Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

Woodbell Lodge is one of five lodges peacefully situated in 500 acres of private land at Wakes Hall Farm, awarded a five star AA award. Located on the Essex/Suffolk border, the historic town of Colchester is 40 minutes away.

Information correct at time of writing. Colchester can be reached in just under 20 minutes and offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from Colchester Zoo to the Roman Castle. Fishing is available at the nearby Chigboro Fisheries, a 53 acre complex of lakes that cater for both trout and coarse anglers. For details please call . The Colchester Garrison Riding Club offers a variety of courses and activity days, suitable for adults and children from five years upwards. Although there are a number of places where Clay Pigeon Shooting is available within the area, the Fennes Shooting School at Braintree does come recommended. The region is home to The Wine Company in Colchester who boast six generations of experience in choosing wine. The finest place to awaken your senses is at one of the regular wine tasting evenings which are a must for any wine lover, from beginning to connoisseur. Within a 10 minute drive is the Earls Colne Golf & Country Club, together with numerous other golf courses located within a short driving distance. A little further afield, Chelmsford is just under 40 minutes’ drive and has a first class shopping centre. Sudbury, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, is just under half an hour’s drive or by train from Wakes Colne/Chappel Station direct to Sudbury through the picturesque countryside. Newmarket with its famous racecourse can be reached in approximately one hour. Other places to within the area include: Gainsborough House, Sudbury - The Museum and Gallery at the birthplace of the artist Sir Thomas Gainsborough. Castle House, Dedham - The largest collection of Sir Alfred Munnings art. Mercury Theatre, Colchester - Only a short drive from the lodges. Quay Theatre, Sudbury - A stunning venue for a variety of productions. Kentwell Hall, Sudbury - Offering a variety of events throughout the year alongside the stunning gardens.