LOCATION

Nestled on the outskirts of Beetley village, Otters Mead sprawls over 4.25 acres of pristine natural beauty, offering enchanting river walks and an array of woodland areas waiting to be explored. The park teems with diverse wildlife, from the majestic Green Woodpeckers and Owls to the frequent appearances of Roe Deer and Muntjac, not to mention the abundant resident rabbits. A family of buzzards also calls the vicinity home, often gracing the sky with their presence on sunny days.

Throughout the year, the park plays host to a plethora of wild bird species, adding to its vibrant tapestry of nature.

The River Whitewater, a tributary of the Wensum, flows behind the park and offers an exceptional opportunity for exploration. The river is surrounded by a well-maintained meadow area with picnic spots and numerous pathways. It serves as a natural habitat for trout, water voles, and otters, from which the name Otters Mead is derived. At the river's remote end, there is a mill that is inhabited by a family of otters.

Adjacent to the mill is Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, which spans 50 acres of water meadows, woodlands, and trails. This area features a workhouse, the Norfolk Life museum, a working farm, and a cafe.

Also in walking distance is Beetley and Hoe Meadows which is part of Hoe Rough Nature Reserve which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. This site is described by Natural England as ’one of the finest remaining areas of wet unimproved grassland in Norfolk’.

Distinguished by their orange and black bodies the UK’s rarest and largest newt, the Great Crested Newt, can be seen in this area.

There is a wooden bridge to cross the river connecting the two sites.

Beetley Common is another Wildlife site which has nice trails through woodlands and has a lovely stream passing through.

Beetley has a Thai Restaurant which is ten minutes walking, The neighbouring village of Gressenhall has The White Swan which sits on the village green. This is a popular community owned pub. Onsite we've got our local village shop  The Fat Otter which is fully licensed for the sale of cigarettes and alcohol. If you fancy food in, but don't want to cook then there are Chinese, Indian, Turkish and Dominos Pizzas takeaway food deliveries available from nearby Dereham delivered direct to your lodge.