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Willows Retreat

Guest Rating
Rating
4.4
out of 5
Norfolk » Thetford
Sleeps up to 4
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2

Welcome to the serene Willows Retreat, a purpose-built holiday cabin nestled on the bank of a picturesque one-acre lake. This tranquil escape is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure.

The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests in two well-appointed bedrooms and features a contemporary kitchen, ensuring all the comforts of home. The open-plan living area, with its expansive views, offers a bright and inviting space to unwind.

Step outside to the private, enclosed decking and indulge in the luxury of your own hot tub, perfect for stargazing or simply soaking away the stresses of daily life. With its idyllic lakeside setting and close proximity to Thetford Forest, Willows Retreat promises a memorable getaway.

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At HolidayCottages.co.uk
 

About Willows Retreat

Welcome to the serene Willows Retreat, a purpose-built holiday cabin nestled on the bank of a picturesque one-acre lake. This tranquil escape is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure.

The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests in two well-appointed bedrooms and features a contemporary kitchen, ensuring all the comforts of home.

The open-plan living area, with its expansive views, offers a bright and inviting space to unwind.

Step outside to the private, enclosed decking and indulge in the luxury of your own hot tub, perfect for stargazing or simply soaking away the stresses of daily life. With its idyllic lakeside setting and close proximity to Thetford Forest, Willows Retreat promises a memorable getaway.

Check Prices & Availability
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

Cottages Near Willows Retreat

0 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
A fabulous holiday home designed to make the most of its waterside position situated in South Norfolk, from which guests are able to explore the many local attractions.
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4 Miles
Sleeps 6
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3
A beautifully-converted barn in a rural location on the outskirts of Old Buckenham, Norfolk. En-suite bedrooms. Hot tub. Pet-friendly. Garden. Banham 2.7 miles; Attleborough 4.3 miles; Kenninghall 4.6 miles.
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4 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
A superb detached lodge, resting on the outskirts of the town of Diss. All-ground-floor. Woodburner. WiFi. Hot tub. Norwich 26.3 miles.
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7 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
A renovated annexe buried in the serene village of Thompson in Norfolk. Romantic retreat. Hot tub. Super-king-size. Watton 3.5 miles; Thetford 10.8 miles; Swaffham 12.2 miles.
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7 Miles
Sleeps 6
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3
A lovely, three-bedroom barn conversion resting in Wattisfield near Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk. Family-friendly. Rural. Woodburning stove. Original features. Hot tub. Elmswell 8.1 miles; Bury St Edmunds 13.6 miles; Thetford Forest 15.4 miles.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 4
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2
Whatever your preferred pastimes, this delightful barn offers a perfect base to enjoy the local Suffolk countryside and attractions.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
A cosy, romantic annexe cottage in Thompson in East Anglia. Well-finished. Warming interior. Attractive garden.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 7
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 4
A stunning barn-conversion resting in Hargate near Old Buckenham, Norfolk. Balcony. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove. Banham 4.4 miles; Kenninghall 6.8 miles; Attleborough 7.2 miles.
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9 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
A delightful shalley conversion settled in Diss, Suffolk. Open-plan. Hot tub. Bike storage. Romantic. Farm. Bury St. Edmunds 20.9 miles; Norwich 24.5 miles.
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11 Miles
Sleeps 4
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2
Superb holiday cottage in small Norfolk village. Pet friendly. Woodburning stove, hot tub. Large gardens and paddock. Swaffham 8 miles.
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Helpful Info To Get More From Your Stay

What do guests love about this accommodation?

Guests at Willows Retreat are enamoured by the peaceful location, modern interior, and fully functional kitchen. The comfortable beds and the luxury of the hot tub add to the relaxing experience. The surrounding walks and the proximity to the village, with its amenities, are also highly appreciated.

Getting there

To get to Willows Retreat, if travelling by car, use the A11 motorway and exit towards Thetford, following signs to the village. For rail travellers, the nearest train station is in Thetford, with taxi services available for the final leg of your journey.

