Kingfishers Cretingham in Suffolk Coastal

We stayed in one of the lodges for a few days and really enjoyed our stay. Very well equipped and comfortable. Beautiful bathroom with roll top bath and separate shower. Hot tub hit the right note after a days sightseeing. Well designed so each lodge has privacy. Didn’t try restaurant and water sports not open yet but we would stay here again. One constructive criticism is there were a lot of insects so flyscreens at door and windows would be good so they can be left open when it’s hot it’s also ideal location for exploring Woodbridge and Framingham. Not too far from Aldeburgh And Sutton Hoo an interesting visit.

My wife and I had a lovely stay at Kingfishers for two nights in one of their lodges. The staff are lovely (Lou at the restaurant and the other female (manager/chef? Not sure of her name - sorry) who was very helpful and attentive throughout. Unfortunately, during our visit the boating late was closed which was disappointing and not clearly communicated before booking. It's so frustrating how good this place could be. It has so much potential. Firstly, the check-in times are far too late. The website states 4pm. However, the email states 5pm. Both I feel are too late considering the early, although more reasonable checkout (10am) - does it really take 7 hours to clean so few cabins? I think a 3pm check-in is far more reasonable and would allow guests to enjoy more of the facilities. I also think it's awful (and a little offensive) to ask guests to empty bins in the property, wash dishes and remove sheets from beds. Considering the price of the lodges and the fact guests pay £50 for cleaning, they shouldn't be expected to empty the bins or strip the beds - really, what are the cleaners doing in their 7 hours between checkout and check-in? There's even a threat of charge if the above is not completed!!!! We wanted to pay extra for a lodge with a jacuzzi. Unfortunately, these could only be booked for a minimum of 3 nights. Due to work, we could not extend our stay this long. It was clear throughout our stay that the lodge we originally wanted was available throughout. It would have been nice if Kingfishers offered a little flexibility here - we were happy to pay more for the additional amenity but could not justify paying for a night we could not use. The underfloor heating in the lodge did not seem to work. We're not sure if this was an issue with the lodge or it had been disabled because of the season. If the latter, then it was far too early to be turned off as the lodge became very cold overnight. Fortunately, electric heaters were available. If Kingfishers resolve their unreasonable booking and checkout conditions, we'll definitely consider returning. It's a little expensive to justify regular visits but as an odd trip it's a nice place to stay, get away and enjoy the countryside. We live only 45min away so if things are improved and the cost is reduced slightly, it could very well be a regular gem for us. Unfortunately, we did get the impression (from the emails and conditions) we should be greatful to be there rather than being treated as valuable guests.

Service was awful as was their communication. The afternoon tea was very disappointing, had far better for the price

We dined here in December. We received a really warm welcome, social distancing was observed. The menu was not huge, which I prefer, but was varied and the food choices had something for everyone. Between us we had the burger and thai fishcakes. Both were superb, absolutely delicious, well cooked and presented. For dessert we had a fruits of the forest cheesecake and a chocolate fudge cake, and again they were superb. Really first class, friendly service. Will definitely return.

We enjoyed 3 blissful nights in lodge 1 for two. The lodges are well spaced apart and with outside areas not overlooked. Lodge 1 has a lovely free standing bath in the room as well as a bathroom with a shower, speakers in the ceiling was great for tv/radio. It didn’t have wifi but hopefully soon.. we tethered to our phones when needed. The lounge area is cosy and kitchen well equiped if not lacking a little lighting - makes it even cosier! My husband got a lovely coffee from the Shack onsite which is 5 mins walk away by the lake. The lake is small but great for kids and the cake looked amazing. We did running offsite and down the lanes, walked to the Crettingham Bell for a lovely meal- take a torch for coming back and took trips to Southwold and Aldeburgh. This really is a taste of the countryside and escapism - loved it.

Stayed for a long weekend in an amazing lodge with a spotless hot tub. Lodge was well equipped and clean. Great stay all round with really helpful staff, especially Jason. Great pizzas on Fridays in the beer garden.Would recommend for a peaceful weekend away in the countryside.

At the beginning of March I booked my Lady Captains Away Day at Kingfishers for a round of golf for approximately 30 ladies followed by a 2 course meal in August. I paid £100 deposit for this event. Unfortunately because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kingfishers were not able to fulfil this booking. They refunded £75 after deducting a £25 admin fee. I have emailed them on a number of occasions relating to this deduction but have had no response from them. I think it is absolutely outrageous that they have deducted £25 from my £100 deposit considering that they could not fulfil my booking and the only admin they had undertaken to date was to put the booking in the diary. They did not even have the courtesy to reply to my emails. If they had refunded the full deposit then I would have re-booked for next year. There was also no mention of an admin fee in the event of a cancellation when I paid the deposit. There is now no way I will be re-booking. Beware anyone else considering booking an event at Kingfishers.

