Retreat into 1,000 acres of unspoilt wildland this spring at Fritton Lake
- Exciting biodiversity news across the Estate
- Rewild your family this half term…from shelter building to jeep safaris
- New Dip & Dance Retreat in May to invigorate the soul
Spring 2023 - Retreat into 1,000 acres of unspoilt wildland this spring at Fritton Lake. Part of the Somerleyton Estate on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, it’s perfect for those seeking outdoor activities in nature. Wake with a wild lake swim, try paddleboarding or rowing, then warm up in the floating Koto sauna. Go for a woodland walk, trail running, get tennis match-fit, hop on a bike, join a fitness class or try the nature-inspired gym.
(GOOD) NEWS FOR NATURE
This spring sees the first results of the biodiversity research being undertaken at Fritton Lake. A team of expert volunteers have been monitoring the success of different species across the estate through ecological surveys. These have shown a significant increase in endangered species making good progress across both rewilded and farmed areas.
Highlights include 24 of the 59 bird species listed on the UK BAP Priority Bird Species List, the fledging of five Red Kite chicks, Barn Owls, Kestrels, Tawny Owls and Buzzards. They’ve also recorded 855 moth species - 3 of which are on the ‘priority’ list, and two BAP species of butterfly and reptiles including the ‘near threatened’ Common Toad. Visit in May or June to see the wildflower meadows at their best.
REWILD THE KIDS THIS HALF TERM
Over half term (29 May - 4 June), daily kids activities focus on Fritton Lake’s focus on nature restoration. Take them on a walking, lake or jeep nature safari to learn about biodiversity and our fragile ecosystems. Forage for dinner and eat out in the wild among free roaming Red and fallow deer, Highland cattle, water buffalo, pigs and Exmoor ponies.
Learn how to build a shelter in the wild and appreciate nature from a new perspective, then let them burn off any excess energy in the heated pool or nature playground, complete with slides, zip wire, pool and bouncy pillows. Other activities include arts and crafts, family football and tennis sessions.
Over at Somerleyton Hall Gardens, New MacDonald Had a Farm (27-29 May) is a family event with lambs, chickens and calves, tractor rides and a nature recovery trail. Read more here.
DIP & DANCE - WILD SWIMMING RETREAT, 20-21 May
Invigorate the body and mind at Fritton Lake's Dip and Dance Retreat, 20 - 21 May. Kick start your day with a wild swim in the lake at 8am, followed by heat therapy in the floating Koto designed sauna. Enjoy dance classes, yoga in the nature inspired BioGym, and regular lake dips. Round off the day with hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows alongside one of the cosy Clubhouse fires.
The retreat includes overnight accommodation in the Clubhouse on Saturday 20th, full use of the facilities on both days, complimentary coffee and protein balls, plus the option of joining Fritton’s Sunday morning yoga class.
The one night retreat costs from £175 based on single occupancy and £240 double occupancy. A delicious healthy lunch made with locally sourced ingredients produced and foraged from the Somerleyton Estate is also available at an additional cost.
BOOK NOW
Stay in the comfortable 8-room Clubhouse hotel, which dates back to the 16th century, or self-cater in a stylish Koto cabin or woodland cottage. Enjoy an aperitif on the sunny terrace, then enjoy a seasonal menu made with ingredients grown and bred on the land. In addition to foraging tours, there’s wine tasting with local vineyards and cocktail classes. Rooms at the Clubhouse start from £200pn including a light breakfast. (www.frittonlake.co.uk).
