This superb quirky and well designed mega pod provides everything you need to enjoy a relaxing break either as a couple or small family. There is one king-sized bedroom sleeping two which also has a 32" Smart TV, wardrobe, dressing table and two bedside shelving units. Additional sleeping can be found in the living area where there is a small double sofa bed that sleeps two children.
This cosy and well-designed pod is perfect for a romantic getaway or a small family retreat and is accessible for all. The open-plan living area combines a kitchenette, bedroom, and lounge space to make the most of the compact layout. It features a comfortable king-size bed that sleeps two, additional sleeping can be found in the living area where there is a small double sofa bed, that sleeps two children.
This superb quirky and well designed mega pod provides everything you need to enjoy a relaxing break either as a couple or small family. There is one king-sized bedroom sleeping two which also has a 32" Smart TV, wardrobe, dressing table and two bedside shelving units. There is also a 5ft bunk beds with their own light for children.
25 reviews from guests who stayed at Hill Farm Retreat
"I had a lovely few days away in Hare spending time out and about as well as just chilling at the cabin with long evenings in the hot tub all in all this is a relaxing location to get away to, with easy access to various Suffolk holiday spots Cabin is well set up with all youd need and is well presented."
"Perfect family/couples retreat for a time to relax and unwind .The resort has all you need and more ie hot tub , sauna and bbq area.Dont think about it just book it !!!"
"The family had a lovely time at Hill Farm Retreat. The facilities are amazing and in a great quiet location but less than 10 minutes drive away from the main Southwold beach area.The hot tub and communal areas were great.Brilliant service from the retreat owners pre booking and during our stay. Melanie was brilliant in arranging birthday decorations for my son and ensuring we had milk and snacks in the cabin before we arrived, and for many other aspects of our booking and stay.Would highly recommend!"
"Hill farm retreat was amazing, the lodge was clean and comfy with a lovely little welcome pack. The hot tub was perfect. When you're there you feel like you're in the middle of no where, which was absolutely perfect and just what we wanted but only a 10 minute drive to the seaside.Melanie was always on hand to answer any questions and accommodated our accessibility needs perfectly. We would definitely love to go again."
"Our Hill Farm Retreat review: We recently stayed at Hill Farm Retreat in Robin lodge for a mini break weekend. We had a wonderful time. We were greeted upon arrival by the lovely owner who was so welcoming and gave us information on the local area. We also had a fabulous welcome pack which was a very thoughtful gesture.The lodge itself was beautiful, spotlessly clean with great facilities and a lovely outdoor area with a fantastic hot tub. We unfortunately didnt get time to use the communal area with sauna, bbq and pizza oven. There are 2 lovely local pubs not far away with great food and Southwold is only around 3 miles away.We will definitely be back!"
"Had a wonderful week. The accommodation is amazing. absolutely spotles and comfortable. The outside area was fabulous too. Mel left us some items which were really appreciated. Would definitely recommend"
"Was in a lovely location, which was nice and close to the beach. The host was friendly and gave us a warm welcome."
"Everything was perfect! Melanie was super helpful and friendly. The accommodation was spotless and had everything we needed. The welcome package was a nice surprise. The location is perfect for visiting Southwold and the surrounding area. We had such a lovely time, and we would definitely go back."
"Spotless clean and lovely owners"
"We had a fantastic stay at this charming cottage. The place is really well looked after and has everything you need. Dog walks right outside, which was perfect for our furry friends. The host was super friendly and easy to chat with. Loved meeting the farm animals, especially Penelope the pig! Well definitely return. Great value and highly recommend!"
"Our specific lodge was brilliant - accessible with a ramp to the lodge and a wet room. Although neither of us are wheelchair users so may have been other difficulties for actual chair users such as not being able to use the hot tub and maybe the space between bed and table. Otherwise very high tech and lovely equipment from pans and knives to lighting and comfortable bed."
"We stayed in a really nice lodge that was super accessible, with a ramp and a wet room which was great. Even though neither of us are wheelchair users, we noticed some things might be tricky for others, like the hot tub access and limited space between the bed and table. Overall, the place was modern, well-equipped and really comfy - wed definitely come back!"
"We had a fantastic stay celebrating my husbands birthday. Immaculately clean and in a lovely rural area. Melanie (the owner) stopped by to check everything was ok during our stay and couldnt have been more friendly. Highly recommend."
"Absolutely loved our stay! The owners really did think of everything. Super relaxing atmosphere, well be recommending it for sure!"
"The cottage was just what we needed-secluded enough to relax but still near local shops and cafes. The hot tub was a real treat and the bathroom with underfloor heating made everything super comfy. Rob, Sharon and Bonnie were lovely hosts. We cant wait to return for a longer stay!"
"Lovely stay, would definitely come back"
"We recently stayed at a lovely little spot that was so peaceful and quiet, just what we needed. Right now, there are only two pods, but its clear theyre planning to add two more soon. The pods are super modern and spacious enough for a comfy stay, with all the latest tech-two TVs, WiFi, Bluetooth sound system. Each pod is well separated, so you really feel tucked away from the neighbours. The hot tub was spotlessly clean and just the right size for relaxing. Its a bit remote, but only about a 15-minute walk to The Angel pub, which we highly recommend - just dont forget your torch for the walk back in the dark! A quick drive takes you to Southwold, which is a charming seaside town. Melanie was a lovely host, very welcoming. All in all, a really enjoyable stay-definitely five stars from us!"
