Clippesby Hall Cottage & Lodges, Norfolk
Clippesby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Broads
Clippesby really is a unique place with a friendly atmosphere and grounds that the kids will love to explore.
There are a number of cottages and lodges available to accommodate families from 2 (+cot) to 8 and they are located within the beautiful surroundings of Clippesby Hall - 30 acres of a woodland park setting.
The Self Catering Accommodation
We were fortunate to stay in the Grampian Coach House with 4 bedrooms, sleeping 8 and loved the fact it felt really private, located in a secluded area at the edge of the park and away from the main camping area.
The downstairs open plan living, dining and kitchen area was beautifully decorated in muted tones and had a contemporary feel. Parking up just outside the front door was really handy when transporting all the bags with toddlers in tow. As soon as you walk in to the newly refurbished cottage you felt the need to kick off your shoes and sink into the large comfy leather sofas and just enjoy the relaxing, spacious feel this coach house exudes.
The kitchen was immaculate and had a good range of appliances. The kitchen lead through to a large utility room with a washing machine / dryer and the oil-fired boiler for the all-inclusive central and under floor heating system. The cottage was equipped with all the comforts of a home from home including flat screen TV with DVD & Freeview. The outdoor patio furniture was provided to sit outside with a glass of wine and enjoy the glorious unique environment. After a peaceful night's sleep it was amazing drawing up the blinds to witness a most magnificent sunrise with a fantastic view over the surrounding fields. Extras such as towels, cots and high chairs are available to hire on request and stair gates with baby baths are there to borrow free of charge from reception. Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement.
Children's Play Facilities at Clippesby Hall
Of these there are many and the kids will have a ball staying at Clippesby. The newly installed adventure play area was designed and built by the Bewilderwood team and was handily just across from us staying at the Coach House. It is a huge wooden play frame with cargo net, monkey bars, fireman's pole and climbing wall. You can launch yourself off the platform along twin 30m zip wires. And even Alfie and Aggie, our young travelling companions, joined in the fun on the toddler zip wire. The tree house is tucked away in the woods and is the ideal spot for a mini-picnic, while on the main play area there is a football pitch, climbing frame, swings and a sandpit; located away from the camping pitches little ones can shriek with delight without fear of upsetting fellow campers.
The park has an 18-hole mini putting course suitable for the whole family. A small additional charge applies for this. There are also 2 grass tennis courts, usually open from May until the end of September, weather conditions permitting. These are free of charge and if you haven't got room in the car to take your own rackets, you can hire them from reception for a nominal charge.
The outdoor swimming pool is open from May to end September is solar heated and boosted by an oil fired boiler to maintain the pool temperature between 70 and 76 degrees, and this is posted daily by the poolside. Although compact it is just the job to cool off on a hot sunny day and of course will get busy in the height of summer. It has an attractive seating area in which to enjoy those precious rays and little ones can enjoy a splash in the separate toddler's pool.
The local area is ideal for family cycle rides - quiet country lanes with little traffic. Cycle hire is available on-site which includes children's bikes, tag-a-longs and kids trailers.
Other on-site facilities include, a family friendly bar & restaurant, a coffee shop serving thick shakes, freshly baked goodies and delicious Italian coffee, books and colouring sheets are available from reception, games room and wildlife centre - which will show children's films on wet days. There is fantastic family entertainment on a Tuesday evening with a family disco and a children's party night on a Friday.
Days Out for Families in Norfolk
Clippesby Hall is in a perfect location to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park, as well as the delights of the Norfolk coast, with its range of beaches to suit all tastes. Clippesby have complied together a handy brochure entitled ‘Discover the Broads' which provides loads of exciting but practical ideas to help you make the most of your holiday in Norfolk. You will get a free copy of this informative guide on your arrival. There is a beach nearby - Winterton-on-sea (5 miles). It is sandy with gentle slopes great for paddling. Great Yarmouth is 7.5 miles which is a big seaside resort with lots of entertainment for the kids.