Please be aware when booking here. We have been going to this course for a number of years (12 of us staying in lodges for the weekend playing golf)We had booked for this year when unfortunately COVID-19 hit. We therefore tried to get our deposits back of £25 per man but they refused to refund us, bearing in mind we normally spend approximately £3000 on our weekends all in. Used to be the best weekend of the year for us on our golfing Calender. As I said just be aware when booking as if the virus comes again you won't get your deposits back

Sunday lunch with friends in lovely surroundings. A relax in the bar area with time to choose from the menu. Well laid table in a pleasant spacious room. Superb staff, attentive but not over the top. The food was first class, amazing variety of vegetables and everything cooked to perfection. Relaxing coffee afterwards on comfortable sofas. Good value and will be back

I took my mother in law for afternoon tea here, used a voucher that i bought from a well known deals website. When the food was brought out it didnt look as if there was a lot on the plates, however we did struggle to finish it all so there was more than we thought! Very nice, although not sure i would go again though as the restaurant was empty apart from us, no atmosphere at all, no music playing, no fire and very few Christmas decorations and it was only a day or two before Christmas. The staff were very attentive and friendly though,

The staff could not have done any more, they were fabulous. Cabin had huge comfy bed, massive towels but draughty windows and no complimentary toiletries....expected with that price tag. £160 ! a night! Would not stay again.

What does make this place are the staff. We attended a birthday party and were looked after at the bar, and with the pizzas we were served and the way every one member of staff was helpful and friendly.Breakfast was really good the following morning, such a treat to have it cooked for us.I have to say that I was disappointed with the one bedroom lodge - at £270 [excluding the excellent breakfast]. Being October, we were not able to enjoy the hot tub which I guess made up part of the price. Might I have expected some little touches - yes, at that price. Perhaps some flowers or a little welcome something with goodies from the local area. Some fresh milk in the fridge even! It was all a bit soulless. For some reason the shower upset me - it could do with modernising perhaps. As this is a restaurant review, I have not included my opinion of the lodge in my overall rating above.

Me and my mum went to the kingfishers today after finding out they let you take dogs in to the restaurant, we was greeted with a lovely waitress who took us to the table, the restaurant is lovely clean and modern, very clean toilets, prices was very good for the fresh food you got! The scrambled eggs are to die for! I can’t wait to go back to this place again!!Thank you!

We had heard mixed reviews of the food but we were delighted. We had a warm welcome and were impressed with the surroundings. The food was well presented and cooked to perfection. We would have liked bread with the starters. The service was excellent, not hurried but not too slow. All in all a pleasant experience.

Spent a very pleasant afternoon here for afternoon tea. Lovely sandwiches, delightful scones (not too big) choc brownie, lemon drizzle cake and mini cheesecakes in a jar with copious amounts of tea! Very attentive staff who were friendly and helpful. Also had two drinks from the bar which were very competitively priced. We came here as we had a Groupon Voucher and we will definitely return.

Each plate consisted of food that was made fresh on order, so you feel looked after and healthy! This Club House / Country restaurant has recently been refurbished and all done to exceptional taste. Beautifully rustic and countrified, yet with up-to-date decor. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. Situated in a lovely setting overlooking the golf course. What more could we ask for. I would recommend at least trying a lunch or breakfast there to see if it’s what you like. I guarantee you will go back for more!!

I recently played golf at this club and wanted a light lunch afterwards. I ordered a salad with roasted red pepper, feta and pickled onions, with the addition of chicken. The dish came and was the smallest portion of salad I have ever seen - most garnish on mains would be larger. I literally had a couple of small pieces of red pepper, 2 onions and 3 cubes of feta, with a few leaves of lettuce .Fortunately, I had added the chicken or I would have had only a few mouthfuls. 'All this' for over £8. I was absolutely shocked.My playing partner had a roast beef sandwich which was very fatty, although her skinny fries were good.This was my first visit to the club since being taken over by the new owner. Many changes to the clubhouse have been made, and a beer garden added: the results are quite comfortable and pleasant. The staff were friendly and service was fine.But - this was so overpriced for what I received, I doubt I will go back.

we went here for the fish night of the five course meal which was lovely,the staff were very attentive at all times,very much improved decor.

Very pleasant dining room, lovely views overlooking the golf course. Afternoon tea was served on slate which is not my favourite but scones and cake was fab but sandwiches were slightly dry on one side where they had obviously been left out for a little

A lovely evening of good food and conversation. The staff were attentive and the food well presented and tasty. The bar area and restaurant decor is impressive.

