Wheatacre Cottages with Hot Tubs
Wheatacre Guide
Wheatacre offers a fantastic selection of cottages with hot tubs, perfect for those seeking a rural Suffolk escape. The hamlet sits near the Norfolk Broads, giving visitors easy access to both countryside and waterways.
Accommodation ranges from converted barns to modern eco-lodges, many featuring private hot tubs overlooking the peaceful Suffolk landscape. Most properties sleep 2-8 people, with several offering ground-floor bedrooms for accessibility.
Nearby attractions include Africa Alive! wildlife park (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) and Somerleyton Hall (4/5 on TripAdvisor). The area's flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling, with numerous quiet lanes to explore.
Interestingly, Wheatacre was once home to a medieval deer park owned by King Henry VIII, who reportedly visited to hunt in 1532. Today, it's a tranquil spot where you can enjoy stargazing from your hot tub thanks to minimal light pollution.
Get More From Your Wheatacre Hot Tub Cottage Break
Sightseeing
Wheatacre might be small, but it's brilliantly positioned for exploring both Suffolk and Norfolk. I always tell people to start with the Norfolk Broads National Park which begins just minutes away. You can hire boats at Beccles (NR34 9BH) from £25 per hour - no license needed!
Somerleyton Hall (NR32 5QQ) is a must-visit stately home just 7 miles away. It's open Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays, 11am-4pm between April and September. The gardens are stunning and the maze will keep kids entertained for ages. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "fascinating guided tour."
For beach lovers, Lowestoft's sandy shores are just 12 miles east. The South Beach has earned a Blue Flag for cleanliness and has proper toilets and cafés nearby. We recommend parking at Claremont Pier (NR33 0BS) where you'll find plenty of spaces even in summer.
Norwich is only 30 minutes by car and makes a brilliant day out. The castle (NR1 3JU) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, while the cathedral (NR1 4DH) gets 5/5. Both are open daily 10am-4pm. The city's lanes are packed with independent shops too.
Pet Friendly
Many Wheatacre cottages welcome dogs and the area is fantastic for four-legged friends. Most properties have enclosed gardens where your dog can roam safely while you enjoy the hot tub.
The walking here is superb. I recommend the circular route from Wheatacre to Aldeby which takes about an hour across fields and quiet lanes. No stiles makes it easy for older dogs.
Kessingland Beach (NR33 7PF) allows dogs year-round on the northern section and has miles of sand for them to run wild. The Beach Hut café there welcomes dogs inside and even offers free water bowls.
The Wheatacre White Lion pub (NR34 0AT) is super dog-friendly with water bowls and treats behind the bar. They've got a decent garden too. For supplies, Worlingham's Pet Stop (NR34 7TJ) stocks everything from food to toys and is open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday.
Top 3 attractions you have to see in Wheatacre
Africa Alive! (NR33 8TF) tops my list every time. This 100-acre wildlife park houses over 80 species including giraffes, rhinos and lions. The lemur feeding experience (£25pp, book ahead) gets rave reviews. One visitor wrote: "Worth every penny to see these amazing creatures up close." Open daily 10am-5pm summer, 10am-4pm winter. Adult tickets £24.50, children £18.50 when booked online.
Beccles Lido (NR34 9BX) is brilliant on hot days. This heated outdoor pool includes a toddler area and large main pool. They've recently added excellent changing facilities. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Clean, well-maintained and the staff couldn't be more helpful." Open May-September, 7am-6pm daily. Adults £6, children £4.50. The hot tub at your cottage will feel even better after a refreshing swim!
Bungay Castle (NR35 1EJ) doesn't get the attention it deserves. These impressive ruins date from 1165 and have a fascinating history involving Hugh Bigod, a rebellious baron. It's free to enter and open dawn till dusk. The volunteer guides on weekends are fantastic - ask for Dave who knows everything about medieval warfare. The nearby Three Tuns pub serves excellent lunches.
Is Wheatacre suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely! Many cottages provide cots, highchairs and stairgates. The flat landscape is perfect for pushchairs and attractions like Africa Alive! and Pleasurewood Hills theme park cater brilliantly for kids. Most cottages have enclosed gardens where little ones can play safely while you watch from the hot tub.
What's the best time of year to visit Wheatacre?
Each season has its charm. Summer brings warm weather perfect for the beaches, while autumn offers spectacular colours in the Broads. Winter is quieter but magical - nothing beats stargazing from a hot tub on a clear December night! Spring sees the countryside burst into life with lambs in the fields. The area is less crowded than Cornwall or the Lake District, so even July and August don't feel overwhelmed.
Do I need a car in Wheatacre?
I'd strongly recommend one. While Beccles station is only 4 miles away, public transport is limited in this rural area. Having a car lets you explore the Broads, beaches and market towns properly. That said, cyclists love the flat terrain and you can hire bikes in Beccles if you arrive by train.
Are there good places to eat nearby?
Yes! The Plough Inn at Wangford (NR34 8AZ) serves fantastic locally-sourced food - their Suffolk lamb is amazing. For seafood, try The Sailor's Home in Kessingland (NR33 7RD) where the crab is caught daily. Beccles has several good cafés including Twyfords (NR34 9HQ) which does brilliant breakfasts. Most cottages have well-equipped kitchens too if you fancy cooking before a hot tub session.
What should I pack for a Wheatacre cottage break?
Bring swimwear for the hot tub, obviously! Walking shoes are essential for exploring the countryside. Binoculars help with wildlife spotting - the Broads are home to kingfishers, otters and marsh harriers. A torch is useful for country lanes at night and don't forget waterproofs as East Anglian weather can be unpredictable even in summer.
Is there good shopping nearby?
Beccles has a lovely town centre with independent shops like Baileys Delicatessen (NR34 9HA) for picnic supplies. Norwich offers serious retail therapy with its two shopping centres and historic lanes. For something different, Bungay's weekly market (Thursdays) sells everything from local cheese to antiques. Most cottages have fridges with freezer compartments, so you can stock up at Tesco in Beccles (NR34 9TT).
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