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Willows Retreat, Waterway Farm Church Road East Harling, Norwich

Guest Rating
Rating
4.4
out of 5
Norfolk » Waterway Farm Church Road East Harling, Norwich, NR16 2NB
Sleeps up to 4
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2

Willows Retreat in Thetford, Norfolk is a modern lakeside lodge with private fishing access and a hot tub that'll make your bits tingle with excitement. This two-bedroom cabin sits on a one-acre lake stocked with roach, tench and carp up to a whopping 30lbs. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the king-size bedroom give you stunning water views while you're still in bed – perfect for morning glory of the scenic kind.

The Norfolk countryside provides a peaceful backdrop for your getaway. Enjoy walks through woodland paths right from your doorstep or venture to nearby Thetford Forest for outdoor activities. Dog owners rejoice – your four-legged friend is welcome here (though keep them off the furniture unless you fancy losing your deposit).

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At HolidayCottages.co.uk
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About Willows Retreat

Willows Retreat in Thetford, Norfolk is a modern lakeside lodge with private fishing access and a hot tub that'll make your bits tingle with excitement. This two-bedroom cabin sits on a one-acre lake stocked with roach, tench and carp up to a whopping 30lbs. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the king-size bedroom give you stunning water views while you're still in bed – perfect for morning glory of the scenic kind.

The Norfolk countryside provides a peaceful backdrop for your getaway. Enjoy walks through woodland paths right from your doorstep or venture to nearby Thetford Forest for outdoor activities. Dog owners rejoice – your four-legged friend is welcome here (though keep them off the furniture unless you fancy losing your deposit). Just a 5-10 minute stroll takes you to the village with two pubs, shops and takeaways.

The accommodation features an open-plan lounge/kitchen with a large sofa, TV/DVD and breakfast bar. The fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need. The master bedroom boasts a king-size bed with lake views, while the second bedroom offers twin beds that can be linked to form another king. There's one shower room with WC and the raised decking area with garden furniture is perfect for outdoor dining.

Nearby attractions include Banham Zoo (20 miles, 35 minutes), Snetterton Race Circuit (8 miles, 15 minutes) and various National Trust properties. Day trips to coastal towns like Southwold, Sheringham and Cromer are easy options. After exploring, sink into your private hot tub under the stars – just remember to bring a corkscrew for that bottle of fizz.

Willows Retreat is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, couples seeking a romantic break, or families wanting a countryside escape. The hot tub, fishing lake and comfortable accommodation make this a standout choice for your Norfolk holiday.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Willows Retreat

Lakeside Location

The lodge sits right on a one-acre fishing lake with carp up to 30lbs. Perfect spot for anglers or anyone who loves water views.

Hot Tub Relaxation

Private hot tub on the decking area. Many guests mentioned enjoying it daily, even in the rain or while stargazing.

Comfortable Beds

Super comfy king-size bed with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Several guests specifically praised the bed quality.

Village Proximity

Just 5-10 minutes' walk to the village with two pubs, Co-op, baker, butcher and takeaways. No need to drive for essentials.

Woodland Walks

Beautiful walking routes directly from the property. Dog owners particularly loved the safe, accessible paths through woods.

Modern Interior

Clean, modern lodge with open-plan living space and all needed amenities. Well-equipped kitchen for self-catering stays.

Getting To Willows Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Willows Retreat by car, head toward Thetford in Norfolk. The lodge is located at Waterways Farm, approximately 8 miles east of Thetford. You'll have off-road parking for up to four cars on site.

By Train

The closest railway station is Thetford, which has services from Norwich and Cambridge. From the station, you'll need to take a taxi for the final 8 miles to Willows Retreat.

