Wantisden Park — Hotel in East Suffolk

I booked 2 nights and stayed in the Kings Oak Lodge, this was my first time glamping in Suffolk. The drive into the site was really nice with lots of critters running about. I saw a deer, pheasants and the odd local sheep on the way in. The location is really pretty and secluded with big pine trees alongside the road. When I arrived I was greated by the host and told about the onsite cafe and amenities, I was then told to park up at the side of my lodge which was where the dedicated parking was. The lodge itself was beautifully laid out with a nice big bed, sofa, a small table and chairs and a modern kitchen which had all a girl could need, including an induction hob, kettle and pots, pans and cups for you to get started. There was also a basket with teas and coffee bags in just in case you forgot to bring some from home. The hosts had also put fresh milk and a couple of local bottles of apple juice in the fridge which was really refreshing to drink. The bathroom was clean and tidy with a massive walk in shower with a skylight on top which I loved, the water pressure was great with the water getting lovely and hot. The best part for me was the hot tub, plenty of room if there's 2 of you. Just a tip the first time you use it be sure to light it 4-5 hours before you want to get in order to get the temperature to 38c ideally, it will drop a couple of degrees once you get in. Then relax with a few drinks and take in the surrounds, there's a river outside and I was lucky enough to see swans feeding which was really nice. There's plenty of privacy if you are worried about getting into the hot tub or just sitting outside on the decking as there are wooden screens dividing each lodge. I'll definitely be...

Liked: The Site was beautiful. Immaculate and Clean. It was nice to have a Shop on Site Lots of lovely local walks I felt very comfortable and safe staying here The Host was very friendly and helpful The pitches were very spacious The Wi-Fi worked for me but the signal was quite weak. However I was very close to the cafe if further away it might be an issue. The TV reception did work but again the signal at times buffered

The closest shop to drive to would be at Snape Maltings which has a fantastic Delicatessen about 4 miles (10 minutes) For a main shop that would be at Woodbridge about 9 miles (15 minutes) There is also a Waitrose and Tesco in Saxmundham about 15 minutes via Snape.

I recommend going to Orford which does boat trips and has a couple of pubs. The Castle is worth a visit which costs £11.

Another lovely drive is to Shingle Beach which is about 9 miles

Ufford Park has a Spa which does lovely day spa packages for this you need to book well in advance as it does get very busy. You need to book through spa breaks as they don’t answer the phone.

I loved the location as there are so many places to visit and even just chilling out on the site was wonderful.

I would stay here again

Disliked: The Long road leading up to the site is a bit rough so you do need to drive with caution.

The showers are good but the water wasn’t very hot. The shower head is very high which doesn’t help as when the water hits you it has...

Liked: This is our second weekend stay at Wantisden and it was great again. We've only been out of term-time, so can't comment on what it's like when filled with families, but we've found it to be a really relaxed setting, far nicer than your typical big-field, rows of tents kind of set-up. We've taken our dog (Springer Spaniel) both times and he absolutely loves running around the woods that are on the doorstep of the site. Seems very popular with dog owners and all were very friendly and respectful. We've done a couple of 21km loops, one to a pub (The Shepherd and Dog in Hollesley) and the other to the coast (and then a pub, the Oyster Inn in Butley, about 20 mins from the campsite). Can highly recommend both the walks and the pubs.

Facilities wise, it's definitely on the higher end of the scale (at least for someone making the transition from backpack walking to car-glamping). Shower and toilet blocks were heated, very clean, and had soap and toilet roll. On-site cafe had nice looking food and alright coffee. Currently opens 9-12:30 on weekends. Also sells some supplies for things you inevitably forget (like a lighter for the stove both times...). There's also a utility room onsite with a microwave, fridge and a few other bits.

Has proven a very good way of easing my partner into camping, but also thoroughly enjoyable for me, so would highly...