Nature lovers find their perfect escape at The River Bann Retreat, where hiking trails begin at the doorstep and evenings end around a crackling firepit.
Travelers find a rural haven at The River Bann Retreat with abundant outdoor activities. Hikers and cyclists explore nearby trails, while water enthusiasts enjoy rowing and canoeing. After active days, guests gather around the firepit or soak tired muscles in the spa tub.
Located in Ballymena, The River Bann Retreat is in the suburbs. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sperrins and Antrim Coast and Glens, while Seamus Heaney HomePlace and ECOS Environmental Centre are cultural highlights. Seven Towers Leisure Centre and Greenvale Leisure Centre are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and horse riding. Visit our Ballymena travel guide
Take advantage of a terrace, a firepit and a garden at The River Bann Retreat. Active travellers can enjoy cycling, rowing/canoeing and fishing at this lodge. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the hot tub. Free WiFi in public areas and a playground are available to all guests.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
Free self-parking
Bike hire, express check-out and express check-in
Luggage storage, smoke-free property and bike tour information
Room features
All guest rooms are individually furnished, and have comforts, such as private outdoor hot tubs and private plunge pools, as well as perks, such as fireplaces and heated floors.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
Jetted bath, rainfall showers and designer toiletries
44-inch Smart TVs with cable channels
Private fenced gardens, wardrobes/cupboards and heated floors
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Hardwood flooring in room
No lift
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-width doorways
More
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Designer toiletries
Dressing gowns
Jetted bathtub
Rainfall showerhead
Separate bathtub and shower
Slippers
Towels provided
Entertainment
44-inch smart TV with cable channels
Private plunge pool
Food and drink
Champagne service
Cleaning supplies
Dining table
Electric kettle
Freezer
Restaurant dining guides
Separate dining area
Tea bags/instant coffee
Toaster
More
Access via exterior corridors
Connecting rooms available
Desk
Desk chair
Fireplace
Heated floor
Heating (climate-controlled)
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Laptop workspace
Mobile key entry
Office
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed rooms
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Access code, private entrance
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
Optional extras
Firewood fee: GBP 10 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Property is also known as
The River Bann Retreat Lodge
The River Bann Retreat Ballymena
The River Bann Retreat Lodge Ballymena
Frequently asked questions
Is The River Bann Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The River Bann Retreat?
As of 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The River Bann Retreat on 8 Mar 2026 start from ฿7,499, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The River Bann Retreat?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The River Bann Retreat?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The River Bann Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The River Bann Retreat located?
Situated in the suburbs, this luxury lodge is within 6 miles (10 km) of Heaney Brewery, Seamus Heaney HomePlace and Ahoghill Park. Tober Park and Gracehill Village Old School Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Reviews
The River Bann Retreat Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
We were only there for 1 day but it was so relaxing for the 4 of us in our group, we feel rested and recharged, ready for the week ahead.
I had emailed a request to the owners the day before we were due to arrive, the owners reply was prompt and they accomadated our request as much as possible. Thank you for a great stay.
Simon
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
6/10 Okay
David
22 Feb 2024
Modern and clean and set in a beautiful location. The lodges are well presented but small. Sleeps 6 but only one two seater sofa so the only option is to sit at the dining table or lay on the bed which is not ideal.
Kitchen area is poor. Never seen accommodation like this with no oven, we bought food to cook and had to bin it.
David
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
8/10 Good
Steven
1 Dec 2025
Accomodation great but but it comes up short on privacy.
We had a lovely couple of nights here. I was travelling with a toddler and wanted somewhere she could play outside safely. Plus the hot tub was a massive bonus and we both enjoyed a bit of relaxation time in there. The lodge was clean and comfy and had everything we could want. We will be staying here again next time we come over.
Great wee getaway for a couple however do not arrive an hour or 2 early thinking you can check in because you can’t. Do arrive to whatever check in time is. Not much privacy around as people are looking in. Shame the wall is front-facing opposite the hottub looking out towards the beautiful scenery as there was a lovely sunset as you would expect every night at summer term.
From the start, we had a bad experience with River Bann Retreat. The communication was very poor- I had to chase them to respond to emails and you can’t reach them on the phone. Our main complaint is that Lodge 1 is advertised as a 2 bedroom lodge. It in fact has only 1 bedroom, with a bed and a sofa bed in the living room /kitchen area. Our guests had to go home because it wasn’t as described. The kitchen area is not well equipped. Very defensive staff when our issue was raised about the misrepresentation of the rooms. Do not recommend.
Nice to look at, and really modern compared to some others. However, had to wait over 11 days to get a reply from the owners regarding the booking after trying 3 different methods of contact. Phone calls and emails were never returned. Place was generally clean but the cutlery provided was filthy and there were some dead insects stuck to the roller blind at the patio doors to the rear. Also think it’s mad that the rules aren’t listed on the website or in the booking information for both the pod and hot tub - especially the 11pm cut off time. The necessity to shower is understandable for hygiene between hot tub usage, but the time constraints paired with the fact that every passer-by riverside has a clear view of you, as the only prevention is a stapled pair of curtains to one side, makes the price so unjustifiable. Again, lovely pod but could be so much better for the price.
Room was lovely had what you need.
It was quite cold but the weather was appalling therefore no fault of the room but I did get up at 3am and have to override the thermostat to put the radiator on. I would suggest thicker better quality towels for a 5 star rating but overall. Friendly helpful staff and spotless. Would come again and recommend to friends.