Family Stays
A Countryside Break
Escape to a Family Friendly Countryside Lodge
With fresh air and plenty of open space to roam, our countryside retreat is the perfect family holiday with Hot Tub. Tucked away on the Essex/Suffolk border, our spacious lodges and cosy cottage offer everything you need for quality time together — away from screens and the stresses of everyday life.
Room to Breathe, Play and Unwind
Designed with families in mind, our lodges and cottage blend comfort with adventure. Whether you’re exploring woodland trails, heading out on a family bike ride, playing games in the evening, or toasting marshmallows under the stars; it’s all about creating simple, lasting memories. And feel free to bring your dogs along too!
Private Hot Tub
Soak and unwind while the kids let off steam on the tennis court
Private Garden
The perfect spot for relaxed family meals or a morning cuppa
Fire Pit
Toast marshmallows and enjoy the crackle of the fire and hot chocolate
Relaxation Treatments
Book a soothing massage in the comfort of your holiday home, for a moment of calm
Dog friendly
let your four-legged family members join the fun (secure gardens for peace of mind). Bring up to 3 Dogs.
No Screens Needed
Nature, space, and plenty to do together. The perfect family holiday with Hot Tub!
Discover Our Accommodation
- Perfect for: Family Getaways
- Sleeps 6: 2 Bedrooms + Sofa Bed
- Dog Friendly (3 Dogs)
- Hot Tub
- Perfect for: Glamping for Two
- Sleeps 2 + 2 young children
- Open Plan Design
- 1 Small Dog
- Hot Tub
- Perfect for: Families & Friends
- Sleeps 6: 2 Bedrooms
- Dog Friendly (3 Dogs)
- Hot Tub
- Perfect for: Shared Escapes
- Sleeps 6: 2 Bedrooms
- Dog Friendly (3 Dogs)
- Hot Tub
- Perfect for: Couples
- King Size Bed
- Pizza Oven & BBQ
- Dog Friendly (2 Dogs)
- Hot Tub
- Perfect for: Couples
- King size Bed
- Outdoor Cinema
- Dog Friendly (2 Dogs)
- Hot Tub
On-Site Fun & Family Adventures Nearby
There’s no shortage of ways to spend your days – from active play to peaceful walks.
- Woodland Sauna – For an extra touch of indulgence, why not book a private woodland sauna session, complete with a cold water drench shower and time to relax on the sauna deck
- Games Room – pool, darts, and table tennis = relaxed afternoons or friendly family tournaments
- Tennis Court & Basketball – get active with a tennis match or a game of basketball in the great outdoors
- Bike Hire – explore quiet country lanes, picturesque villages and country pubs along the way.
- Wide-Open Spaces – for hide and seek, picnics, and running free!
- Wildlife on the grounds – Toppesfield Hall is set in the countryside, and our guinea fowl and other local wildlife add a charming touch to your stay (please note: they may be vocal at times including night-times )
For families who love a bit of adventure, the surrounding countryside is perfect for leisurely walks and little explorers. Just an easy 8-minute stroll takes you into Toppesfield Village, where you’ll find:
- A Dog-Friendly Pub – settle in for a relaxing drink whilst the kids enjoy the wooden play area and spacious pub garden
- A local Shop & Post Office – for all your essentials
- Toppesfield Brewery – where you can sample locally brewed ales
- A Park and Playing Field – where your little ones can swing, slide and let off steam.
Discover the Local Area
And when you’re ready to explore beyond City to Country Retreat, there’s plenty nearby to keep everyone happy:
- Finchingfield – a chocolate-box village with ducks, tea rooms, and green open space
- Clare Castle Country Park – ideal for little explorers and riverside picnics; take a stroll to the top of the castle ruins and visit the old railway station.
- Long Melford – great for family strolls, discovering historic treasures and a little something sweet in one of the many tea rooms.
