Fritton Lake is a totally unspoilt and wholesome place to visit, on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. It is a privately-owned, luxury holiday resort with clubhouse rooms, cabins and cottages for rent… there is something for everyone, whether you are a couple wanting a minibreak, a family seeking a summer holiday getaway, or a group of friends looking to celebrate an occasion.
The woodland cabins are, perhaps, the most idyllic option, hidden away amongst trees “in the heart of a pioneering thousand-acre rewilding project”. For something a bit more traditional, opt for the clubhouse, eight spacious bedrooms housed in the characterful 16th century manor house.
The Clubhouse is very much the epicentre of the Fritton Lake offering, with the restaurant and pool facilities both here. You can also find other activities like tennis and watersports all within a few minutes walk from the house.
We spent a couple of very comfortable nights in the homely Herringfleet Boathouse room. Our room was fully equipped with everything we needed for a weekend away; king-sized bed, bathroom with large bath, and the added bonus of verdant views of the estate.
There aren’t many notable restaurants nearby Fritton Lake so we had all our meals at the Clubhouse, from breakfast to dinner. With a very new chef in the kitchen it was apparent that the menu and concept was undergoing some changes and the dishes we chose definitely varied in style and standard. Highlights included recipes that showcased the hyper local produce, a wonderful steak with triple cooked chips, a beautifully presented summery Strawberry gazpacho, and perfectly cooked asparagus with artichoke hollandaise.
Those that are staying here for more than a night or two may wish to consider eating elsewhere for a few meals, as the concise menu (mostly repeated at lunch and dinner) doesn’t offer enough variety to have different dishes for more than two or three meals.
We were blessed with unusually sunny weather for our whole weekend at Fritton Lake, and it showed off the best of the area. When the weather’s good, there is no shortage of activities to entertain you, and I imagine it is a particularly perfect holiday choice for active families. Lake swimming, cycling and trail running are all popular here, and for spa fans you can hire out the architectural floating sauna!
A highlight of our weekend was a foraging tour we did with Matthew, the onsite horticulturist. His passion and energy for all things nature was inspiring and infectious… we spent a few hours zooming round the expansive grounds on a golf buggy as he pointed out interesting plant and insect species, and informed us about the history of the lake. At the end of the tour we even had a special private trip out on the lake, a rare opportunity to spot unique wildlife and see the incredibly beautiful landscape.
Fritton Lake is a fairytale setting for keen adventurers and those seeking an off-grid escape.
I was a guest of Fritton Lake, find more information here.
