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Woodpecker

Woodpecker

4.6
out of 5
Ratings from 28 reviews
96% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.8
Comfort
4.5
Condition
4.5
Location
4.8
Value
4.4
Customer
Service
4.8

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Woodpecker offers stylish single story family friendly accommodation, close to the North Norfolk coast. The well-equipped barn conversion has lofty beamed ceilings and an open living space with free WIFI. Perfect for guests of all ages, the cottage has glazed doors opening onto a private patio with access to extensive fenced gardens where children can run and play. You’ll find plenty to do on site, including taking a dip in the luxury indoor heated pool, tennis or activities in the games room.

Weekend away with extended family

Review submitted on Thu, 03 Jul 2025
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The layout of Cranmer cottages was perfect for a multi generational stay. The cottages individual back gardens backed onto a large grassed play area which was spacious and safe for the children to play on. The pool was also popular for us all to have fun in together. Communication with this company during the booking process was great. These cottages are a perfect base for exploring North Norfolk.

The only constructive criticism was the radiator in our bathroom was stuck on high, which did add to the heat of an already hot weekend.

Caroline from Dereham stayed at Woodpecker for 3 nights in June 2025


Jen replied 5 days ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, we very much appreciate your feedback. The radiator you spoke of, has now been fixed, so thank you for pointing this out to us. We hope to see you all again soon.

An oasis in North Norfolk

Review submitted on Sun, 03 Sep 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was our first stay at Cranmer Cottages (Woodpecker) and we were not disappointed. The cottage was extremely clean & comfortable in an excellent location. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to beaches and lots of excursions for the small people. We were particularly pleased at the low flying aircraft for the aviation enthusiasts amongst us! The swimming pool was a real gem as the weather was very hot when we stayed (mid August). The paddock for the children to play safely in was a huge bonus. Perfection in every way, thank you I am sure we will be back :)

LEIGH from STOCKPORT stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in August 2023


The Cranmer Team replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave such great feedback. We really do appreciate it. We are so pleased you had such a great stay with us and hope you return again soon. We are glad you enjoyed the onsite facilities especially the pool. The paddock is defiantly a great family space and it allows the children to run around and play. Thank you again from the Cranmer Team :)

4th visit to Cranmer

Review submitted on Sun, 23 Jul 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Great week - pity about the weather!
The double en suite bedroom was a bit of a squash with the tiniest wash basin ever! Fortunately it was just me using the room!!
The window needs attention.
The hand-held shower mounted on the taps in the bathroom was not ideal. How about a curtain? Everyone ended up using the en suite shower.
All in all Cranmer is delightful. I’m sure we’ll be back. Thank you !

Clare from Cambridge stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in July 2023


Perfect family cottage

Review submitted on Sat, 15 Apr 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
I’m so pleased we found this cottage - the location is excellent for exploring the North Norfolk coast. The cottage itself was perfect for the family; the three bedrooms were a great size and the property was very tastefully decorated with everything you would need for a relaxing stay. We also really appreciated the extra little touches waiting when we arrived such as an Easter egg hunt for the children and cookies for the grown ups! Having access to the swimming pool, play area on the lawn and tennis courts near the cottage was brilliant too. We didn’t want to leave! Thank you for a very special stay.

Ceri from Derby stayed at Woodpecker for 4 nights in April 2023


Another great stay at Cranmer

Review submitted on Tue, 20 Dec 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Cottage lovely and cosy despite freezing temperatures outside, and staff on site really helpful. Cranmer Cottages very well located for Thursford and other attractions, and the swimming pool is great too. We'd love to stay again.

Kate from Cambridge stayed at Woodpecker for 2 nights in December 2022


A wonderful family gathering in a place that feels like home

Review submitted on Thu, 18 Aug 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We recently completed a family reunion at the Cranmer cottages. After 2 years of COVID restrictions, it was important to get everyone together and we were very happy to have made the Cranmer cottages our home for this experience. We rented two cottages to have enough room for everyone and used the gates to the playing field to move seamlessly between our "homes".
The cottages upon arrival were clean, tidy and contained everything we had asked for (in terms of baby suppliers - baby monitor, high chair, travel cot etc.) and the setting with the field in the back was lovely for our children to play and explore. The pool was a big hit with our children and the games room was a nice touch to provide added entertainment for our toddler when he was all done playing outside. During our stay we did have a couple of requests for the management, which was graciously (and expeditiously) accommodated. Since we were there in summer season, we endured our fair share of flies, but this was to be expected given the rural setting and was experienced throughout our trip in towns and villages outside of the cottage - the downfall of having good weather in the UK! If the summers are going to continue to heat up in the UK, they may need some more fans to help keep the guests cool - the one in our cottage ran on overtime when we visited! We would absolutely recommend the cottages for similar gatherings in the future and are very grateful to Nikki and the team for helping making our trip so special!