"We really enjoyed our stay at this cosy cabin. The outdoor Mediterranean style decor, complete with BBQ and fire pit, was lovely and the hot tub was a real treat! Parking was hassle-free and the location was super peaceful, surrounded by wildlife-though those 3:30am cockerel calls took some getting used to. Just a heads up, the bunk beds are best suited for kids under about 10, as the height limit isnt clear from the start. Easy to get to Southwold too. The host was very helpful and friendly. A great little getaway!"
"The place was stunning and super tidy, with everything we needed for a comfy stay. The hot tub was a real highlight, honestly! We had such a great time, definitely coming back."
"The cottage was just stunning, especially with the hot tub and cosy log burner. Hosts were lovely and super helpful. Can't wait to come back!"
"We had a really relaxing stay here. The place is well kitted out and super peaceful, perfect for unwinding. The hot tub was definitely a highlight! Lovely hosts too. If you need a quiet escape, this is ideal."
"The owners really put thought into everything, making our stay super relaxing. We had such a great time and will tell friends!"
"We really enjoyed our stay! The lodge was just what we needed for a chilled out weekend. Everything was spot on, super comfy and well equipped. Big thanks to the host for being so helpful with our requests - it made everything even better. Cant wait to come back and will definitely tell friends and family about it!"
"Really loved the calm vibe here and the Jacuzzi was fantastic! Well return for sure."
"The cottage was charming and peaceful, perfect for escaping the busy city. The hot tub was a real highlight. Owners were friendly but not overbearing-just right!"
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Hill Farm Retreat, with real driving times.
Sat nav: IP13 9BP
Walk the walls of a 12th-century castle and trace 800 years of history, from Norman earls to a Tudor queen.
Framlingham Castle is a Norman-era castle in the Suffolk market town of Framlingham, now looked after by English Heritage. Its curtain wall has thirteen towers and no central keep, and you can follow the wall-top walk right round the defences. Panels point out the town, the outer earthworks and the Mere, and the tall Tudor chimneys on the towers each have a different brick design.
Tip: Book advance tickets online to save money on the gate price, and pick up the free audio guide to get more from the wall walk.
Sat nav: NR16 2HE
Norfolk's largest zoo, with big cats, giraffes, monkeys and live shows, run by a wildlife conservation charity.
Banham Zoo is a 50-acre zoo in Norfolk, run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, a registered charity. It opened to the public in 1968 and is the largest zoo in the region. Animals include giraffes, snow leopards, Amur tigers, cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats and California sea lions, along with a well-regarded collection of smaller monkeys.
Tip: Check the website's what's on page before you go, as daily talks and seasonal events change, and you can book tickets online in advance.
Sat nav: NR1 3JU
A Norman royal castle keep in Norwich, with medieval life, art, archaeology and natural history galleries.
Norwich Castle was built by William the Conqueror as a royal palace, and later served as a gaol before becoming a museum and art gallery. The medieval Castle Keep has rooms furnished to give an authentic sense of twelfth-century life, along with immersive storytelling.
Tip: Pre-booking tickets online gets you the best price for entry, and a free digital guide is available to help you explore the castle and its collections.
Sat nav: IP12 2NF
A 12th-century royal keep of unique design, with views over Orford Ness on the Suffolk coast.
Orford Castle is a 12th-century castle in Suffolk, built by Henry II between 1165 and 1173 to strengthen royal power in the region. Its keep is the main draw. Historian R. Allen Brown called it "one of the most remarkable keeps in England", and its design is unique, possibly inspired by Byzantine architecture.
Sat nav: IP14 6EF
Moated Tudor hall with Grade I listed gardens and a 400-acre deer park of red and fallow deer.
Helmingham Hall is a moated manor house in Suffolk, begun by John Tollemache in 1480 and owned by the Tollemache family ever since. The house itself is not open to the public, but you can admire it from the grounds, with its 60-foot-wide moat and two working drawbridges that have been pulled up every night since 1510.
Sat nav: IP4 2BX
A Tudor mansion in Ipswich with period rooms and the biggest Gainsborough and Constable collection outside London.
Christchurch Mansion is a Tudor house in Christchurch Park, close to Ipswich town centre. Built on the site of a medieval priory, it has over 500 years of history. You can wander through period rooms, from the Tudor kitchen and the Georgian saloon to the Victorian wing, and imagine how owners and servants once lived.
Tip: Download the free Bloomberg Connects guide before you go, as the Mansion has no Wi-Fi, and note there is no parking at the museum.
Sat nav: IP12 1BY
A Grade I listed tide mill on the Suffolk riverside where the water wheel still turns and grinds flour.
Woodbridge Tide Mill is a rare tide mill that still grinds wholemeal flour, with a huge oak water wheel that you can often see turning. A mill has stood on this riverside site since medieval times, and the white-boarded building you visit today is Grade I listed. The mill itself is the exhibit, so you get a close look at the machinery as you go.
Tip: There's no parking at the mill itself, so use one of the pay and display car parks in Woodbridge, or walk from the station. Check the wheel turning times calendar before you go.
Sat nav: IP22 2AB
Ride historic steam railways and the 1897 Gallopers, then wander the Dell Garden, near Diss in Norfolk.
Bressingham is a steam museum and gardens just west of Diss. The museum has several railways running through the grounds, including the Fen Railway and the Waveney Valley Railway, and a locomotive shed where you can get close to the engines.
Tip: Check the train running timetable on the Bressingham website before you go, so you can plan your rides around the day.
Full guide to days out near Hill Farm Retreat »
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
