Swaffham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Swaffham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Swaffham sits at the heart of Norfolk, making it brilliant for exploring. The town itself has a beautiful Georgian marketplace where you can shop at the Saturday market - it's been running since medieval times and sells everything from local produce to antiques.

Castle Acre Priory (PE32 2XD, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Mar) is just 5 miles away and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. These impressive ruins date back to 1090 and are among the best-preserved monastic sites in England. The audio tour is fantastic - I'd definitely recommend it.

Oxburgh Hall (PE33 9PS) is a 15th-century moated manor house scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's got secret priest holes from when Catholics had to hide during the Reformation - kids love finding these! The gardens are beautiful too, perfect for a summer visit before heading back to your hot tub.

Norfolk Lavender (PE31 7JE) is about 20 minutes away and worth the drive. It's got 100 acres of lavender fields and a distillery where you can see how they make the oils. The gift shop sells loads of lavender products that make great souvenirs.

Pet Friendly

Many Swaffham cottages welcome dogs and the area is fantastic for pet owners. Thetford Forest is nearby with miles of walking trails where dogs can run off-lead in designated areas. The forest has clear paths and plenty of parking spots (PE33 9NR).

The Greyhound Inn (PE37 7LJ) in the marketplace welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! Their Sunday roasts are excellent after a morning walk.

Eco Tech Centre (PE37 7HT) allows dogs in the outdoor areas, so you can see the massive wind turbine while your dog stretches its legs. There's a café with outdoor seating where you can grab a coffee.

Remember to pack towels specifically for your dog - Norfolk can get muddy and you don't want them jumping in the hot tub! Most cottages ask that dogs stay off furniture and beds, so bringing their favourite blanket helps them settle.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Swaffham

The Brecks is an unusual landscape of heathland, forest and farmland that's unlike anywhere else in Britain. Head to Lynford Arboretum (IP26 5HW) where you can spot red deer and rare birds. The walking trails are well-marked and in autumn the colours are spectacular. One visitor told me: "We saw a woodpecker and three deer in one afternoon - better than any zoo!"

Gooderstone Water Gardens (PE33 9BP) is a hidden gem scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Created in 1970 by a retired farmer, it has six acres of gardens with natural streams, ponds and bridges. The kingfisher hide is brilliant - I've heard people have spotted these elusive birds multiple times. The tearoom serves homemade cakes that are worth the visit alone.

Swaffham Museum (PE37 7DQ) tells the story of the town, including the famous Pedlar of Swaffham tale. It's small but packed with interesting exhibits, including items from the Stone Age to WW2. They've got Howard Carter's (who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb) family connections to the town well documented. A recent visitor wrote: "Spent two hours here and could have stayed longer - so much local history in a small space."

Is Swaffham good for shopping?

Yes! The Saturday market is excellent for local produce and the town has independent shops selling everything from antiques to handmade chocolates. The Barn Restaurant and Shops has craft stores and a garden centre all in one place.

How far is Swaffham from the coast?

Hunstanton, the nearest beach, is about 25 miles (40 minutes) away. Wells-next-the-Sea is 30 miles (45 minutes) and has one of Norfolk's best beaches with colourful beach huts.

Are there good restaurants in Swaffham?

Definitely! Market Cross Restaurant gets excellent reviews for its modern British menu. The Red Lion serves great pub food and Strattons Hotel has an award-winning restaurant using local ingredients.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Summer is lovely for enjoying your hot tub in the evening sunshine, but spring sees the countryside burst into colour. Autumn is quieter but still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities and your hot tub.

Can I get around without a car?

It's possible but tricky. Swaffham has buses to King's Lynn and Norwich, but rural attractions are hard to reach by public transport. A car gives you much more freedom to explore.

Are there activities for children?

Yes! Dinosaur Adventure Park is 30 minutes away and BeWILDerwood treehouse adventure park is about 45 minutes. Locally, kids enjoy the playground at the Rec and feeding ducks at Northwell Pool.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Norfolk - Swaffham Guide
2. Castle Acre Priory Information
3. Oxburgh Hall - National Trust
4. Swaffham Museum
5. Thetford Forest - Walking Trails