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Thompson Hall Retreat

96%
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· Thompson, Norfolk, England
1 acre hosted by Amanda B.
6 glamping pitches
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
An adult-only shepherds hut retreat in the Norfolk Brecks, with a luxurious outdoor spa area.

There are shepherds huts, and then there are the shepherds huts at Thompson Hall Retreat. A retreat in the truest sense of the word, the trio of elegant structures at this East Anglian escape offer all the features we've come to expect of the shepherds hut – wood-burning stove, neat little kitchenette, and luxury king sized bed. But it's the en-suite bathtub and spacious veranda that tell you this is a step up from the more rustic of shepherds' abodes, not to mention the luxurious outdoor spa with a hot tub, sauna and solar shower. After all, nothing says luxury like stargazing from the foamy comfort of your steaming al fresco tub.

Although most of your whims will be taken care of as standard, Thompson Hall Retreat offers a range of packages to upgrade to with everything from fresh flowers, and Neal's Yard pamper boxes to full-time access to the outdoor spa area (which isn't included in the regular price). And if the occasion calls for it, why not order in one of Thompson Hall's bespoke retreat boxes? The hamper choices range from antipasti and BBQ meat platters to the ever popular Twilight Retreat box with everything you could want for your sugar fix – marshmallows, strawberries, ice-cream and enough chocolate to sate even the sweetest of teeth. Enjoying beside the campfire is essential.

If you can bare to tear yourself away from your cosy cabin in the woods, the natural wonders of Norfolk are just beyond the retreat walls. Thompson village lies within the sprawling Thetford Forest, itself part of the lesser known Norfolk Brecks. While the North Norfolk Coast and the famous Norfolk Broads (both eminently reachable from the site) are the destinations of choice for most tourists to the East of England, the Brecks are one of the region's hidden gems. Brimming with a vibrant variety of flora and fauna, an unmapped woodland walk is the best way to imbibe the atmosphere of this magical woodland.

For those glampers whose extra-curricular activities don't extend much beyond the village itself (and let's face it, we wouldn't blame you given the healthy dose of idleness a stay here engenders), Thompson is a delightfully pretty village of quaint chocolate box thatched cottages, some dating from the 14th century. And we're pleased to report that, in the 300-year-old Chequers Inn, the village also boasts that most essential of ingredients to all great getaways, the quintessential English country pub.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
Swimming hole
Field
Farm
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96%
25 Ratings · 31 reviews
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Cesare C.recommends
October 3, 2022
Whoa-Stop (Adult Only)
Beautiful remote location and very helpful hosts, definitely recommend - and make sure to plan on a few hours to take advantage of the spa with outdoor pool
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Christopher T.recommends
July 6, 2022
Whoa-Stop (Adult Only)
Really enjoyed our stay at Thompson Retreat. Everything was provided to ensure an idyllicly peaceful week. Long walks by day and lost evenings watching the sunset and the deer wander by. We intend to visit again.
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Lily A.recommends
December 15, 2021
Hartley Hut
I brought my boyfriend here for 2 nights over his birthday - best decision ever. It was such a beautiful location, peaceful and secluded. The bath tub was perfect for 2, and the heat lamp above it was the perfect position to keep the chill off your shoulders whilst taking a dip. The bed was large enough and the electric blanket was a good touch - we were definitely never cold! I was genuinely surprised by the amount of appliances and how kitted-out the space was. There were so many convenient items such as olive oil and clingfilm which someone may forget to bring. And the combi microwave-oven came in extremely useful. Thank you so much for a lovely little break!
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Lorna F.recommends
November 23, 2021
Hartley Hut
Beautiful minimoon after our wedding to relax and chill in the peaceful surroundings. Everything we needed and more an couldn’t of wishes for a more perfect spot. We will return next year :)
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Jack G.recommends
November 15, 2021
Whoa-Stop (Adult Only)
I spent one night in the Whoa-Stop shepherds hut and it was fantastic. 1 adult, 2 dogs but definitely possible for 2 adults and 2 dogs. Facilities were great, kitchens were equipped with everything I needed to cook dinner/breakfast. Outdoor bath is superb, log burner also great although some instructions might have been beneficial for people who aren't experienced in using them. The breakfast platter was excellent. Surroundings are peaceful and offer an opportunity to disconnect from the world. Will definitely be back!
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David B.
September 27, 2021
Giraffe Enclosure
Two of us stayed in the Giraffe Enclosure, for two nights. The accommodation is beautiful, and romantic and we can only echo the great things already said above Constructive feedback: Heating for the tent is provided solely by the wood-burning fire in the living area. (There are heated blankets on the bed for bedtime) The website says that firelighters are provided, which they weren't. Getting the fire working without firelighters was quite difficult, and on our second day we trekked into town to buy some. If the owners could ensure there are some before a visitor arrives that would be great. The fire came with no instructions, and our fire kept going out within minutes. After some trial and error It turns out there are two push/pull levers under the fire door that controls air flow. Instructions would have been very useful. When you're busy trying to unpack and get settled (at night in the cold), you don't want to faff with trying to get a fire going. The website says that cooking oil is provided for guests, and yet there was no cooking oil. We would have happily brought our own had we known, but before we could cook our morning breakfast another trip into town was required to buy some oil. I was awakened at 1am to find couple of creatures with tails (mice?) on the kitchen side munching away at the packaging to food we had wrapped up. In the middle of a forest in a tent, its totally understandable that furry friends are going to be attracted to what you have brought with you. It would be useful to have a sign up saying to keep all food in the fridge or bread bin and to empty the bin before going to bed. Also, to wipe down the work surfaces each morning as we had (mouse?) droppings to wipe away. As suggested, we did call the number given on our booking confirmation in the hope of speaking to someone at the venue but it just rang off, and nobody tried to call us back. Ladies, bring your own hair dryer as one isn't provided.
Location
Thompson, Norfolk, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Amanda B.Joined in October 2017
From the host
The perfect place to hide away from the world, rediscover nature and spend time recharging your energy under the canopies of mature trees in King Edward VIII Wood. Thompson Hall Retreat is located in the heart of Norfolk, at the bottom of Hall Lane which is accessed via an unmarked track across arable field. Follow the drive which is canopied by mature Beech and Elm Trees until you reach the meadow. The shepherd huts are nestled amongst copious trees over looking neighbouring arable land and the Norfolk wild life trust.
Nearby attractions
The 46-mile long Peddars Way is the ancient Roman road running through the Norfolk Brecks, Thetford Forest and all the way to Hunstanton on the North Norfolk Coast. It's cycle and horse friendly too if you fancy a two-wheeled/four-hooved adventure. Thetford Forest itself is the UK's largest lowland forest with over 47,000 acres to explore. Woodland walks, mountain biking trails and a rich array of wildlife are all on offer. The Pingo Trail is another unmissable walk that takes in the many ancient woodland ponds that dot the region – don't forget your wellies! And of course, it wouldn't be a visit to Thetford without dropping in at the Dad's Army Museum (07562 688641). The town played the role of Walsingham-on-Sea, the fictitious seaside town that served as the setting for Captain Mainwaring's calamitous corps in the iconic BBC sitcom. 
Food and drink
There's a range of bespoke hampers on offer from cheese and Steaks to breakfast, BBQ and that all important hot chocolate box. Our local, The Chequers Inn (01953 483360) is a quintessential English pub with thatched roof, real ales, and wholesome pub grub. For a romantic evening meal out, The Mulberry (01842 824 122) offers a superlative choice of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that make use of Norfolk's finest local produce. 
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