Is your happy place just a train ride away? Leave rush hour behind when you head out of London

Published on: Thursday, 16 May 2019
Last updated: Thursday, 16 May 2019

  • Days Out

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” or so the saying goes, but it’s nice to have a little break now and again isn’t it?

And with amazing destinations no more than a couple of hours’ train ride out of London Liverpool Street, it’s so easy to explore and discover another side to life!

Greater Anglia train services open up East Anglia to those looking for an ‘out of London’ getaway, and there are rail stations linking directly to some of the best destinations in the region such as Cambridge, Norwich, Constable Country, Cromer, the Norfolk Broads, and lots of beautiful coastline and countryside.

The secluded, peaceful coast and countryside of East Anglia is the perfect place to retreat and leave the rush hour far behind.

For those looking for a real escape, a complete break away from the stresses of everyday life can be found by taking the train into the heart of rural Norfolk to Fritton Lake Retreats.

Change at Norwich for a train to the tiny village of Haddiscoe. The minute you step off the train, it’s clear you’ve left London far behind you, surrounded as you are by nothing but vast grazing marshes, enormous blue skies and peacefully grazing cattle.

But there’s something very special going on here.

The station is just a short taxi ride across the river to Fritton Lake Retreats, a new resort aimed at unplugging, getting back to nature and the finer things in life.

Set in 250 acres of meadow and woodland which is part of a 1,000 acre rewilding project and at the centre of which is a huge lake, guests can enjoy wild swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing and boating.

There is also horse-riding, cycling and plenty of country walks (dogs are welcome) – and a new heated outdoor pool, grass and clay tennis courts, childrens’ play areas and loggia all currently under development due to open this summer.

Local legend has it that an amphibious tank and P47 Thunderbolt aircraft still lie at the bottom of the lake and the propeller of the crashed plane can be seen on the terrace of the resort’s hotel and restaurant -The Fritton Arms.

The Fritton Arms is the heart of the resort. A charming former manor house built in the 16th century, with cosy open fires and wisteria in abundance, it offers eight ensuite bedrooms and a fabulous dining experience with many dishes being sourced directly from the estate itself, including Estate Rabbit and Thyme Arancini, Somerleyton Pigeon Breast and Norfolk Horn Lamb Rump.

The resort has also developed over 100 delightful log cabins, dotted amongst the woodland, all built with conservation of the surrounding trees and habitat at the heart, which are available as holiday lets or to buy and offer unparalleled seclusion and tranquility.

With the exception of the Fritton Arms, the resort isn’t open to day visitors, creating an exclusive, private retreat for hotel guests and holiday makers, offering a literal breath of fresh air from the rush of everyday life.

To plan your escape, take advantage of our cheaper Advance fares at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/tickets-fares .

We also offer 2FOR1 and other great deals on attractions and accommodation in East Anglia – see how you can save here: https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/offers-events?tab=offers

For more information about Fritton Lake Resort and their open days on 25 /26 May and 6/7 July visit www.somerleyton.co.uk