Paper Mill Island Lodge

• Sleeps: 2 (+2)
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Paper Mill Island Lodge is a romantic, adults-only oasis for nature-lovers, boating enthusiasts… and those who simply enjoy messing about on the river!

You’ll find the captivating retreat on the historic Paper Mill Lock, beautifully positioned right by the water’s edge and surrounded by lush, tranquil Chelmer Valley countryside for mesmerising views. With private mooring, you’re welcome to bring your own SUP, canoe or kayak for exploring the Essex waterways, or sit back and watch canal boats glide by.

Here, open-plan accommodation is generously spaced on one floor, with up to two dogs also welcome to stay. Unwind in the calming living area, complete with a fireplace and a Smart TV for cosy evenings in, before wandering to the peaceful bedroom for a sound night’s sleep. There’s a sofa bed in the living area for two extra guests if needed, too.

If the sun is shining, there’s ample space to head through the glass patio doors and relax outside, surrounded by idyllic weir-and-river views. The private, enclosed decking area is safe for your four-legged friends to stay off-lead, with a dining table and chairs for long al fresco lunches… bliss.

Facilities-wise, you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free stay. There’s a well-equipped kitchen area with an electric oven, fridge and hob, and a spacious en-suite shower room for freshening up in, after exploring the local area. Freshly-laundered towels and linen are included, along with a delicious local-produce welcome basket.

What form your local-area explorations will take is completely up to you. If you don’t feel like straying too far away (which would be perfectly understandable in such a restful retreat!), simply walk to the other side of the river and enjoy tea and cake at the popular, pet-friendly Paper Mill Lock Tea Rooms.

If you didn’t bring your own, you can hire a canoe or kayak for traversing the waterways during the summer months, or book a boat trip and let someone else do the steering.

At a glance

• A single-level lodge for 2-4 guests, peacefully secluded in its own ‘island’ location at Paper Mill Lock near Chelmsford City, Essex.
• Self-contained facilities include a well-equipped kitchen, and an en-suite shower room with towels supplied.
• There is a separate double bedroom, with a double sofa bed in the lounge for additional guests.
• Up to two well-behaved dogs are also welcome to stay.
• Dine in the garden, with river views, or launch your SUP, kayak or canoe from the lodge’s independent mooring.
• Take a walk along the towpath, visit the popular tea rooms on the other side of the river, or visit one of the many towns and villages close by.

Features

• Dog Friendly

More information

There’s also the option of packing a picnic and taking a ramble along the towpath, which follows the river for 14 miles from its beginning in Chelmsford, to the sea at Heybridge Basin and Maldon. Paper Lock is at the half-way point, so all you have to do is choose a direction to follow!

There’s a plethora of charming villages to visit close by, too. Danbury and Little Baddow are both teeming with independent shops and restaurants, while you can rent a beach hut for the day at Maldon.

In the other direction, Chelmsford’s bustling city centre will satisfy any cravings for High Street shopping and coffee stops, before making your way back to the peace and quiet of the riverside at Paper Mill Island Lodge… your new-found sanctuary.

Things to note

Children are not permitted to stay, except babes in arms.