Camping in Dedham Vale AONB

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Deep in the Stour Valley, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses forests, farmland, villages, and waterways, making it a Great British favourite among ramblers, riders, boaters, and anglers alike. Nicknamed Constable Country for its links to Romantic artist John Constable, the region boasts a vast network of footpaths and cycleways, which reveal striking seasonal landscapes to outdoor adventurers at any time of year. Touring parks, riverside pitches, and no-frills field sites are the camping mainstays of the region.

96% (966) 3,277 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Dedham Vale AONB

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(234)
Woodbridge, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
07733We are a wild campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Riverside Farm experience camp fire

2. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

87%
(31)
England · 83 units · Tents, Glamping
NEW we have 2 brand new toilet blocks with multiple toilets , showers , basins . NEW we have 2 full kitchens for you to use with fridge freezers , gas hobs , electric , and everything needed for your stay we have many different options including bring your own tent , belltent yurts cabins . please enquire for info farm riverside camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. NEW Goldings sandy mini beach , next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . We have many activities at the farm including woodland activities , cooking campfire with our unique forest school . Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, bottle feed our piglets walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
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Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

3. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

96%
(121)
Canterbury, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
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1 events @ the candlesticks

4. 1 events @ the candlesticks

100%
(1)
Hatfield, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, the campsite at The Candlestick offers a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland walks, and open skies. Located beside the historic Candlestick country pub on the outskirts of Essendon, guests can enjoy the perfect combination of countryside camping and traditional pub hospitality. The pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food service, garden, and popularity with walkers and cyclists. Whether you're travelling by tent, campervan, motorhome, or touring caravan, this tranquil setting provides an ideal base for exploring the Hertfordshire countryside while remaining within easy reach of London and local attractions. Guests can relax with a meal or drink at the pub after a day of walking or cycling through the surrounding rural landscape. The elevated location offers attractive countryside views and a genuine escape from the pace of everyday life. Highlights Peaceful countryside location in Essendon, Hertfordshire Adjacent to a traditional country pub serving food and drinks Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers Suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and touring caravans Dog-friendly environment Convenient access to local footpaths and village amenities Easy access to Hatfield, St Albans, and London transport links Whether you're stopping for a single night or planning a longer countryside getaway, The Candlestick campsite offers a relaxed and welcoming setting to unwind and enjoy the best of rural Hertfordshire. **dog friendly**
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Bridge Woods

5. Bridge Woods

100%
(9)
England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet. Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer. There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed. The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

6. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

93%
(45)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
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Freedom Farm Camping

7. Freedom Farm Camping

98%
(25)
Newmarket, England · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield. We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability. Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood. We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Rosehip Woods Campsite

8. Rosehip Woods Campsite

100%
(10)
England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
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Campfires
Potable water
Secluded Woodland Camp

9. Secluded Woodland Camp

97%
(16)
Ware, England · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

10. Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping

88%
(13)
Beccles, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
Situated in NR34 Suffolk , 15 Minute drive to beaches and market towns . *6 large camping pitches *8 Birth caravan - Gas central heating - Bedding included *Indoor & outdoor eating area's *2 communal fire pits and seating *Woodland walk *Wildflower meadows *Shower and toilet Room Welcome Barn with -washing station - microwave - Fridge - Toaster - Kettle - charging point - Drinking water-Honesty Shop.
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Potable water
Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

11. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%
(149)
Ely, England · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral
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Showers
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

12. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

97%
(169)
Norfolk, England · 69 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Painters Farm Campsite

13. Painters Farm Campsite

99%
(45)
Whitstable, England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Daisy May’s Farm

14. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(180)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
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Barn Owl Camping

15. Barn Owl Camping

97%
(18)
Suffolk, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

16. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
Darsham, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Pigs in Blankets

17. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(72)
Southwold, England · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Lions Row

18. Lions Row

100%
(3)
Woodbridge, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive (or a 35 walk) from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market. You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic. As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings. The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive). If you would like to book multiple pitches for a big group, do get in touch directly if easier. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Showers
Walberswick Camping

19. Walberswick Camping

Southwold, England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Opening 10 July 2026 - 7 September 2026 Launched in 2026, Walberswick Camping is found in one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages, just 50 yards from one of the UK’s best beaches. Neatly tucked between the River Blythe, sand dunes and the sea, the site offers a splendid mix of beach life and countryside charm… It’s just two hours’ drive from London, 20 minutes from Southwold, and 15 minutes from Aldeburgh. You can also access the pitches across the Blythe via the traditional Southwold ferry. Set nicely away from the coastal crowds for family holidays, the site has all that you need close by. It’s less than five minutes’ walk from a couple of pubs – one Michelin-starred and serving some of the best food in Suffolk – a deli selling freshly baked bread, pastries and fair-trade coffee, and a playground to keep younger kids happy. Behind the village is Dunwich Forest, one of the largest wooded areas in the UK, handy for long walks and spotting deer under the peaceful tree canopy. Kids can try crab fishing in the creeks, and you can all go exploring your coastal surroundings or simply relax and admire the sea views from your pitch. As night falls, swap campfire stories – local folklore dictates that a mythical Black Dog haunts these parts… a tale that’s been whispered for generations.
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Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

20. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%
(6)
Diss, England · 5 units
A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets

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Dedham Vale AONB camping guide

Where to go

Dedham

The village that gives the valley its name, Dedham is a popular destination for outdoor adventurers right on the River Stour. From here, several walking and cycling routes take adventurers deep into Constable Country, via landmarks such as the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Castle House, Fern Bridge, and Flatford Mill. Private farmland provides plenty of camping options, while Ardleigh to the south boasts its own caravan site.

Nayland & Wissington

These two villages in the west of Dedham Vale AONB remain off the region’s beaten track, despite their riverside locations and Norman landmarks. Strolling along the Stour’s banks and wildlife-watching from the water are both popular pastimes here, with canoe rental available at area campsites.

Bures & Sudbury

These well-connected towns just west of Dedham Vale offer easy access to both Essex and Suffolk, as well as the Area of Natural Beauty itself, and can be reached in just over an hour from London Liverpool Street. Bikers can explore the rolling cyclepath that connects the two rural towns, while walkers can wander the area’s reserves, woodland, and water meadows. Camping options include wild-style experiences or caravanning at one of the region’s touring parks.

Cattawade, Manningtree & the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

The spot where the River Stour splits is a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its striking views, nature reserves, and waterside campsites. Plus, just a stone’s throw away is the beginning of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, which stretches up the coastline all the way to Lowestoft. Coastal caravan parks and campgrounds make it easy to tick both AONBs off in one tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Strolling along the Stour’s banks and wildlife-watching from the water are both popular pastimes in Dedham Vale AONB. Canoe rental is available at area campsites for those interested in exploring the water. You can also explore different options for camping near Dedham Vale AONB on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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