Campsite Recommendations

We bought a camper van just before lockdown, which was not the best timing. It meant that plans were quite rightly cancelled but when restrictions were lifted we made plans to go away as much as possible. I actually started this post last year when we were allowed to go away and now we can again it seemed a good time to revisit it.

We wanted locations we could go to that didn’t require taking any leave from work so close enough for after Friday and to return Sunday. I actually took to Instagram to ask for recommendations from people on my stories and the places that came up over and over again was North Essex, Suffolk and in particular Norfolk.

Here are some of the places we have visited so far and what we thought:

Haw Wood Farm, Saxmundham, Suffolk

Our friends had been here previously and so this was a return visit for them and first for us. We were taking the bikes so this trip didn’t see the dog come with us.

Value for money – the premium pitch is £29 per night. Each premium pitch is on pea shingle with its own 16 amp electric hook up, drinking water tap, place to dispose of grey (dirty) water. There is also ample space to park your car if you are in a caravan or similar.
Cleanliness – The site was immaculate including all facilities, could not fault it.
Helpfulness – On arrival we were met by a member of staff on a bike who checked us in and then showed us to our pitch. He returned shortly after we set up to make sure everything was ok. Everyone we met who worked on site was extremely helpful.
Facilities – There is a cafe, small shop, facilities to clean and wash up items, laundry, disabled and family bathrooms, separate male and female toilets with super spacious individual shower cubicles. Dogs are welcome also if kept on leads. There is a playground for kids too and information on the website of things to do on site and locally. It also has a quiet policy after 10pm so was very peaceful too. I also loved the little herb garden on site – very cute!
Add ons – we paid an additional £10 for fire wood and on arrival the staff came round to deliver the logs in a bag with kindling and also a log burner. They clear up after also as it is less mess. There were lots of changes made ahead of our visit in line with government guidance for Coronavirus and these were emailed in advance and clearly marked signs throughout the site.
Thoughts – will definitely go back to this site and would highly recommend to others.

Kings Forest Caravan Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

This was our first trip in the van with the dog and we were specifically looking for somewhere that was close to a wooded area for walking. This site is just metres from Kings Forest and so was perfect location wise.

Value for money – we booked via Pitch Up, which is a website where you can search for a certain area, type of camping, local walks etc to make booking easy. We paid £2.75 to secure the booking and then £12.25 on arrival for a one night stay. This was for a non-electric/water pitch (as we have a solar panel an electric pitch is not a necessity for us). Water was available at different points around the campsite.
Cleanliness – Everything was kept very clean and each shower block had cloths and spray disinfectant for use too.
Helpfulness – On arrival there was no reception but we found a member of staff who checked us in, took the balance due, providing all information we needed and explained where everything on site was and the surrounding area also. Very helpful although we didn’t see anyone else for the duration of the stay aside from once but were provided with phone numbers should we need anything.
Facilities – The site has toilets and showers – no wash basins in the toilets so you do need to use the toilet and then go into the shower facilities to wash hands and I would suggest small basins in the toilets better. The showers are separate male and female with 3 showers in each and also and additional 4 unisex showers. Area to wash up pots and pans, poo point to dispose of grey water and toilet waste from caravans etc, posh pooch warm wash for dogs if they’ve got dirty on walks (loved this)! Dogs are welcome also if kept on leads. This is an adult only site. The site is on Wideham Farm which is an equestrian facility so lots of horses in paddocks next to the campsite. It also has a quiet policy after 10pm so was very peaceful too and is adults only.
Thoughts – we actually ended up going back to this site the weekend after also with some friends and are booked up again for end of September too so would definitely recommend to others. We were in the furthest field and they had an additional water tap there for use. Initially I would have suggested bins elsewhere on the site and not just at the entrance though appreciate with local councils recycling one area is easier to manage but on our second visit this was actually in place.

Stroud Hill Park, Pidley, Cambridgeshire

This was another one where we had friends visit and was recommended to us.

Value for money – another one booked via Pitch Up and we had a serviced pitch, which can be either hard standing or grass with its own 16 amp electric hook up, drinking water tap, place to dispose of grey water it is £28 per night. There is also ample space to park your car if you are in a caravan or similar.
Cleanliness – extremely well kept site and toilets/showers are closed daily from 11am to 1pm for cleaning.
Helpfulness – staff were extremely helpful including on arrival, in the restaurant and on site. We went on a particularly hot weekend and the bar staff sold us a huge bag of ice as our dog was struggling in the heat despite being in the shade and with a cooling vest on. They were also extremely flexible with regards to the restaurant menu as we didn’t want a roast on the Sunday because of the heat.
Facilities – There is a restaurant and bar, facilities to clean and wash up items, laundry, toilets and showers, tennis courts with rackets for hire and private fishing lake. Dogs are welcome also if well behaved and kept on leads. This is another adult only site.
Add ons – there is a tennis court you can use for £4 and if you have a licence you can fish in the lakes for £5 for a day ticket.
Thoughts – No fire pits allowed on this site, which was a shame but really not the end of the world, but BBQ’s are. The toilets/showers being closed for cleaning daily from 11am to 1pm can be quite long if you are in a van/tent without toilet facilities! I was pleased we were not pitched closer to the bar as it was noisier of an evening but not noticeable from the corner where we were pitched. We were on a corner which had a cut through walkway from the adjoining field but it was not an issue.

New Lodge Farm, Bulwick, Northants

This was our first trip post lockdown number 3 and we were recommended this site by friends who had been previously.

Value for money – we booked via the campsite website. We paid £62 for a two night stay. This was for a fully serviced pitch. You are not given an allocated pitch so you can choose your spot on arrival and there is the choice of both grass and hard standing pitches.
Cleanliness – Everything was very clean and with signs on the toilets to let you know when cleaning was taking place, which was at several times per day.
Helpfulness – On arrival you use an intercom to contact a staff member who comes out to greet you and explain about the site. As we visited before full restrictions were lifted they clearly explained what restrictions were still in place.
Facilities – The site has toilets and showers although when we visited the showers were not open although I would say the bathroom area was very warm! The weather was not the best so when a little cold and wet the warmth was nice! When the toilets/showers are being cleaned there are further toilets that are available to use. Separate room for laundry and to wash up pots and pans – washing up liquid and sponges are provided and you are asked to use these as the farm is eco friendly. Dogs are welcome also if kept on leads. This is an adult only site. The site also has a farm shop that has lots of local produce and enough items that you could easily visit with nothing and be able to get all you need, a cafe, outside marquee with seating and is close to lots of gorgeous surroundings for walking and cycling.
Add ons – you can hire a fire pit for £2.50 per night and £10 for 10kg of smokeless eco logs for burning, which you can get in a trolley so it is easy to take to and from your pitch. You can also pre book your meal on a Friday night if you are there during your stay.
Thoughts – we will definitely be visiting again and will take our bikes next time also – perfect for road, gravel and mountain biking.

If you have any suggestions to try let me know!

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