Fritton Lake and Visitor Centre

Fritton Lake

Fritton Lake is located on the Northern part of the Somerleyton Estate, and for over one hundred years has welcomed visitors to its beautiful surroundings.  It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind along the lake shore while the kids let off steam on our famous adventure playground.  Explore the lake from a rowing boat or sit back and enjoy a guided tour in our electrically powered launch. Fritton Lake has something for everyone especially if you love the outdoors, wildlife and natural history, and there’s plenty more to keep the whole family occupied.

Fritton Lake has everything you need for a perfect day out by the water!  Facilities on offer include:

Adventure Playground Our famous Adventure Playground has an Assault Course, a huge Viking Fort with battlements and snake slides. There is an aerial runway, swings and sandpit, as well as our ever popular Jumping Pillow.	Rowing Boats We have a fleet of 15 rowing boats that may be hired. These are included in your admission price.  They comfortably seat 5 people, and may be hired for 30 minute periods.  Last boats are issued at 4pm.	Launch Trips If you don’t fancy the effort of rowing, we offer an informative history and wildlife guided tour aboard the Bittern. Six trips are run each day, and there is a small charge for this.	Pony rides Short pony rides and longer hacks are available from the Lakeside Riding Centre. Pony rides are available during our seasonal opening hours. See prices and payment details.
Fishing Bank fishing is included in your admission price.  However it is possible to hire a fishing boat for the day at an additional charge of £5. Fishing is also available at times when the park is seasonally closed. Read more	Golf and Putting Enjoy the stunning lakeside pitch and putt course, or the 18 hole putting green. A returnable deposit is required for club hire, and a fee of £2.00 per person is also payable for those using the par 3 course. Last clubs issued at 4pm. Membership is also available.	Nature trails We have three nature trails of different lengths, taking in the varied habitats around the lake. There are several Interpretation boards around the lake that provide further information about the Lake’s History and Wildlife. Read more about recent wildlife sightings.	Indoor Barn Activities Our Visitor Centre offers table tennis, pool tables, air hockey and table football, as well as a nature area, touch tables, and an under 5’s kiddies corner.  There are giant games such as Jenga and Chess, as well as opportunities for children to do colouring.
Lake Side Gardens Our Victorian Lakeside Gardens are currently undergoing a programme of restoration. The beds are currently being cleared in preparation for new planting schemes. Watch this space for further developments.	Wellie Trail The kids can participate in our free “Wellie Trail”. Pick up a map from our Visitor Centre, and collect the stamps from around the park. Find them all and win a prize. Children can also enter our monthly colouring competition, and win prizes.	Wheelyboat We have available for hire a specially designed electric boat suitable for wheelchair users.  This can be hired for a small daily charge, and comes with two seats for other occupants.  It is recommended to book this prior to your visit.	School Visits We can cater for school parties and offer a programme of bug hunting, launch trips, history tour and extensive time on the play areas. Please see our factsheet and Risk Assessment.
Fritton at War Visit our display about how the lake was requisitioned for training men to operate the Duplex Drive Amphibious Tanks, which were used in the first wave of assaults on D Day, 6th June 1944. Read more.	Fritton Duck Decoys For many centuries the traditional method of catching wildfowl was undertaken at Fritton. We are presently in the process of reconstructing one adjacent to the Lake. Read more.	Wildlife and Nature Conservation The habitats around Fritton include reedbed, ancient and secondary woodland, meadows and parkland.  Read more about the habitat management of our woodlands, reedbed and new tree planting schemes.	100 Years of Fritton Lake In 2009 we celebrated our centenary. We are fortunate to have an extensive collection of postcards on display charting the development of the Lake as a tourist attraction. See some of the wonderful images.

Catering facilities There is a wide selection of hot and cold meals, children’s menu, drinks and ice cream. (Sample food menu available shortly).	Fritton House Hotel The informal restaurant offers a seasonal menu.  Dine inside the grade II listed house, or outside on the spacious terrace, with views across the park and towards the lake. View website.	Dukes Head Overlooking the River Waveney, the Dukes Head is renowned for its flavoursome, fresh and affordable menus. The Dukes Head is less than 5  minutes from Fritton Lake. View website.	Gift Shop Our gift and souvenir shop sells a selection of affordable toys, games and gifts to keep the children entertained. We also sell books, home-made sweets and jam, as well as sunhats, waterproofs and batteries.

Opening Times

• We are open every weekend from April 9th to 25th September 2011. 
• Last admissions 3.30pm.
• We are also open during the half terms and school holidays. 
• The Country Park reopens to visitors on 31st March 2012 for the Easter Holidays

Contact:

Email: frittonlake@somerleyton.co.uk
Telephone: 01493 488288

How to Find Us

On the A143 Beccles to Great Yarmouth Road
Church Lane, Fritton, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk  NR31 9HA Google Map

Directions

Train: Nearest station Haddiscoe 2.25 miles
Buses: No's 577 and 581 to Fritton (Anglia Coaches 01502 711109) on the Great Yarmouth to Beccles service

Disabled Access 

• Wheelchairs are available (returnable deposit), please telephone to reserve
• There are grass paths to the lake and gardens, of a shallow incline.  However there is limited access to the wider parts of the Lakeside, due to undulating ground, occasional boggy conditions and unsuitable slopes.
• We have a Wheelyboat (wheelchair suitable electric boat) that may be hired, subject to instruction and availability.
• Disabled toilets are located adjacent to our Visitor Centre and beside the Lakeside Riding Centre.

Other information

• Baby Changing tables are situated in the Disabled toilet by the Reception and in the Play Area Toilets (Ladies)
• First Aid points are at the Visitor Centre Reception, Boat Shed, Lakeside Riding Centre and Woodland Lodges Reception
• Ball games are not permitted within the play area, but are permitted on the football field near the Visitor Centre, and the meadow beyond the putting green
• Dogs:  We regret that no dogs are permitted to the Park (except guide dogs)
• Recycling.  Please help us to recycle, by disposing of cans, paper, plastic and glass in the recycling bins, and only using refuse bins for food, nappies, food wrappers and other non-recyclable items.
• Please allow 3 hrs minimum for your visit. 
• We would advise that you arrive early to avoid disappointment, or queues for Rowing boats. 
• Some attractions may be curtailed at any time due to inclement weather or Health and Safety reasons.  It is recommended that you phone prior to your visit to avoid disappointment

Events

• Guided Walks and Events Calendar 2011