There doesn't seem to be a Trip Advisor page for Kingfishers as a place to stay, so I'm posting here, but not all sections will be relevant as we didn't primarily use Kingfishers as a restaurant... BUT

Excellent Sunday lunch highly recommend and will definitely be back for more. Enough choice on menu for everyone

The staff made sure that she was comfortable, moved her zimmer Fram out of the way, asked if she would prefer a smaller that normal portion. Food was great.

Lovely weekend break, in a beautiful log cabin, so quiet and relaxing especially in the hot tub. A nice bar and restaurant within walking distance. Would highly recommend.

Went for afternoon tea with my mum and her two friends today (11/01/2019) and it was amazing! we have been to many places and this has been one of the best! The location is beautiful with lovely settings. The afternoon tea presentation was explained to us well by the lovely waitress. The sandwiches arrived first with a selection of ham & mustard (which was deliscious), chicken, salmon and egg and they were all tasty! Secondly, the scones arrived which were cheese and fruit with fig jam, butter, clotted cream & strawberry jam! Thirdly the desserts arrived, well what can I say! Lemon drizzle cake, cheesecake (in the cutest Kilner jar) and mile feuille and they were all lovely. The service was brilliant, the food was lovely and the best part about it that all of the food was homemade! We were very lucky to have got a groupon voucher but I would happily pay the £15pp and go again! Thank you again to the chef for my bag of mustard!! We will definitely be back

The food was delicious and the service was fab too. A wide range of sandwiches, scones and cakes/desserts all so tasty.

As locals this was our first visit to Kingfishers and wow what a pleasant surprise.

We stayed in one of the log cabins for the fireworks display they had, working for many years myself in hospitality I can be quite fussy when it comes to staying places but I have to say I could not find one single fault. The cabins are spacious, clean and warm plenty of space for the kids to run around. It was a lovely touch to actually have a high travel cot with a proper mattress instead of the low down uncomfortable ones. The fireworks were fantastic and the whole place had a lovely atmosphere. Plenty of food choice on the night from a hog roast, jacket potatoes & the normal menu available, all looked amazing & tasted amazing you have an excellent team of chefs there! The club house is decorated to a high standard with the lovely fire in the middle to keep you warm. You can tell kingfishers is owned by a family as nothing was to much trouble when it came to the children and I actually felt I could relax rather than constantly telling them to sit down. Every single member of staff went the extra mile to ensure a pleasurable stay! A real gem to find! Thank you all for a fantastic stay & we will definitely be back!! X

5 of us went for afternoon tea here.

We stayed here on 27th October 18 for the weekend had a lovely break until my daughter went to get in the hottub and fell through the decking i called the manager who came over to say yes this decking is in need of doing like the rest.

Spent a lovely few days in one of the gorgeous lodges we really loved it here and had a beautiful meal in the stunning clubhouse flawless

One of the best afternoon teas in lovely comfortable surroundings with with wood burning fire and plush leather sofas. The staff very attentive, food lovely and reapply well presented. We would definitely return!

The new owners have got so much right but I would hesitate to take a group of friends to golf there because the service is so poor in the bar/restaurant. We felt as if we were overburdening bar staff because we wanted drinks before our meal (which was excellent when it came) and after playing golf (the course is pretty and has improved greatly). There are plenty of staff but they mostly look blankly at customers standing at the bar or tell them to wait, even when there are no other customers there.

Had a meal here the other week . Starter of Oysters was ruined by the liberal and overusage of Tabasco -I love tabasco but not administered in such strength. Scallops were average but the Halibut was simply delivered in an outstanding manner-absolutely superb. Then the pudding--s sticky toffee was divine. My partners's sole was on the miniscule side

Amazing afternoon spent here for a Groupon deal tea. Sumptuous leather sofas in front of Woodburner. Prosecco served first as we requested then the four finger sandwiches for four all served on long black slate tray. Next came another tray with cheese scones & chutney & fruit scones with jam & cream. This was followed by lemon drizzle slices, millefuillue squares & small pots of deconstructed cheesecake. All helped down with copias amounts of tea. The whole experience was lovely. Well worth a visit set in beautiful surroundings. Will definitely be going again soon!!

The food at the relaunched restaurant is superb, the menu isn’t too large and there is something for everyone. We had fish and chips (from the specials board), which was fantastic - the fish was beautifully battered and cooked perfectly. Homemade chips actually tasted of potato, and this was accompanied by a serving of buttered peas and samphire, a lovely little touch. Service was great, the staff are all very friendly, helpful and efficient. Pudding was a gorgeous helping of sticky toffee pudding with ice cream - not overly heavy which was perfect. There’s a great beer garden with a children’s play area which is a definite bonus for those with small children as they can happily entertain themselves while the grown ups eat! Overall a very happy afternoon, thank you!

Had read of this new restaurant created by new owners of a very rural golf course, now being developed into a holiday lodge park to supplement the attractive valley golf course.