Nearby Essentials

During your stay, you'll have convenient access to a selection of nearby amenities, including some of the area's tastiest takeout options. Click any of the postcodes for a map along with handy driving instructions and the fastest route from your accommodation.
Service Distance (miles) Postcode
Pharmacy 0.5 milesNR16 2AD
Train station 8 milesNR17 2AS
Pub 0.4 milesNR16 2AD
Dog walk Onsite
Supermarket 0.5 milesNR16 2AD
Indian takeaway ('Spice of India') 0.5 milesNR16 2AD
Chinese takeaway ('Kowloon') 0.5 milesNR16 2AD
Italian takeaway ('Pasta Gusto') 0.6 milesNR16 2AD

For families with Kids

The area around Willows Retreat is family-friendly, with ample opportunities for children to enjoy the outdoors. Nearby Banham Zoo is a favourite for young ones, and the enclosed garden with a hot tub provides a secure place for family fun.

Is Willows Retreat A good location for couples?

For couples, the retreat offers a romantic setting with its private hot tub and scenic views. Nearby, the thatched gazebo by the River Thet provides a picturesque spot for intimate moments, and the local villages offer charming day trips.

Dining and Cafes

Closest to Willows Retreat is 'The Nags Head' (phone: 01953 799459), a welcoming pub serving hearty meals. For a taste of the East, 'Kowloon Chinese' (phone: 01953 799604) offers delightful dishes, both within a short stroll.

Within walking distance of your cottage

A short walk away you'll find local shops, charming pubs, and picturesque riverbank walks.

Quickfire FAQs

Does the accommodation include a hot tub?

Yes, the accommodation boasts a private hot tub on the rear decking area, providing the ultimate relaxation experience for guests amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.

Is the accommodation pet-friendly?

Yes, the property is pet-friendly, allowing one dog per stay. Guests with pets are advised that there are boarding kennels on site and dogs must be kept on a lead when walking the estate.

What type of bedrooms does the accommodation have?

The accommodation features two bedrooms: one king-size bedroom with stunning lake views and a second bedroom with twin beds that can be converted into a king-size bed upon request.

Is there a fishing facility available at the accommodation?

Yes, guests can enjoy fishing on the one-acre lake stocked with a variety of coarse fish. There is no closed fishing season, but the owner reserves the right to close during carp spawning.

Are there any shops or pubs within walking distance?

Yes, there is both a shop and a pub within walking distance from the accommodation, making it convenient for guests to access local amenities.

Is there parking available on site?

Yes, the accommodation offers off-road parking for up to 4 cars, ensuring guests have ample space for their vehicles during their stay.