- Hedingham Castle – history comes alive with family-friendly events year-round
- Colne Valley Railway – Take a step back in time with a steam train ride
- Colchester Zoo – A fun day out for the whole family; with a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits
- Boydells Farm – A charming farm offering a hands-on experience with farm animals; perfect for picnics too
A Break From Screens, A Breath of Fresh Air
Whether it’s a weekend away or a week-long adventure, our family-friendly retreat offers the space to slow down and enjoy — no deadlines, no devices, just the freedom to be together. And with your four-legged friends welcome too, everyone can join in the fun. Make this your perfect family holiday with Hot Tub!
Family Friendly FAQs
What are the best family lodges at Toppesfield Hall?
Our most popular family options are Chestnut Lodge, Copper Beech Lodge, and Toppesfield Hall Cottage, each sleeping up to 6 guests.
They offer spacious layouts, private gardens, hot tubs, fire pits, BBQ areas, al fresco dining, and plenty of room for kids to play.
Do the lodges have private hot tubs?
Yes — every lodge and the cottage includes a private hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Essex countryside attractions.
What family-friendly activities are available on-site?
Families love:
The games room
Tennis court
Bike hire (ideal for countryside cycling routes)
Fire pits for marshmallows & hot chocolate
Large private gardens
Woodland spaces for children to explore away from main roads
- Toppesfield Village has a childrens park and there is a play area for children in the pub garden too.
Are there family attractions nearby?
Yes — we’re close to some of the best family days out near Essex & Suffolk, including:
Colchester Zoo
Boydells Farm
Colne Valley Railway (steam train rides)
Clare Castle Country Park
Hedingham Castle
All within easy reach of the lodges.
Are dogs welcome in the family lodges?
Yes — Toppesfield Hall is fully dog friendly.
Dog limits:
Cottage, Chestnut, Copper Beech — up to 3 dogs
English Oak & Silver Birch — up to 2 dogs
Sycamore Lodge — 1 small dog
We also offer:
On-site dog wash
Secure dog exercise field and your own private and secure garden
Dog-friendly woodland walks straight from your door
Local dog-friendly attractions & pubs
Is there space for children to play safely?
Yes — all properties have private enclosed gardens, plus large shared grounds, woodland areas, and car-free zones where kids can explore safely.
Are there places to eat nearby that are child-friendly?
Absolutely:
The Green Man (8-minute stroll)
Family-friendly pub
Outdoor play area
Casual food & drinks
Dog friendly
The White Hart (20-minute walk)
Pub (dog friendly)
Plus a separate restaurant for family meals or special occasions
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: 4pm
Check-out: 10am
Early check-in or late check-out is sometimes available depending on other bookings. Please ask the week before your stay.
Can we get supermarket deliveries?
Yes — you can book deliveries from most major supermarkets, including:
Tesco
Sainsbury’s
Asda
Waitrose
Morrisons
Ocado
Just use the postcode CO9 4LX. Please ensure you ask the driver to call you on arrival.
Are celebration packages available?
Yes — we offer celebration packages perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones, including:
Balloons
Locally made sweet treats
Celebration cakes
Ideal for making your family break extra special.
Are the family lodges suitable for multi-generational stays?
Yes — they’re ideal for multi-generational family breaks. Chestnut Lodge, Copper Beech Lodge and the Cottage offer plenty of space for grandparents, parents and children.
You can also book lodges next to each other, making it easy for larger or extended families to stay close together while still having their own private space.
Do families search for lodges like this?
Yes — people commonly look for:
Best family lodges with hot tubs near London
Child-friendly lodges in Essex countryside
Family holidays with private hot tubs
Spacious lodges for family breaks
Family-friendly woodland lodges
Our accommodation is designed to match all these search terms.
Is there a sauna families can use during their stay?
Yes — families can book private sessions in our Woodland Sauna. The sauna is available for guests aged 16 years and over, making it a peaceful wellness experience for parents or older teenagers during your countryside break.
Click here for further information about the Woodland Sauna and how to book.