Claire from Tampa stayed at Woodpecker for 14 nights in July 2022


Second stay - will be back!

Review submitted on Fri, 06 May 2022
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We loved our stay in Woodpecker cottage. This was our second trip to Cranmer Country Cottages (last time we stayed in Coot Cottage) and we will definitely be back. Such a great base for exploring the North Norfolk Coast and great facilities for families with the swimming pool, games room, tennis court and play structures in the garden. Only thing that could be improved - would be nice to have a larger bed in the main bedroom at Woodpecker. The master bed in Coot cottage was a lot bigger and more comfortable.

Guest from London stayed at Woodpecker for 3 nights in April 2022


Great cottage and facilities

Review submitted on Thu, 03 Mar 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Cottages are modern, spacious and well equipped. Pool is amazing, as are the tennis courts. Also we really liked the games room - so it is a lovely place to stay.

Stuart from Warwick stayed at Woodpecker for 5 nights in February 2022


something for everyone but no excess bedroom space

Review submitted on Tue, 02 Nov 2021
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
For our family group, with ages varying from 9 to 82, the 2 cottages we rented (Woodpecker and Avocet) worked very well. There was plenty of space for the younger members to run around outside, play tennis and table tennis while 'at home' as well as swim. The main room was spacious and comfortable and the kitchen area well-equipped. However, I have never been in a smaller double en suite which, while providing all that was necessary, meant that i and my husband could not move around the room at the same time! The location of the cottages was very peaceful and in reasonable reach of most places we wanted to visit.

Madeline from Cambridge stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in October 2021


Perfect for family holiday

Review submitted on Wed, 01 Sep 2021
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
I rented both Woodpecker & Swallow for a much delayed family celebration. They did not disappoint & the fact that the two cottages are internally linked was perfect for us. The children loved the freedom of the outside space on the complex & the tennis courts were well used & enjoyed. Games room too was greatly appreciated, especially so with the rainy times that we had. Of course, as far as the children were concerned, the pool was the main event. We all felt that perhaps the water could have been a few degrees warmer but that is a minor criticism & in no way detracted from the enjoyment. Allocated swim times are certainly preferable when there are a number of cottages using the facility. Covid protocols were excellent & we all felt safe during our stay. Goodies supplied were much appreciated & enjoyed. If only the weather had matched the accommodation & facilities!

Elizabeth from Hertford stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in August 2021


Stay in woodpecker cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 12 Aug 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely holiday. Comfortable beds. Mop and bucket would have been handy having a 3yr old in house. Disappointed with lack of storage for suitcases and another set of drawers in double bedroom would have been handy.(we may have been spoilt on our last visit staying in garden house). Lovely to have pool to ourselves.

Pat from Wolverhampton stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in July 2021


A lovely week in a rural oasis

Review submitted on Sat, 07 Aug 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was our fourth visit to Cranmer. Every visit we have been impressed by the outstanding quality of accommodation, and the hard work that goes in behind the scenes by the Cranmer team to make guests feel welcomed. Cranmer is a very peaceful, pretty, relaxing place to stay with excellent facilities. We look forward to booking again for next year; our young sons have already been asking when we can go back! Many thanks to Lynne, John & the Cranmer team for another wonderful holiday.

Guest from Cambridge stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in July 2021


Perfect for our family

Review submitted on Mon, 05 Jul 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a fantastic family holiday in Woodpecker last week. The cottage was small but really well kitted out with everything we needed. And our kids absolutely loved the big open space out the back and the swimming pool. Will be recommending to all our friends with kids.

Donna from Chester stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in June 2021


June 2021

Review submitted on Tue, 08 Jun 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
lovely complex, comfortable accommodation and charming hosts. Particularly liked how the cottages all open up on to the large lawn.

Ian from Surbiton stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in May 2021


Another excellent stay at Cranmer that even Covid could not spoil!

Review submitted on Tue, 03 Nov 2020
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We have stayed at Cranmer every year for 10 years and have stayed in most of the cottages. Lynne and John are superb hosts and the cottages are well designed and thoughtfully equipped. Due to Covid a few things had to be different from usual but they went above and beyond to ensure everyone got a safe holiday and a turn in the pool!
Woodpecker is a smaller cottage but well equipped and comfortable with a handy extra bedroom. The water pressure and temperature was excellent so important after a rainy day at the beach.
We ate in this year far more than usual and found the kitchen and appliances very easy and

Susanne from London stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in October 2020


For nearly 2k self catered I’d expect less tired and uncomfortable accommodation

Review submitted on Tue, 27 Oct 2020
2.8
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
3.0
Grounds, pool & location all wonderful.