Willows Retreat Reviews

Paige
The properties location is beautiful and there are multiple places to go on walks. I was a bit unsure about booking due to the dog kennels and the noise however we heard them a couple of time late morning for about 3/5 minutes nothing that would disturb us. The hot tub is a good addition also especially if you want to star gaze!! We done the puzzleRead mores in the property also Hide
Harley
Brilliant cabin! Brilliant walks and surrounded by lovely woodlands
Anna
Well equipped lodge and lovely location. Beds were very comfortable and it was great to have some private outdoor space. Car parking was in close proximity which was ideal to fetch and carry luggage and fishing equipment. There isn't any outdoor storage and internal storage is limited so in wet weather your fishing equipment either needs to stay ouRead moretside on porch area or back in your car Hide
Janet
Hot tub could do with a service. Corner lamp full of cobwebs. Accommodation comfortable and nicely situated for fishing. Could have done with small hoover and a mop. Just few small issues that need addressing.
Rosaleen
Beautiful area, fantastic site, amazing setting on the lakeside itself. However the lodges are sold to the customer as 'luxury', which they absolutely could be with a little care and attention to detail. The lodge we stayed in was looking very tired, filthy windows ( and the veiw was a large part of our decision to stay here), all the curtains needRead moreed washing as they were dirty, the hot tub area was not at all inviting and again needed some general care and attention. So disappointed. Hide
Robert
Very enjoyable week at Waterways Farm comfortable modern accommodation and pretty surroundings with some lovely walks available ,fishing on site was quite good but we only had lots of small carp and you wont get a PB fishing here . Biggest problem was the constant barking from the local boarding kennels that could be heard at any time of the day orRead more night and became most intrusive and all of the people staying on site were getting very fed up with it by the end of the week Hide
Lizzie
Heavenly. We simply loved the private space of the lodge. Surroundings outstanding, great walks on site and a very leisurely picnic enjoyed by the gazebo. Short walk to both pubs, shop and park; perfect. Hot tub enjoyed. Facilities couldn't have been better. Happy parents, 9 year old and dog....thank you. Would definitely recommend
Stephen
Lovely location ,accommodation was clean and had everything you needed. Site was well laid out and clean and tidy , hot tub was not great but usable.
Danielle
Willows Retreat was beautiful, it had everything we needed during our stay. The lodge it's self is very well equipped and the location is stunning. We had the best time! The Homeowner is so lovely and is very helpful. The hot tub is a bonus and if you like fishing this is the place to stay! Highly recommend booking this property it's amazing!
Ian Kenneth
We had a fantastic stay at willows retreat the property was great for all our needs clean and modern we both fish and the lake was perfect the location was quite and peaceful yes you could hear the dogs but not all the time so did not spoil the holiday we love the hot tub and used everyday even in the rain nice easy walk to village where pubs with Read moregood food and dog friendly plus great bakers co op fish and chips and Chinese very happy will definitely come back thank you Hide
Emmy
Absolutely loved our stay here. The lodge itself is exactly what we were hoping for, quiet, clean and perfect for our first holiday with our dog. Its just down the road to 2 local pubs which offer a good range of drinks and delicious food, and are dog friendly. I would note that if you are bringing a dog they are not allowed on any furniture or in Read morethe bedrooms. Just something to keep in mind, as it can be a little difficult if they are used to that at home. Great stay however, we will be back! Hide
Angela
The cabin is lovely in a lovely location with fishing just outside your door. The beds are super comfy. Good communication from the owner before our stay around our arrival time. Cabin is advertised as pet friendly, dogs may be allowed but its definitely not pet friendly. It was quite stressful to keep our dog off the sofa and out bedrooms when he Read moreis used to be being with us. Appreciate it's a rural location but it wasn't inherently clear before booking that there is no Wi-Fi. Hide
Christine
We had a lovely few days in Norfolk. Nice location, but the place needs a bit of a spruce up to warrant the price. Bed was super comfortable though.
Summer
Really lovely property, our dog enjoyed it very much ! There was a lovely woods just a 5 minute drive away called Breckland woods which was amazing !
Steven
Perfect stay and amazing location, highly recommend
Julie
This is our 2nd visit to willows retreat, and we will be back again. It is in a beautiful peaceful location with stunning views across the lake. We had everything we needed, cosy and comfortable. 5/10 min walk to the village where there is a fish n chip shop, Chinese and 2 pubs., along with a co- op. We ate in the nags head and the food was lovely.Read more There is lots of places to visit within easy reach or is great to just stay in and enjoy the hot tub which we made good use of. see you next year! Hide
