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 miles | NR16 2AD |
Train station |
8 miles | NR17 2AS |
Pub |
0.4 miles | NR16 2AD |
Dog walk |
Onsite | |
Supermarket |
0.5 miles | NR16 2AD |
Indian takeaway ('Spice of India') |
0.5 miles | NR16 2AD |
Chinese takeaway ('Kowloon') |
0.5 miles | NR16 2AD |
Italian takeaway ('Pasta Gusto') |
0.6 miles | NR16 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.
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.