Woodpecker: tired & uncomfortable accommodation - needs a refit to justify price imo.

A concise & honest review!

Best Regards,
Sam

Sam from London stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in October 2020


Lynne Johnson replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your review of our property. The images on our website are a true reflection of the property, although items such as cushions rugs throws etc have been removed due to our Covid cleaning and disinfection measures, our properties are more minimal than usual. I am sorry if this did not live up to your expectations. We carry out regular repainting & refurbishments during January and February and we will bear your comments in mind. Woodpecker is more compact than some of our other properties and is rated at 4 star, the standard of furnishings is the same throughout our properties and designed to be family friendly. Some of our other properties are 5 star. Our housekeepers are carrying out a very thorough cleaning regime during this time of Covid-19, the properties are all checked at the end of changeover by our assistant manager. Use of our luxury indoor pool, extensive outdoor play areas and tennis courts are reflected in our pricing.

Lovely country cottage

Review submitted on Wed, 30 Sep 2020
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Well appointed, comfortable, cottage in a rural location to get away from suburbia. Perfect for a weekend away with our 1 year old - even though the weather was atrocious.

Pete from stayed at Woodpecker for 3 nights in September 2020


A lovely cottage and facilities

Review submitted on Sun, 13 Sep 2020
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It is set in the middle of countryside, but within a 15//20 minute drive to some sandy beaches and a 20/25 minute drive to lots of attractions, such as Sandringham etc.

The cottage was a perfectly decent size and we liked the fact that the travel cot fitted easily into one of the bedrooms (although it wouldn’t fit into the master). There was a lovely view over the garden at the back from our sliding doors and the children loved playing on the play equipment outside. The swimming pool was very clean and warm. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t use it more because of the timetable system in place, but that was part of the Covid secure system.

The internet is a little iffy, if that’s what you really need, but we could access it most of the time. We were warned beforehand that this would be the case. The information pack provided was outstanding. We’ve never stayed anywhere where so much helpful information is given.

Our children absolutely loved staying in the cottage and were fascinated by the (very loud!) RAF aircraft going over very low on some days. We liked the thoughtful child-friendly extras such as blackout blinds for the windows and bed guards.

The cottage is perhaps a smidge overpriced, but this was not a normal time to visit as some of the facilities were closed or restricted, but it was comfortable, clean and well-located. We would go again.

Guest from St. Albans stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in September 2020


Amazing visit again!

Review submitted on Sun, 23 Aug 2020
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This is our second visit to Cranmer Cottages and it didn’t disappoint again! The cottages are fully equipped for families and the outdoor space is great. A huge attraction to us is the pool and the new socially distanced swim time procedure means each family/group gets the pool to themselves. It’s great to know when each day you can swim so you can plan your day. We didn’t get the times until very close to our visit but now they share the times for each cottage on the website it’s perfect! The cottages are in a great location to explore North Norfolk. They are in excellent condition, really clean and the owners are on site and responsive. We won’t hesitate to return.

Scott from St. Albans stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in August 2020


A brilliantly run family retreat

Review submitted on Mon, 20 Jul 2020
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We have stayed at Cranmer Country Cottages three times and hope to return. On each visit we have been very impressed by the level of care and thought that goes into creating such a lovely place to stay. It is a perfect place to relax with our young children, particularly with the space available on site. We highly recommend it.

Guest from Cambridge stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in July 2020


A great weekend in North Norfolk

Review submitted on Tue, 03 Mar 2020
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was a surprise weekend organised to give a Leapling a proper birthday celebration!
The Eco barn was exceptional and we all had a great time. The lounges were so comfortable and kitchens provided everything needed for a dine in banquet we cooked ourselves. Having the two houses together gave us so much space and also room to have time away from each other when necessary!!
We had two little children in the group aged 2 and 4 and having the swimming pool, games room and outside facilities as well as proximity to Wells beach made their weekend.
We had a great Sunday lunch at the Barsham Arms.
Definitely one of the best places we’ve stayed in and already recommending to our friends


Thomas from London stayed at Woodpecker for 2 nights in February 2020


3rd visit - amazing as always!

Review submitted on Mon, 28 Oct 2019
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A 3rd amazing visit at Cranmer Country Cottages. This time with friends who loved it as much as we did. It’s a formula that just works! The cottages are fantastic - easy to cater for the family and any guests. Children are super happy and safe in the beautiful garden. This year we discovered the brilliant games room - ping pong and pool plus jenga and a play kitchen. Zoe and the owner John are always very welcoming and helpful - we feel so happy to be part of the Cranmer gang! The pool is an incredible added bonus and makes up for the few rainy days we had. There is so much to do we never fit it all in. Favourites include crabbing at Wells Quay, the play park at Holkham Hall and flying kites at Brancaster beach. Thank you for a wonderful visit. We will definitely be back!