Billy
Stayed here with my partner and we loved it Very clean lodge The jacuzzi was a nice bonus
Harley
We stayed at willows retreat and loved every minute of it, the walks surrounding the cabin were safe and great for our dog and us! Definitely coming back next year and cannot recommend enough!
Neil
A gate to the fence at the rear to access the picnic area, would be great when walking the dog or visiting the river. WIFI would have been nice.
T
A lovely area, lodge in a lovely position. Very relaxing . Were made aware of the kennels and not a problem to where we were situated. Lovely walks , plus great to walk into the village where everything there for general use, supermarket, butcher, baker, takeaway, pubs .
Richard
Lovely modern interior with fully functional kitchen, comfortable beds, peaceful location for either fishing or just exploring the local area, the hot tub adds a bit of luxury. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay along with our Labrador. Many thanks Rich, Vanessa & Brutus
Mihail
Good location and friendly!
Adam
Lovely peaceful location. We are not into fishing so did not make use of the lake, but it is stunning to look at. Hot tub was great and easy to operate. Short walk to the pubs (we used the Nags Head which is open all week) and serves great food also Kowloon Chinese takeaway is very good. Lovely walks from the lodge and our dog had a great time.
Marcus
As mentioned above, Some items should be replaced and the shower, although it worked ok, was broken.
Carole
Lovely place to stay- we enjoyed the fishing. Lovely village with lots of amenities.
Glen
A beautiful well equipped lodge in the most amazing and peaceful surroundings. Highly recommended and will definitely book to go back again.
Rebecca
Lovely peaceful location for a relaxing break, lovely walks, recommend The Nags Head for a meal and definitely the Sunday roast, The English Whiskey Distillery for a tour Willows was just perfect for us and the hot tub was an added bonus.
Julie
This was a beautiful location and cottage was just perfect for us. Myself,daughter, sis-in-law and her mum had a fab 2 night stay. Hot tub was such an added bonus and well used by us. The cottage is clean and well equipped with everything we needed. There is local pubs and a fish and chip shop 5/10 mins walk away if needed. We cooked and enjoyed th e beautiful surroundings. This was a gem of a find and we will be returning for sure. A massive thumbs up from us. Julie, Ellie,Caz and Peg
Tommy
Great lodge very cosy and comfy. Quiet area and out of the way from the main road. Highly recommend for a nice quiet weekend away
Fred
Well equiped chalet,very clean and well presented. Contributed in a massive way to a very happy break.
Paul
The property was nice and clean, in a quiet location only 10 minutes walk from the village centre with pubs and supermarket.
TINA
Had a lovely week staying in Willows retreat. The lodge is situated in a lovely area which makes it easy to stay and relax or visit the surrounding areas such as the Norfolk Broads. The lodge itself is beautiful on the outside and inside. It has everything you need for a relaxing and very comfortable stay with the added bonus of a private hot tub. I mustnt forget plethora of wildlife - we missed the kingfishers but were lucky to catch a glimpse of the deer. Would love to return.
Graham
We had a great week in Willows Retreat a real gem and the hot tub was a lifesaver for us as we had a great week of sunshine.
Raymond
The settees were ridiculously low so anyone whos older,like us,will find it difficult to get up.Outside chairs ,no cushions so sitting outside a no go too. This lodge needs a complete overall.Not worth the money!
Michael
Perfect all round Perfect cottage Perfect setting Perfect hosts so helpful Cottage very clean and everything you need is there Really can't rate this place high enough Thanks chis and Sophie for a great week
James
Very comfy and cosy lodge in a relatively remote location, but not too remote. Located in a smashing little village with everything you need including a couple of good pubs, only a fairly short drive to Norwich. Lovely hot tub, thoroughly recommend
Maureen
Lovely location - Chris(owner) available if needed Outlook/scenery beautiful
Rachael
Lovely, secluded accommodation. Perfect little getaway to relax and escape.
Tayla
My partner and I had the best staycation here. It was remote but still felt safe, the view of the lake from the lodge was incredible and we will definitely be back again. It was so nice to relax and we made good use of the hot tub! It also had everything that you needed and the owners are so friendly. Perfect.
Jemma
Willows retreat is rhe perfect get away, the accommodation is spacious, spotlessly clean, and has everything you need for your break, and the hot tub is amazing, and completely private. We had a wonderful long weekend, and will absolutely return in the new year.
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Attractions Near Willows Retreat

