The Wilderness Reserve is a popular destination in Suffolk for luxury, peaceful, and rejuvenating trips to the country. A short distance from London, this is a beautiful place to spend time as a couple, a family, or as a group of friends. Discover everything you need to know about where to stay and what to do at the Wilderness Reserve.
Table of Contents:
- Where is the Wilderness?
- What is the Wilderness, Suffolk?
- Luxury Holiday Properties
- Activities for Your Stay
- Extra Relaxation & Luxury
- Our Top Local Spots
Where is the Wilderness Reserve & How to Get There
The Wilderness Reserve is located in Suffolk, between the villages of Sibton and Yoxford. Suffolk is in the area of East Anglia, which has been named one of the UK’s best family holiday destinations. In the heart of the Suffolk countryside, you’ll find the trip is a quick 2.5 hour drive from London, that sweeps past pretty scenery and villages once in the rural county. For those who would rather take the train, you can get a train out of London Liverpool Street to Ipswich station where you can get a 50 minute taxi ride. Or switch trains to Saxmundham where you should either prebook a taxi or take a leisurely 40 minute stroll to the gorgeous Wilderness Reserve estate. See the Wilderness Reserve on video for more inspiration!
What is the Wilderness Reserve?
Opening in 1995, the Wilderness is a luxury retreat in the beautiful English countryside of Suffolk. They describe themselves as a secluded haven of rural Suffolk – and we couldn’t describe it better ourselves! With two estates: Sibton Park and Chapel Barn, you’ll be able to explore 8,000 acres of rolling green pastures, meadows, parkland, and stately gardens.
Luxury Holiday Cottages in Sleepy Suffolk
With 15 properties across the two Wilderness Reserve estates, there’s the perfect holiday spot for every family. From single bedroom properties that are ideal for spending quality time with your partner, to large 8+ bedroom properties that will fit all the extended family at Christmas!
Sibton Park Estate Properties
Wilderness Reserve’s Sibton Park estate can be dated back to 1150. Passing through the ownership of Dukes of Norfolk and even a Fleet Street heir! Today it boasts rolling fields, a tranquil lake, and 9 impeccable holiday properties.
- Hex Cottage – Remote and secluded, this one bedroom cottage is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend away with your love. It has no electricity, giving you time to switch off and enjoy time illuminated in firelight.
- Hayjack – A romantic, 1 bedroom thatched roof cottage, hidden on top of a hill. This Wilderness Reserve property also boasts its own spa!
- Garden Cottage – Sat to the side of the Walled Garden, Garden Cottage is a four bedroom property that features 6 sweet bunk beds perfect for UK holidays with little ones!
- Barn – A 17th century Suffolk long-barn, is a stunning four bedroom show of local craftsmanship. With large glass windows throughout the property, this is a wonderful suntrap of a property for bright days.
- Clockhouse – Built form gold sandstone, this 4 bedroom property has a wonderful courtyard ideal for hosting family BBQs. For larger groups it can be paired with the Barn, as the two properties adjoin.
- Cartshed – A 4 bedroom 15th century converted farm cartshed, transformed with sliding glass walls, and unrivalled views over vast parkland.
- Farmhouse – One of the larger properties at Wilderness Reserve, you’ll find 6 bedrooms in this lovingly restored farmhouse.
- Walled Garden – With 8 bedrooms, the Walled Garden is an indulgent treat. Originally built to grow the estate’s produce, it has been transformed into the ultimate country retreat. With a cinema room, games room, private garden, and sauna.
- Sibton Park – The largest house on the Wilderness Reserve estate is Sibton Park itself. A large 13 bedroom Georgian manor house, this venue is perfect for weddings or special family get-togethers.
Chapel Barn Estate
Originally a Tudor farmstead, Chapel Barn Estate has been restored to a gorgeous collection of Suffolk cottages and barns, placed amongst grazing cattle and sheep.
- The Hovel – A 1 bedroom lakeside gem, this Wilderness Reserve cottage has its own jetty complete with rowing boat.
- The Tabernacle – A 1 bedroom whimsical hideaway, at this Chapel Barn property you’ll get to experience your own island – reached by rustic rope bridge – ideal for romantic picnics.
- Moat Cottage – With 6 bedrooms, split across a thatched Tudor home and a one-room cottage, you’ll have a private bridge and drive to this exclusive collection of properties.
- The Cider House – Suffolk is known for its tantalising cider and so this property is named after the county’s rich history in the beverage. With 6 bedrooms, you can enjoy this spa house – complete with copper baths and a heat swimming pool.
- The Grange – Get a taste of true Suffolk with this traditional 7 bedroom farmhouse, complete with hot tub, private pool, and treatment room.
- Chapel Barn – A gorgeous 15th century thatched barn, Chapel Barn is the largest property across Wilderness Reserve’s two estates, with 17 bedrooms! Designed for entertaining, partying, and enjoying time with loved ones or colleagues.
Activities for the Whole Family at the Wilderness
Whether you’re looking for an East Anglia family holiday, or a couples retreat to reconnect, the Wilderness Reserve has everything you could possibly need.
- Quintessential British nature and wildlife – from the grazing cattle, sheep, and lambs, to owls and hawks. The Wilderness Reserve is the perfect spot for immersing yourself in nature year round.
- Cycle Rides – Each property comes with complimentary bikes to explore the grounds of the Wilderness Reserve in style.
- Rowing Boats – The lake at the centre of the Sibton Park estate has gorgeous rowing boats (and buoyancy aids) that are complimentary to use at your leisure.
- Landscaped Swimming – A gorgeous hidden pool is a serene spot for your morning exercise, complete with a dip in the hot tub after your workout.
- Tennis – A tennis court sits to the side of the Walled Garden – ideal for those who want to engage in family matches.
- Archery, Axe-Throwing, & Clay Shooting – Truly experience the countryside by enjoying class British past times, and new ones, with archery, axe-throwing, and shooting experiences available to book during your time at the Wilderness.
- Easy Evening Entertainment – For a truly relaxing holiday at the Wilderness, you can get their team to provide evening entertainment. From wine tastings, to murder mysteries, to live music – there’s something to please everyone.
- Guided Experiences – Learn new skills, or hone current ones, with the Wilderness Reserve’s guided experiences. You could do yoga outdoors, go wild swimming, kids can go bear hunting, and you can feast as a family around an open fire.
Add an Extra Dose of Relaxation to Your Stay
A trip to the Wilderness in Suffolk is made for relaxation, and the retreat offers lots of options that can ensure you leave feeling recuperate.
- Spa Treatments – From massages in nature, to facials, book in a spa treatment whilst visiting the Wilderness Reserve.
- Fully Catered – Whilst all the properties have stunning, lust-worthy kitchens, you may wish to have a break for the usual food prep. There are lots of options to have hampers delivered, BBQs cooked for you, and private chefs.
Our Top Nearby Spots in Suffolk to Visit
Suffolk is a gorgeous county to spend time in. Whilst you may not want to leave the Wilderness Reserve and the peacefulness it embodies during your visit, there are plenty of stunning local towns to visit before you venture back home.
- Southwold – A short drive from the Wilderness Reserve, Southwold is a seaside town with a historic pier complete with quirky arcade games. You find cute cafes, fish and chips, and lovely independent shops to explore here.
- Aldeburgh – Is another seaside town, with lots of shops, restaurants, and more opportunities for fish and chips, you’ll adore this pretty destination.
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