experience of Pine Lake Resort?
I probably went to this resort for the first time around five years ago. I have since been multiple times with various people. The fact that I have visited so many times is a testament to my excellent experiences of this resort.
My most recent visit was in November 2019 for my 40th birthday. I stayed for two days and had two completely different experiences.
The first night, I was joined in my lodge by my mum, my adult daughter, and my sister, We had a girlie night together that started with a swim in the pool, a meal in the resort’s restaurant, and then watching a couple of girlie films with a bottle of wine and some snacks back at the lodge.
On the second night, I was joined by my partner and three sons, who were 14, 8, and 6 at the time. Again, we ate at the Lakes Bistro, then we had fun in the arcade and games room for a couple of hours. At the end of the night, we borrowed a DVD from the DVD library in the reception.
The following day, we went for a family swim, played golf on the mini-golf course, and the younger boys had a play in the playground.
Pine Lake Resort Review- The Accommodation
Studio Apartments
The accommodation close to the reception is studio apartments. These are the smallest and cheapest options. They are ideal for single people or couples visiting on a budget. Due to their proximity to the reception, restaurant and facilities, they are also fantastic for people with mobility issues.
Personally, I have never stayed in one of the studio apartments. However, my daughter and her husband have stayed in them on several occasions. They felt they had plenty of space for the two of them and that the facilities in the accommodation met their needs.
Lodge Accommodation
Elsewhere on the resort, the accommodation consists of wooden lodges of various sizes set around a large, manmade lake. This is the type of accommodation that I have stayed in when I have visited this resort. It is completely different to the experience of staying in a hotel.
Each lodge has a fully-equipped kitchen, a spacious living room with a dining table and a bed settee, either one or two bathrooms, and either two or three bedrooms. There is also a small ground-level balcony area with tables and chairs so you can sit and enjoy views of the lake.
Although all the accommodation is disability-friendly, I would recommend speaking to them when you make a booking if you have a disability or mobility issue. Some of the lodges are a good distance from the main facilities. If this is an issue for you, let them know and they will allocate you a lodge that is close to the restaurant, facilities, and activities.
All the accommodation is self-catering. I tend to pack bacon, sausage, bread, milk, and coffee. We enjoy a late breakfast/ early lunch (brunch) in the lodge. In the evenings, we eat at Lakes Bistro. I also pack snacks (and wine!) for when we are in the lodge later in the evening.
Review of Pine Lake Resort Cleanliness
I have never had any problems with the cleanliness at Pine Lake Resort. Everything smells fresh on arrival, and the kitchen area is always spotless. All the toiletries are brand new, and the bedding is immaculate.
As evidence of the cleanliness of this resort, the photograph shown here is one taken by my daughter when she stayed at Pine Lake Resort with her husband. She looked under the bed and found this notice, which made her laugh. Image credit: Phoebe Jenkinson
The Customer Service at This Resort
In my expereince, the customer service at Pine Lake Resort is excellent. As soon as you arrive in the reception area, you are met by friendly and helpful staff. If you have any queries, you can pop in at any time and they will do their best to meet you. The staff elsewhere in the resort are also excellent.
Pine Lake Resort Review- Facilities
If you do not want to go out and explore the surrounding area, you will find plenty of things to see and do at this resort. Just some of the activities and facilities available include:
Free Activities at Pine Lake Resort
- The lake– All the accommodation is set around a large lake, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including swans, geese, and ducks. It is nice to take a walk around the lake, and the children love being close to the animals.
- Swimming pool/ fitness centre– Somewhere that we spend a lot of time when we stay at Pine Lake resort is in the heated indoor swimming pool. For adults, there is also a sauna, a steam room, and a Jacuzzi. In the same building, there is a small gym for fitness fanatics to keep fit while they are away. It is free to use these facilities if you are staying at the resort.
More Free Activities…
- Tennis courts– I have not personally used the tennis courts, but they are just outside the swimming pool/ fitness centre.
- DVD library– In the reception area, you will find a small DVD library. These are displayed with the family-friendly movies at the bottom, and the movies for adults at the top. It is free to borrow a DVD; you just let the reception staff know which DVD you are borrowing.
- Amusement arcade– Behind the reception area is a small family-friendly amusement arcade.
- Games room– Next to the amusement arcade, there is a games room. This features table tennis, snooker, and air hockey.
- Mini-golf course– Between the swimming pool and the children’s play area is a small mini-golf course. This is free to play and you collect the clubs and balls from inside the fitness centre.
- Entertainment room– Located in the same area as the restaurant and bar, there is also an entertainment room. There is a program of activities and entertainment that take place in this room daily. Examples include bingo, family quizzes, and live music.
- Children’s outdoor play area– Younger children will enjoy the small outdoor play area, which has a climbing frame, a tunnel, a slide, and swings. This is next to the mini-golf course and near to the fitness centre.
Paid Activites at the Resort
Watersports– There is a watersports centre at the far end of the lake where you can book sessions for various activities. Just some o the options include boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. There is a fee for most of these activities.
Other Facilities
- Picnic areas– Dotted around the park you will see wooden picnic tables where you can enjoy a bite to eat in nice surroundings.
- Restaurant– See the review below!
- Bar– You can sit at the bar area or take your drink outside in warmer weather.
- Outdoor seating area– To the rear of the reception area is a pub garden/ outdoor seating area.
Overall, the facilities and activities at Pine Lake Resort are excellent, and you will find plenty of things to do without leaving the site.
Dining at Pine Lake Resort- Lakes Bistro
The restaurant at Pine Lake Resort is called Lakes Bistro. This has two dining areas, and it is very spacious. There is also some outdoor seating if you fancy a spot of al fresco dining.
The menu consists of pub classics, dishes from the grill, pasta dishes, and wood-oven-fired pizzas. One night a week, they have a special pizza and pasta night. It is also possible to order a pizza to take-out and eat back in your lodge.
On the whole, I have had only positive experiences of eating at Lakes Bistro, and I have enjoyed many meals in this eatery. You can read the full review for Lakes Bistro here:
The Final Verdict
I would highly recommend a stay at Pine Lake Resort in Carnforth. The accommodation is spacious, clean, and has a homely feel. There are plenty of things to enjoy on-site, and it is ideally located for accessing attractions in the surrounding area. Although this is self-catering accommodation, the on-site eatery, Lakes Bistro, is a fantastic option if you want to dine out.
Have you stayed at Pine Lake Resort? Let us know about your expereince in the comments section below.