While there'll be plenty to keep you entertained an Willows Retreat itself, if you plan to get out and about and see some of what Norfolk has to offer, here are some of the nearby attractions you can enjoy during your stay. Please note that some of these activities and days out are paid and it's always a good idea to book in advance to secure your place where applicable.

Found a special day out near your cottage? Please let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too!
Banham Zoo - NR16 2HE
about 3 Miles
This award winning wildlife attraction has much to offer both families and couples looking for a fun and educational day out.  You can discover a whole wild world of animals with over 1000 different animals from around the world. You will probably want to try and spend the whole day here so you don's miss out on anything.  Highlights include the amazing animals presentation, the birds of prey display and the feeding talks, all of which take place at set times of the day.  This attraction is fantastic value for money and highly recommended.  Their latest event is the Snow Leopard Club Naming Auction and there has recently been a baby giraffe born at the zoo.
Melsop Farm Park - NR20 3DT
about 8 Miles
We love this attraction in Scoulton, Norfolk with a great collection of animals.  Children and adults alike have the chance to get hands on with the animals in the special handling areas.  On rainy days there is always the indoor play area for the little ones and when it's time for a bite to eat the cafe on the farm is open all day selling drinks and snacks.  Hot food is available over lunch times.
Ickworth House, Park & Gardens - IP29 5QE
about 19 Miles
The National Trust Ickworth House, Park & Gardens is a Beautiful 1800 acre country estate with many attractions including a fantastic adventure playground for the children and a range of nature trails which the whole family will enjoy. The site also has a family friendly cycle route a gift shop and a small café
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary - IP28 6HX
about 19 Miles
This amazing owl sanctuary located in the Stowmarket area of Suffolk should be high on your list of places to visit in the area.  The attraction is also a registered charity and carries out important work in the care & rehabilitation of owls from the region.  The sanctuary also raises awareness of owl conservation throughout the UK.  Between April and the end of September there are two superb flying displays each day so you should try and make your visit coincide with one of these displays if you can.
Dinosaur Adventure Park - NR9 5JW
about 20 Miles
This fun family day out has been well planned and we think is certainly worth a visit.  New for 2010 is the PrimEvil at Dinosaur Adventure.  Other fun activities include the Dinosaur Trail, Arachnophobia, the Raptor Races and the adventure play area.  The secret animal garden is also popular.  You can play a role in wildlife conservation and sponsor an animal if you wish.  At the moment if you sign up for their newsletter there is a chance to win a family ticket.
National Horse Racing Museum - CB8 8JL
about 26 Miles
This is a museum with a difference and a must see if you are into horse racing.  You can take guided tours around the museum or choose to wander round yourself admiring the exhibits.  New for 2010 is a Junior Fun Tour which is ideal for children.  Simply ask the gallery staff for a Fun Tour pack when you enter the museum and kids can answer questions and spot clues and tips on the way round.  One of the most popular recent exhibitions is the Thoroughbred: State of the Art exhibition in Gallery 5 on until 31st October.  Check out their websites for the latest exhibitions.
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens - NR21 0LN
about 26 Miles
if you and your family are interested in nature and wildlife then Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens is the perfect place for a day out. This beautiful area of national parkland is home to a huge range of common and rare birds from sparrows to Red Crowned Cranes and also has a red squirrel enclosure - part of a conservation programme and now home to a family of adorable squirrels. Other activities to enjoy at Pensthorpe include pond dipping and Landrover discovery tours. Pensthorpe also played host to BBC'S Springwatch in 2010.
Bewilderwood - NR12 8JW
about 28 Miles
Bewilderwood is a fun day out for the whole family located in the Wroxham area of Norfolk.  This imaginative adventure park has won awards and we think kids especially will love the characters and the magical tree houses. You can even book your ticket online and beat the queues by visiting their website where you can also view video clips of the park. This place is also the setting for the book 'A Boggle at BeWILDerwood', by local children's author Tom Blofeld.  Parents are not left out either as you're encouraged to take part and play alongside your children.