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Firs Retreat, Balderton

Nottinghamshire » Balderton
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Firs Retreat is a superb detached lodge in Nottinghamshire that sleeps groups of up to twelve people. This property sits in peaceful countryside near Newark-on-Trent and comes with a private hot tub perfect for group relaxation. The lodge features off-road parking for two vehicles and modern facilities throughout.

The location offers easy access to the Vale of Belvoir and surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside. You'll find open fields and quiet lanes ideal for walking and cycling.

The accommodation provides well-appointed sleeping spaces for twelve guests. There are modern facilities throughout. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge space with patio doors leading to the outdoor hot tub.

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About Firs Retreat

Firs Retreat is a superb detached lodge in Nottinghamshire that sleeps groups of up to twelve people. This property sits in peaceful countryside near Newark-on-Trent and comes with a private hot tub perfect for group relaxation. The lodge features off-road parking for two vehicles and modern facilities throughout.

The location offers easy access to the Vale of Belvoir and surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside. You'll find open fields and quiet lanes ideal for walking and cycling.

The accommodation provides well-appointed sleeping spaces for twelve guests. There are modern facilities throughout. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge space with patio doors leading to the outdoor hot tub. The kitchen includes everything needed for group catering.

Newark Castle stands 6 miles away (15 minutes). Sherwood Forest lies 18 miles north (25 minutes). Lincoln Cathedral reaches 20 miles (30 minutes). Belvoir Castle sits 12 miles south (20 minutes).

Firs Retreat works brilliantly for families or friend groups wanting countryside peace with modern comfort. The hot tub adds real appeal for special occasions.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Firs Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Balderton, Nottinghamshire

Weather & Local Conditions

16Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 13 Oct 2026, 3:10am

🌑️
16.00Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
18 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
91%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Firs Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

20m

(66 feet above sea level)

Firs Retreat sits in a peaceful Nottinghamshire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
20m
Elevation
πŸ“
Balderton
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Balderton are typical Nottinghamshire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 53.0654140Β° N | Longitude: 0.775177Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Balderton (Tuesday, 13 October 2026):

6:24am

Sunrise

4:14pm

Golden Hour

5:14pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
6:24am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
5:14pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
4:14pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (4:14pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Balderton, you have approximately 10.83 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Firs Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Nottinghamshire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 13 Oct 2026 | Location: 53.0654140, -0.7751770

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Firs Retreat

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to unwind together after days exploring Nottinghamshire's countryside and local attractions.

Peaceful Rural Location

Set in quiet countryside near Newark-on-Trent, the lodge offers groups a proper escape from busy life with open views all around.

Modern Open-Plan Living

The spacious living area brings everyone together with kitchen, dining and lounge combined, making group meals and evenings really sociable and relaxed.

Easy Parking for Groups

Off-road parking for two cars means no hassle when arriving with multiple vehicles, perfect for families travelling separately or friend groups.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

The full kitchen setup makes self-catering straightforward for groups, with all appliances and space needed to prepare meals for six people comfortably.

Great Base for Exploring

Perfectly positioned for visiting Newark Castle, Sherwood Forest, Lincoln and Belvoir Castle, all within easy driving distance for day trips together.

Getting To Firs Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Firs Retreat by car, follow the A1 to Newark-on-Trent and take the A46 towards Lincoln. Turn onto local roads following signs for Bassingham. The lodge sits in countryside with convenient off-road parking for two vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Newark North Gate, approximately 7 miles away. From there, a taxi takes around 15 minutes to reach the lodge through Nottinghamshire countryside.

Off-road parking for two cars
Newark North Gate station (7 miles)
Easily accessible from the A1 and A46

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Newark Castle
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 1BG
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
Distance: 18 miles
NG21 9HN
Belvoir Castle
Distance: 12 miles
NG32 1PE
Bassingham Circular Walk
Distance: 2 miles
NG24 3NE
Doddington Hall Gardens
Distance: 8 miles
LN6 4RU
Whisby Nature Park
Distance: 10 miles
LN6 9BW
Newark Market Place
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 1DU
Tesco Superstore Newark
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 2DB
Lincoln High Street
Distance: 20 miles
LN2 1JF
Newark North Gate Railway Station
Distance: 7 miles
NG24 1DU
Lincoln Bus Station
Distance: 20 miles
LN2 1QZ
East Midlands Airport
Distance: 35 miles
DE74 2SA
Newark Castle
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 1BG
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
Distance: 18 miles
NG21 9HN
Belvoir Castle
Distance: 12 miles
NG32 1PE
Bassingham Circular Walk
Distance: 2 miles
NG24 3NE
Doddington Hall Gardens
Distance: 8 miles
LN6 4RU
Whisby Nature Park
Distance: 10 miles
LN6 9BW
Newark Market Place
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 1DU
Tesco Superstore Newark
Distance: 6 miles
NG24 2DB
Lincoln High Street
Distance: 20 miles
LN2 1JF
Newark North Gate Railway Station
Distance: 7 miles
NG24 1DU
Lincoln Bus Station
Distance: 20 miles
LN2 1QZ
East Midlands Airport
Distance: 35 miles
DE74 2SA

Is Firs Retreat Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will enjoy the outdoor space around the lodge with room to play safely. The hot tub provides supervised fun for older kids. Newark Castle offers interactive history just 15 minutes away. Sherwood Forest has adventure playgrounds and Robin Hood trails 25 minutes north. The open-plan layout lets parents keep children in view whilst cooking or relaxing.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub stands out as the star feature for groups at Firs Retreat. Located on the outdoor patio with countryside views, it seats up to six people comfortably. Access comes directly through patio doors from the living area. Perfect for evening relaxation after exploring Nottinghamshire's attractions, the hot tub creates memorable group moments whatever the weather.
Pet Friendly
Firs Retreat does not accept pets. The property operates a no-pets policy to maintain high standards for all guests and those with allergies. If you're travelling with dogs, you'll need to arrange alternative accommodation nearby. Many other lodges in Nottinghamshire welcome pets, so it's worth checking local options if bringing animals is essential for your group break.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Firs Retreat

The Brownlow Arms

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LN5 0QY

The Wig and Mitre

Located 20 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LN2 1JD

The Final Whistle

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: NG24 1DY

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Firs Retreat

How many people does Firs Retreat sleep?
The lodge sleeps six guests across three bedrooms. There are double and twin room configurations with one family bathroom and one en-suite shower room.
Is Firs Retreat pet friendly?
No, pets are not permitted at this property. The lodge operates a strict no-pets policy to maintain standards for all guests.
What facilities does the hot tub have?
The private outdoor hot tub is available exclusively for your group's use throughout your stay. It's located on the patio area accessed directly from the living space.
How far is Firs Retreat from Newark-on-Trent?
Newark-on-Trent sits approximately 6 miles away, taking around 15 minutes by car. The town offers shops, restaurants and the historic Newark Castle.
What parking is available at the property?
The lodge provides off-road parking spaces for two vehicles. Additional parking may be available on request but should be confirmed before arrival.
Is the accommodation suitable for elderly guests?
The lodge is single-storey with level access throughout, making it suitable for guests with limited mobility. All bedrooms and bathrooms are on the ground floor.
What kitchen equipment is provided?
The kitchen includes an oven, hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and all standard cooking equipment. There's ample space for preparing group meals and dining together.
Which attractions are best for groups nearby?
Sherwood Forest offers excellent walking trails for all abilities 18 miles away. Newark Castle and Belvoir Castle provide fascinating historical visits, both under 30 minutes' drive from the lodge.

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