Ffolkes hotel in Hillington reveals plans for £2.5m spa

Ffolkes in Hillington, near King's Lynn, will get a major expansion including five hot tubs, three saunas, three steam rooms, various relaxation experiences, treatment rooms and a lounge and bar. 

Guests in 12 of the bedrooms will have direct access to the spa, which is already being dubbed "the largest and best-equipped facility of its kind in Norfolk". 

Iain and Clair Wilson added the venue to their portfolio in 2016 (Image: Matthew Usher)

The work is expected to be complete by late summer 2025 and bosses say it will complement the new spa cabins that contain private hot tub and sauna facilities. 

Iain Wilson, who co-owns Ffolkes alongside a string of other local spots, said he was "thrilled" to be launching the spa and bringing plenty of new jobs to the area. 

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“Having run a successful spa offering at The Pigs in Edgefield since 2017, this investment demonstrates our commitment to providing top-tier spa experiences for our guests, supporting local employment, and servicing a growing demand for wellness experiences, especially in the East Anglia region," he said.  

The spa was given the go-ahead earlier this month despite West Norfolk Council's conservation officer objecting on grounds the development would harm the historic environment. 

One of the hotel rooms at the Ffolkes at Hillington (Image: Denise Bradley/Archant 2022) But a planning officer said the development would offer public benefits which outweighed the "less than substantial, moderate in scale, harm". 

Ffolkes was built more than 300 years ago and was once a part of the nearby Hillington Hall Estate. 

It was purchased by the Ffolkes family in the 18th century when Martin Ffolkes was attorney general to Queen Catherine. 

Iain and Clair Wilson bought the venue in 2016, adding it to their portfolio which includes Byfords and The Pigs at Edgefield.