Swattesfield Campsite
UK England East Anglia Suffolk Stowmarket
Deep in the wilds of north Suffolk, keen camper Jonathan set up this seven-acre campsite with his dad in 2011. It’s a simple site exuding a very cool vibe, with two grassy fields – one for camping, the other for glamping – separated by a small lake. There is some adjoining woodland to explore, and the position is perfect for bucolic strolls across the 12 miles or so of well-marked paths and bridleways of nearby Thornham Walks, and for exploring the historic Walled Gardens on the estate, which has recently been restored and is open on weekends. For food and drink, the Four Horseshoes pub (said to be the oldest pub in Suffolk!), Forge Café and Coach House restaurant are within walking distance, although it’s a great place to do nothing and get into nature. You can pitch your tent in the bottom field or the woodland beyond, or take up residence in a boutique bell tent (large enough for 5) or a well-equipped pixie hut (for 2) with its own outside decking and cooking area. Plus there’s a converted hay cart that's large enough for two adults and two children. There are men’s and women’s shower and toilets with plenty of hot water, a communal fridge, freezer and food prep area with double sinks – plus they have some ingeniously suspended firepits for cooking, and some of Jonathan’s mates recently built him a fabulous outdoor pizza oven out of recycled materials. Overall, it’s a site with a lovely chilled-out atmosphere situated in a very special location.
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Details
Facilities
Campfires are allowed in the designated fire pits provided and can be hired onsite. There is a homemade Eco pizza oven for use by all. Logs and Kindling can be bought onsite for the pizza oven and firepits. You can bring your own but all logs have to be dried kilned. No electric hook-ups for pitches but we do have plug sockets for charging phones and electric vehicles. A clean toilet/shower block, with 4 separate showers, 6 sinks and 6 toilets, hairdryers, USB ports and UV hand dryers. A small campsite shop onsite sells camping equipment and can re-freeze ice packs for you. A large, outside double sink unit for pot washing. Gislingham village shop is a 15-minute walk away. Thornham walks runs from our campsite, leading to our local Roscoes deli, the Forge Cafe, playground x2, den building area, walled garden, the local fishing lake and a selection of pubs; The four horseshoes, The Whitehorse, Bull Auberge, The Rail way Tavern and neighbouring villages. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leads at all times on our site. Drinking water taps and fire stations throughout the site. Recycling is requested onsite and bins provided in the main car park. cars must remain in the car park at all times other than sleeping vehicles, disability, or dropping off and picking up luggage/camping equipment on arrival and departure. No vehicles allowed past the main field for safety reasons. Easy access to main roads to visit local and countyside attractions, whether that is wild swimming, parks and our local beaches or Pleasurewood Hills theme park, Dinosaur Park, Bewilderwood, Museum of East Anglian Life or Bressingham Steam museum and Gardens etc. There is something for everyone!
Suitable For
Tents, campervans, small caravans and motor homes, dogs, kids – yes. Noisy groups – no. The site is also available for whole-site hire so please enquire by email for information and pricing.
Nearby
Food & Drink
The Thornham Estate’s Forge Tea Room (01379 788566) and Roscoe's Deli (01379 783373) are a 20-minute walk away and serve lunch and dinner. Or try the Four Horseshoes pub (01379 678777) at the other end of Thornham Magna, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is about a 30-minute walk.
Open
Open Easter–end of October.
Family Friendly
Bring bikes or good walking shoes to wear the kids out or head to the playground on the local village green. Then enjoy the wildlife and the peace and quiet of this smallsville rural campsite run by a father and son team.
Pricing
Pixie Huts from £185, Boutique Bell Tents from £160, Hay Cart from £185. Tent pitch from £12, and Campervans from £17 per night.
The Owner Says
Social Distancing Measures
Site terms must be signed on arrival. Theses may change throughout the season. Facilities block; main doors will be kept open at all times, 2m markers, sanitiser gel used on entry to the toilet/shower block & wash hands before leaving the facilities. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult. Communal facilities will be cleaned daily. The reception will be open to book people in & buy essentials once a day. You are responsible for your party & ensure all adhere to the policy. Distancing measure will apply as current law. The communal kitchen area will remain CLOSED until June 21st or as permitted. We have the right to refuse access if you have any symptoms of COVID, & we have the right to ask you & your party to leave, without a refund, if you do not adhere to our policy. Do not arrive at the campsite if you or anyone in your booking have any symptoms or you have been asked to isolate!
Accommodation
Around 20 unmarked camping pitches, 5 bell tents (sleeping 4/5), 2 pixie huts (sleeping 2 adults and 2 children) and a converted Suffolk hay cart (sleeping 2 adults and 2 children).
The Chestnut Bell Tent
The Kestrel Pixie Hut
Suffolk Hay Cart
Ash the Woodland Bell Tent
Location
Contact Website Swattesfield Campsite, Gislingham Rd, Thornham Magna, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8HH
Getting There
The market town of Eye is only 5 minutes away and all this with an easy train ride from London Liverpool Street and only an hour from Cambridge, 30 minutes from Norwich and 55 minutes from Southwold and Aldeburgh.
The nearest station is Diss (6 miles away) which is on the direct mainline from London Liverpool Street and often stops at Manningtree, Colchester, Stowmarket, Diss and Norwich. It's only an hour and a half from London and there are usually cabs waiting at the station (although we would advise to book in advance) or you can put your bike on the train and cycle.
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