Laura from London stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in October 2019


Lovely stay

Review submitted on Tue, 06 Aug 2019
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had a lovely stay at Cranmer Cottages. The setting is gorgeous with a huge shared field with play equipment meaning the children were barely seen but we knew they were safe just out the back of the cottage. The pool is excellent and welcome given we went in an extremely hot week.
Because of the unusually high temperature the cottage did get hot and could do with an awning over the patio doors as we found we had to shut the curtains during the afternoon. Would also be nice to have some comfier outdoor seating for a glass of wine the evening instead of just a picnic bench.

However overall it was a great week and we loved visiting Holkham Hall, Wells beach, Brancaster Beach, Sandringham and Blickling.

Alison from London stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in July 2019


Lynne Johnson replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for leaving your review it sounds as if you got to explore some great local places. It was incredibly hot for a week in the UK. Woodpecker is one of our more compact properties, although it does offer 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Our larger 3 bedroom 5 star properties, Avocet & Garden House and also Swallow all have softer seating and wooden tables and chairs for group dining alfresco. Our smaller sleep 4 four star properties have child friendly robust eco-friendly recycled cafe style picnic benches. We often review our outside furniture offer at the beginning of the season. We can look at patio awnings,though the play area is a lovely large open space bordered by trees and is great for keeping an eye on little ones - the wind can rush across at times. This can be a challenge with some garden furniture and parasols and as we are a self-catering business we do not have staff to manage furling parasols and awnings in high winds. Thank you for your feedback - we take our guest feedback seriously so we'll put our thinking caps on.

S

Review submitted on Sun, 02 Jun 2019
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Our second stay with you and we have already booked a third! For families with young children, you have a winning combination of a great, contained playing field, comfortable accommodation with thoughtful items provided, swimming pool, games room, tennis courts and good location for beaches and other fun sites to visit. Our 8 year old son says 'I give Cranmer a million out of 10'! Great to see all the kids from the cottages playing together on the field.

Sophie from Tunbridge Wells stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in May 2019


Lovely week in Norfolk

Review submitted on Sun, 19 May 2019
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We’ve had a great time. The cottage was exactly what we were expecting. We loved lot having stairs to tackle with 2 young children and the garden going out into the field was great.

Eliazbeth from Wallingford stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in May 2019


Three-day Easter weekend break

Review submitted on Mon, 22 Apr 2019
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We are a family of five - three children aged 17, 13, and 8 years. Owners were incredibly welcoming and helpful in answering all our questions regarding recommendations for local attractions, etc. Made use of almost all the facilities onsite - an immaculately maintained swimming pool, tennis courts, play area, and the washing machines. Did not use the games room - note that the pool table is coin operated and we'd recommend bringing your own table tennis paddles/balls! The accommodation was clean and everything functional, and the location itself scenic and tranquil. All-in-all a lovely break and a recommended retreat.

Amir from Chigwell stayed at Woodpecker for 3 nights in April 2019


Lynne Johnson replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for reviewing our property. I am pleased you had an enjoyable stay. We usually provide table tennis and bats and balls in the games kit available in your cottage -, which are yours for the duration of your stay. I am sorry if this was not available in your cottage this time. We hope to see you again at Cranmer country cottages.

Wonderful half term break!

Review submitted on Fri, 26 Oct 2018
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Second stay here for October half term and it has definitely lived up to expectations! The pool is wonderful and we managed to mostly have it to ourselves. The massive garden with swings and climbing frame are a big hit and our daughter made some new friends out there. The cottage itself has everything we need for a very comfortable week. The kitchen is well stocked for cooking and the living area is very comfy. There is always plenty of hot water for showers and baths. Having the launderette on site is brilliant too. There is SO MUCH to do in the local area! We love Dinosaur Adventure World, the beache at Brancaster Staithe, Holkham Hall (especially the brilliant outdoor play area), the steam train between Walsingham and Wells and Pensthorpe Park. We will DEFINITELY be back! Thank you for another amazing stay!

Laura from London stayed at Woodpecker for 7 nights in October 2018


Great place to stay

Review submitted on Mon, 10 Sep 2018
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Great place to stay loved the pool. Unfortunately our friend had an accident which caused some disruption, the owner was most caring and helpful as were always the staff. Would highly recommend Cranmer Country Cottages.

Guest from Banbury stayed at Woodpecker for 3 nights in September 2018