Countryside Escapes Under Two Hours from London
One of the quiet pleasures of a stay with Simply Norfolk Stays is how effortlessly you can leave the city behind. In under two hours from London, the landscape opens into wide skies, woodland and gently rolling countryside – a natural shift in pace that makes these stays ideal for weekend breaks near London that truly feel restorative.
With a collection of shepherds huts and countryside lodges in East Harling and Mundford, Simply Norfolk Stays offers thoughtfully designed retreats in the heart of the Brecks, perfect for short breaks from London that don’t require long journeys or busy itineraries.
Close to London, Far from the Noise
For those looking for easy getaways from London, this part of Norfolk is surprisingly well connected. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street to Norwich take under two hours, followed by a short, scenic drive into the countryside. Driving is just as straightforward, making these stays ideal for Norfolk weekend breaks, midweek escapes or longer countryside holidays.
If you’re craving sea air, wide open skies and a proper change of pace without the stress of long travel times, Norfolk is the perfect choice. For even more inspiration on planning the perfect short stay, explore our guide to the ultimate weekend escapes from London – packed with ideas for making the most of your time away.
Arrive on a Friday evening, settle into your shepherd’s hut or lodge, and wake to birdsong on Saturday morning – simple, grounding and effortlessly relaxing.
Shepherds Huts & Lodges Surrounded by Nature
Staying in a shepherd’s hut or countryside lodge offers a more considered way to escape. Thoughtfully placed within peaceful rural settings, these stays combine comfort with a strong connection to the landscape – ideal for couples, solo travellers or anyone seeking a peaceful countryside escape near London.
Both East Harling and Mundford sit close to Thetford Forest, where miles of woodland trails invite walking, cycling and slow exploration. The surrounding Brecks landscape, known for its heathland, pine forests and open skies, creates space for gentler days: morning walks, slow lunches and evenings spent outdoors as the light fades.
Thoughtful Days Out Nearby
Staying in this part of Norfolk also means easy access to some of East Anglia’s most appealing destinations, perfect for adding gentle exploration to your short break in Norfolk.
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds is ideal for relaxed days out. Wander historic streets, browse independent shops and enjoy long lunches in independent cafés and restaurants. The beautiful English Heritage Abbey Gardens provide a peaceful place to slow down in the heart of this popular Suffolk market town.
Ixworth & Suffolk Villages
Close to the Norfolk border, Ixworth and the surrounding Suffolk villages offer quiet countryside walks, traditional pubs and a slower pace of life. Expect open farmland, historic churches and scenic lanes – perfect for reconnecting with nature.
Norwich
Compact and walkable, Norwich blends medieval architecture with a thriving food and cultural scene. Visit the cathedral, explore the Norwich Lanes, enjoy riverside walks or settle into one of the city’s many cafés. It’s an easy and rewarding day trip during a Norfolk countryside break.
The Norfolk Broads & North Norfolk Coast
Both the Norfolk Broads and North Norfolk Coast make memorable day trips. The Broads are ideal for boating, wildlife watching and waterside walks, while the coast offers wide beaches, coastal paths and nature reserves rich in birdlife – perfect for fresh-air escapes from London.
A Simply Norfolk Stays Kind of Break
A stay in one of Simply Norfolk Stays’ shepherds huts or lodges in East Harling or Mundford is about ease – easy journeys, easy days and time that feels unhurried. It’s a chance to step away from busy routines and into a slower rhythm, without travelling far to do so.
Close enough to London for short breaks and weekend escapes, yet peaceful enough to feel like a true retreat, this corner of Norfolk offers space, stillness and simple pleasures – just as a countryside stay should.
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