Off-road parking for four cars
Thetford station (8 miles)
Located at Waterways Farm, East Harling

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Banham Zoo
Distance: 20 miles
NR16 2HE
Snetterton Race Circuit
Distance: 8 miles
NR16 2JU
Thetford Forest
Distance: 10 miles
IP27 0AF
Breckland Woods
Distance: 5 miles
IP24 2QH
East Harling Circular Walk
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Waterways Farm Nature Trail
Distance: 0 miles
NR16 2SE
East Harling Co-op
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
East Harling Butcher
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
East Harling Bakery
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Local Bus Service
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Thetford Taxi Services
Distance: 8 miles
IP24 1AA
Cycle Hire at Thetford Forest
Distance: 10 miles
IP27 0AF
Banham Zoo
Distance: 20 miles
NR16 2HE
Snetterton Race Circuit
Distance: 8 miles
NR16 2JU
Thetford Forest
Distance: 10 miles
IP27 0AF
Breckland Woods
Distance: 5 miles
IP24 2QH
East Harling Circular Walk
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Waterways Farm Nature Trail
Distance: 0 miles
NR16 2SE
East Harling Co-op
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
East Harling Butcher
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
East Harling Bakery
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Local Bus Service
Distance: 0.5 miles
NR16 2NA
Thetford Taxi Services
Distance: 8 miles
IP24 1AA
Cycle Hire at Thetford Forest
Distance: 10 miles
IP27 0AF

Is Willows Retreat Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
Kids will love the outdoor space at Willows Retreat. The lake offers wildlife spotting opportunities (supervised only), while nearby Thetford Forest has bike trails and play areas. Banham Zoo (20 miles away) makes a great day out. The enclosed garden provides safe outdoor play space and puzzles are available in the lodge for rainy days.
For Couples
The king-size bedroom with floor-to-ceiling lake views creates a stunning backdrop for a romantic break. Soak in the private hot tub under the stars with a glass of wine. Evening strolls to the village pubs and peaceful countryside setting add to the intimate atmosphere. The open-plan living space is perfect for cosy nights in.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Willows Retreat for a £20 fee. The property features enclosed outdoor space and direct access to woodland walks. Dogs must stay on leads around the site and aren't allowed on furniture or in bedrooms. The nearby village pubs are dog-friendly and Thetford Forest offers excellent dog walking opportunities.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Willows Retreat

The Swan

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: NR16 2NA

The Nags Head

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: NR16 2NA

Kowloon Chinese Takeaway

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: NR16 2NA

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Willows Retreat

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Yes, Willows Retreat features a private hot tub on the raised decking area. It's available for guest use throughout your stay and many visitors mention enjoying it even during cooler weather or for stargazing at night.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, Willows Retreat welcomes dogs with a £20 charge per pet. Dogs must be kept on leads around the property and are not allowed on furniture or in bedrooms, so do consider this if your dog is used to different rules at home.
What fishing facilities are available?
The lodge sits directly on a one-acre fishing lake stocked with roach, tench and carp up to 30lbs. Fishing is free of charge for guests, though the owner reserves the right to close the lake when carp are spawning.
How far is it to local amenities?
The village is just a 5-10 minute walk away and offers two pubs (The Swan and The Nags Head), a Co-op supermarket, baker, butcher, fish and chip shop and Chinese takeaway. Everything you need is within easy walking distance.
Are there any noise considerations?
There are boarding kennels nearby and some guests mention occasional dog barking. The property is also relatively close to Snetterton Race Circuit, which may cause some noise disturbance on race days.
What's provided in the kitchen?
The kitchen is fully equipped with an electric oven, hob, fridge/freezer, microwave and all essential cookware and utensils. There's also a breakfast bar in the open-plan living area.
When can I check in and out?
Check-in time is from 4:00 PM onwards and checkout is before 10:00 AM. These times allow for thorough cleaning between guests.
What outdoor space does the property have?
Willows Retreat features raised decking with garden furniture and veranda views over the lake. There's also access to the surrounding grounds with footpaths for walking and exploring the countryside.

