City to Country Family Woodland Lodges

Family Friendly Woodland Retreats with Hot Tub and Onsite Games Room

Escape to the peaceful Essex–Suffolk border for a refreshing break at Toppesfield Hall Family Lodges – a collection of welcoming woodland retreats designed with both families and four-legged companions in mind. Set within six acres of beautiful countryside and surrounded by open fields, woodland and farmland, these contemporary lodges blend rural charm with luxury touches including private hot tubs, fire pits, BBQs, a multi-sports tennis court, and a well-equipped games room.

Sleeping between 2 and 6 guests per lodge, Toppesfield is perfect for extended family getaways, weekend escapes with the dog, or relaxed group stays with friends. With secure outdoor space to explore, plenty of on-site entertainment, and cosy interiors made for downtime, this countryside haven ticks all the boxes for a memorable, stress-free break.

A Choice of Cosy, Family-Focused Lodges

Choose from one of four contemporary woodland lodges, with plenty of space to relax, play, and make memorable moments together. Whether you’re a small family looking for a quiet countryside escape or a larger group planning a fun-filled break, there’s a lodge to suit your stay.

Chestnut Lodge and Copper Beech Lodge

Ideal for bigger families or those bringing grandparents or friends along. Each sleeps up to six guests comfortably, with a king-size bed in the master bedroom and a second bedroom with twin beds and bunk beds – perfect for kids sharing.

English Oak Lodge and Silver Birch Lodge

For smaller families or those with younger children. Sleeping up to four, these cosy hideaways provide a double bed plus either a bunk bed or a sofa bed, depending on the lodge. Whichever you choose, expect a restful night thanks to soft bedding and peaceful surroundings.

Each lodge also includes its own modern bathroom, complete with shower, w/c and hand basin ideal for washing off after a day in the great outdoors.

Space to Unwind

Step inside and enjoy easy, open-plan living designed with family life in mind:

Fully equipped kitchen with oven, fridge, kettle, toaster, microwave and dishwasher for the larger retreats
Dining table perfect for family meals or board game evenings
Comfortable sitting room area with cosy sofas and a Smart TV for film nights or lazy mornings
Plenty of space to unwind, reconnect, and make lasting memories

Group Stays at City to Country Retreat

Amanda, the owner of City to Country Retreat at Toppesfield Hall, is happy to help you organise a civilised group stay with work colleagues, family or friends. The retreats at Toppesfield Hall can sleep from 2 – 29. As well as the four woodland lodges, there’s also a lovely cottage able to sleep 4-6 guests.

With all the home comforts taken care of, Toppesfield is your place to slow down and enjoy quality time together.

Outdoor Living

Every lodge opens out onto its own private deck and garden with plenty of secure space for children to play or dogs to roam. Here, you can enjoy the many outdoor luxury extras that are provided for your use:

Private hot tub for nights of stargazing
BBQ & fire pit for relaxed evenings together
Outdoor loungers and picnic table

Parking is also available 150 yards away from the lodges, allowing for a safe, vehicle-free setting right outside your door.

On-Site Facilities

There’s also plenty to keep every generation entertained right on your doorstep:

Multi-sports tennis court – great for a game of tennis or basketball
Games room – with table tennis, pool, foosball, darts, and boxing punch bag
Ride-on vehicles – always a hit with younger guests
Holistic treatments available to book – perfect for a little extra relaxation
Bike hire
2 on site EV chargers

Family Friendly

Toppesfield Family Lodges have been thoughtfully created with little ones in mind, making them an ideal choice for families. Some lodges include fun bunk beds that younger guests will love, and travel cots and highchairs are available to hire for added convenience. Onsite, the games room and ride-on toys offer plenty of entertainment, while the nearby village playground – just a five-minute walk away – adds another adventure to the day. With safe, secure outdoor space to run, play, and explore, it’s a place where kids can be kids and parents can truly relax.

Dogs Welcome

Furry friends are warmly welcomed here, this is a true dog-friendly destination.

Up to 3 dogs allowed in larger lodges, 2 in smaller ones
A dog walking field for off-lead play
Dog bowls provided
Dog shower for rinsing muddy paws
Dog-friendly pubs and cafés just a short walk or drive away

With woodlands, fields and coastal countryside nearby, it’s a paradise for all the family.

Location

Surrounded by greenery, fields and woodland, the lodges of Toppesfield Hall sit in a tranquil six-acre setting that feels a world away from city life – but in reality is just an hour from London in North Essex. The nearby village of Toppesfield is just a few minutes walk away, and here you will find the local pub – The Green Man, a post office, and a convenience store where you can pick up those last-minute extras. This area is also the perfect base for exploring the countryside, whatever your fitness level.

Local Attractions & Activities

There’s no shortage of things to do in the area:

Savour local wines and beers from the nearby Toppesfield Brewery
Clare Castle Country Park – Enjoy scenic walks and ruins to explore
Historic castles & homes – Step back in time with a visit to Hedingham Castle & Ickworth House (National Trust)
Boydells Farm & Colchester Zoo – for wholesome adventures for all the family
Colne Valley Railway – Indulge in nostalgic train journeys through beautiful countryside
Duxford Airfield – where you’ll find regular air shows during the summer months.
Braintree Designer Village – shopping temptations

Perfect For

These welcoming woodland lodges are ideal for:

Families of all shapes and sizes
Multi-generational family gatherings (hire multiple lodges together with your own space)
Dog lovers seeking a truly pet-friendly break
Luxury seekers looking for a countryside spa-style stay
Couples or solo travellers who want peace, comfort and space
Anyone looking for a quick countryside escape just outside London

Plan Your Stay

Whether you’re heading off for a half-term break with the kids, a dog-friendly countryside adventure, or simply seeking some restorative downtime in nature, Toppesfield Family Woodland Lodges are the perfect choice. With hot tubs, open skies, and space to breathe, it’s a setting where you can truly unwind.