About
Experience the best wildlife holidays at Watatunga, where the variety of the reserve means every day is different. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, we provide the ultimate safari park stay that promises a truly unique wildlife experience. If you’re looking for family holidays or short breaks in Norfolk, look no further.
Choose from one of our newly renovated holiday cottages – be it the Stable Cottage, Gate Lodge, or Major’s Lodge. Each promises an unforgettable Norfolk weekend break.
Guests who book direct are welcomed on a complimentary guided tour the morning after arrival, learning about the animals and their conservation stories, making it a perfect choice for those interested in conservation holidays. Once introduced to the reserve, you have exclusive use of electric buggies throughout your stay, allowing you to enjoy the magic of Watatunga’s wildlife at your leisure. A wheelchair accessible buggy is soon to be available to those staying at our accessible accommodation, Major’s Lodge.
The Gate Lodge
Ideal for a wildlife holiday or Norfolk weekend break, The Gate Lodge is our newest option for a safari stay. This perfect gabled cottage is a peaceful retreat. Lovingly restored to sleep four, the cottage is found on the fringes of the Watlington estate, overlooking one of Watatunga’s breeding paddocks. Imagine waking up to a blesbok outside your window or relaxing in the garden, overlooking your own safari scene.
Major’s Lodge
This newly renovated, single-storey wooden safari lodge has stunning views over the vast grasslands and lakes of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. Sleeping up to eight, it offers an immersive experience with views of endangered deer and antelope species right from the sitting room. Major’s Lodge is also a gem for those looking for wheelchair accessible stays or accessibility holidays.
The Stable Cottage
The Stable Cottage is a five-star retreat for those seeking a family holiday in Norfolk. Set within the beautiful walled garden of the Watlington estate, it provides year-round comfort. This luxury home-from-home comes equipped with an open fire, a picturesque garden room ideal for dining, and four bedrooms, including a ground floor bedroom suite. Each room has its own bathroom facilities, with a luxurious four-poster bed in the master suite.
Guide Prices
Choose from one of our newly renovated holiday cottages – be it the Stable Cottage, Gate Lodge, or Major’s Lodge. Each promises an unforgettable Norfolk weekend break.
Guests who book direct are welcomed on a complimentary guided tour the morning after arrival, learning about the animals and their conservation stories, making it a perfect choice for those interested in conservation holidays. Once introduced to the reserve, you have exclusive use of electric buggies throughout your stay, allowing you to enjoy the magic of Watatunga’s wildlife at your leisure. A wheelchair accessible buggy is soon to be available to those staying at our accessible accommodation, Major’s Lodge.
The Gate Lodge
Ideal for a wildlife holiday or Norfolk weekend break, The Gate Lodge is our newest option for a safari stay. This perfect gabled cottage is a peaceful retreat. Lovingly restored to sleep four, the cottage is found on the fringes of the Watlington estate, overlooking one of Watatunga’s breeding paddocks. Imagine waking up to a blesbok outside your window or relaxing in the garden, overlooking your own safari scene.
Major’s Lodge
This newly renovated, single-storey wooden safari lodge has stunning views over the vast grasslands and lakes of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. Sleeping up to eight, it offers an immersive experience with views of endangered deer and antelope species right from the sitting room. Major’s Lodge is also a gem for those looking for wheelchair-accessible stays or accessibility holidays.
The Stable Cottage
The Stable Cottage is a five-star retreat for those seeking a family holiday in Norfolk. Set within the beautiful walled garden of the Watlington estate, it provides year-round comfort. This luxury home-from-home comes equipped with an open fire, a picturesque garden room ideal for dining, and four bedrooms, including a ground floor bedroom suite. Each room has its own bathroom facilities, with a luxurious four-poster bed in the master suite.
Facilities
Other
- Accessible Venue
- Outside Seating
Accessibility
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Wet rooms
Booking & Payment Details
- Advance booking essential
- Online Booking Possible
- Visa/Mastercard/Switch accepted
Catering
- Barbecue
Children
- Children welcome
- High chairs available
Cooking Facilities
- Cooker
- Fridge Freezer
- Microwave cooker
- Oven
Heating Facilities
- Central heating
Laundry Facilities
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine
Leisure Facilities
- Free WIFI
Linen & Bedding
- Linen provided
- Towels Provided
Parking
- Private parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs/pets NOT accepted
- Enclosed Garden
- WiFi or internet access
Room/Unit Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Shower
- Television
Site Features
- Garden
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Adult Exclusive
- Business Stays
- Couples
- Eco-Friendly
- Families
- LGBTQIA+
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From Norwich, it's a scenic drive through the Norfolk countryside, easily accessed via the A47; from Thetford, enjoy a swift and direct route, also along the A47, offering an easy trip northward; and from London, a straight shot on the M11 and A11 towards the heart of East Anglia.
Public Transport Directions
You can arrive by car, taxi and coach to the reserve.
There is also a train station at Watlington, which is 2 miles from the reserve accessible by taxi. Trains run straight to Kings Lynn from London Kings Cross (about 115 mins), Cambridge (50 mins) and Ely (35 mins). At Ely there are connections from Thetford, Peterborough and Norwich.
Buses from Kings Lynn train station and Downham Market take 15 minutes and run fairly regularly. It’s then a 10-minute stroll to Watatunga Wildlife Reserve.