Willows Retreat Reviews

Jamie
Great cabin, lovely walks, surrounded by peaceful woods.
Emma
We really enjoyed our stay here! The lodge was well kitted out and in a lovely spot. The beds were super comfyand having our own outdoor space made a big difference. Parking nearby was a real bonus for loading up gear and fishing stuff. The only thing is, there’s no outdoor storage, so wet gear has to stay outside or in the car, which isn’t ideal.
Emma
The place was pretty comfy and handy for fishing, but the hot tub definitely needs a service. The corner lamp was full of cobwebsand it would’ve been nice to have a small hoover and mop too!
Harriet
The location is stunning, right by the lakeand the setting really is beautiful. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the views, which definitely drew us in. Unfortunately, the lodges didn’t quite live up to the 'luxury' promise. The place looked quite tired, with dirty windows and curtains that needed a good wash. The hot tub area was also a bit neglected and didn’t feel very inviting. We were pretty disappointed overall, as we’d expected a bit more care and attention. Still, the scenery was lovely!
Alex
We had a lovely week at Waterways Farm, the accommodation was modern and super comfyand the scenery is really pretty. The walks nearby are a real highlight, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Fishing was decent, mainly small carp, so don’t expect any personal bests. The only real downside was the barking from the kennels-pretty loud and constant, which got a bit frustrating after a while. Still, overall, a nice place to unwind, just bring earplugs if noise bothers you!
Emma
We had such a lovely stay! The lodge's private space was perfect for relaxingand the surroundings were absolutely stunning. We enjoyed peaceful walks on the property and a laid-back picnic by the gazebo. The hot tub was a highlightand everything we needed was within a short stroll. Highly recommend!
Emma
The site was really well organised and super tidy, which we loved. The accommodation was spotless and had all we needed. Hot tub was a bit disappointing but still usable!
Emily Carter
We had an amazing stay at Willows Retreat! The lodge is super well equipped and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. The hot tub was a lovely bonus after a day out. The owner was really friendly and helpful too. If you enjoy fishing, this place is perfect. Honestly, we’d definitely stay again-highly recommended!
Oliver Smith
We really enjoyed our time at Willows Retreat. The place was spotlessly clean and modern, just what we needed. The lake was perfect for fishingand the peaceful location made for a relaxing break. Sure, we could hear the dogs sometimes, but it didn’t spoil the vibe. The hot tub was a highlight-used it every day, even in the rain! The walk into the village was easy, with dog-friendly pubs, good foodand local shops like the co-op, fish and chipsand Chinese takeaway. We’ll be back for sure!
Sarah
We had a lovely time staying here! The lodge was just what we needed - peaceful, spotlessand perfect for our first trip with the dog. It’s conveniently close to a couple of pubs serving good drinks and tasty foodand they’re really welcoming to dogs. Just a heads-up, pets aren’t allowed on furniture or in the bedrooms, which can be a bit tricky if they’re used to lounging on the sofa at home. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and definitely plan to return. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quiet getaway with their furry friend!
Emily
We really enjoyed our stay at this cosy cabin in such a peaceful spot, with fishing right outside the door - perfect for relaxing! The beds were incredibly comfyand the host kept us well-informed before arrival, which was helpful. However, despite the listing claiming to be pet-friendly, it wasn’t ideal for dogs - keeping ours off the sofa and out of the bedrooms was a bit stressful. Also, no Wi-Fi was a surprise, so be prepared for that rural vibe. Overall, a lovely retreat, just with a few quirks!
Sarah
We enjoyed our stay in Norfolk, the location was lovely. The place could do with a bit of updating to match the cost, but the bed was really comfy! Would stay again.
Ella
We had a great stay! The house was lovely and cosyand our dog loved exploring Breckland Woods nearby - just a short drive awayand truly beautiful!
Mark
Great spot, would definitely stay again!
Emma
We’ve visited Willows Retreat twice now and honestly, we’re already planning our next trip! The setting is just perfect - super peaceful with breathtaking views over the lake. The place itself is warm, cosyand has everything we need for a relaxing stay. It’s only about 5 or 10 minutes on foot to the village, where there’s a nice fish n chip shop, Chinese takeaway, a couple of pubsand a co-op. We had a lovely meal at the Nags Head too. There’s plenty to do nearby or you can just kick back and enjoy the hot tub - we made the most of it! Can’t wait to come back next year!
James
Really enjoyed our stay, the lodge was spotless and the jacuzzi was a lovely added touch!
Jamie
The Willows Retreat was fantastic! The area around the cabin is perfect for walks, safe for our dog and us. We had a brilliant time and are already planning to return next year. Highly recommended!
Sam
A rear gate to reach the picnic spot would really help when walking the dog or heading to the river. Also, some Wi-Fi would be a nice touch! Would stay again though.
Emma S.
We loved the spot, such a peaceful place to stay. The lodge was perfect and in a great location. It was easy to relax, especially with the lovely walks nearby. Walking into the village was handy-everything you need, like shops and pubs, was right there!
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