Bell tents in Dedham Vale AONB

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.

92% (366)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

92% (366)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(177)

47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Woodbridge, England

We 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

2. Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

3. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%

(10)

27 units · Tents, Glamping · Ware, England

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.

4. Firs Glamping

5 units · Glamping · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia

Our small site of 5 spacious bell tents is the perfect spot for a romantic couples retreat, or a relaxed family holiday in this unspoilt village, just 4 miles from the coastal town of Southwold. Nestled between the stunning nature spots of Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and the Norfolk Broads, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside. Just throw open the doors of your bell tent to enjoy a beautiful view of the rolling fields, right from the comfort of your luxurious double bed and goose down duvet.

5. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(104)

41 units · Tents, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

6. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

7. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%

(25)

43 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Wild farm 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 mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area . 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, 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.

8. Hillside Farm Camping

100%

(9)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Weston, England

Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border

9. Constable Park

100%

(20)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options

10. The Orchard at Fen End Farm

96%

(13)

7 units · Glamping · Cambridge, England

No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge

11. Driftways Glamping and Camping

100%

(12)

14 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Camping and glamping in a spacious meadow on a South Norfolk smallholding

12. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%

(45)

5 units · Glamping · Norfolk, England

Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park

13. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent

Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury

14. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

15. Readers Field Glamping

100%

(2)

4 units · Glamping · England

This is unlike a traditional campsite. With just four well-spaced bell tents spread across our field, you'll enjoy a real sense of space, peace, and privacy. Each tent is thoughtfully furnished with a double bed, soft bedding, towels, and two extra airbeds, giving you comfort and space to unwind. You'll also have your own gas cooker and fire-pit/BBQ, so you can cook and relax outdoors at your own pace. Looking for a beautiful countryside escape with friends or family? Readers Field is available for exclusive hire, giving you full private access to all four bell tents and the entire site. It’s ideal for small gatherings, family getaways, or simply switching off in nature—with no one else around. Just one hour from London, 30 minutes from Cambridge and only 25 minutes from Stansted Airport, Readers Field Glamping offers a relaxed, off-grid break in the heart of the north Essex countryside. Set in a spacious six-acre field in the village of Great Sampford, our small, independent site is all about slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor living. To make your stay as effortless as possible, we provide a cool box with two ice packs, a gas cooker, a water carrier with a tap, cutlery, picnic-style crockery, chopping boards, knives, bottle opener, pots/pans, kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, and even marshmallows to roast under the starlit sky. The fire pit doubles as a BBQ. You'll have access to our cosy cabin, which includes a hot shower, flushable toilet, small fridge/freezer and a place to charge your phone. The cabin also has a selection of board games for you to enjoy during those relaxed evenings. With long views, big skies, and a slower pace of life, it's the perfect chance to unplug and reconnect with nature. A short stroll across the field leads to a friendly local pub serving delicious food. The area is perfect for cycling, with quiet country roads and beautiful countryside ideal for exploring on foot. Our family has lived here for 40 years and created Readers Field Glamping as a place to share what we love most: campfires, starry nights, fresh air, and a slower way of living. Whether you're here for a short break or an exclusive group stay, we’d love to welcome you.

16. Chapter Farm Glamping

100%

(21)

4 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Family-friendly, bell-tent camping in a quiet countryside setting, close to the beach at Whitstable

17. Oak Lodge Glamping

100%

(76)

18 units · Glamping · Northwold, England

10 acres of blissful bell tent and gypsy caravan glamping near Thetford Forest in Norfolk

18. Willow Grove Farm Glamping

100%

(12)

13 units · Glamping · Lakenheath, England

Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.

19. Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

20. The Flower Belle

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Imagine having your very own private baby Lavender field on your doorstep? Well now you can with our beautiful stargazer glamping accommodation 'The Flower Belle' with wood fired hot tub. Situated on Benton End Flower farm in historic Hadleigh, The Flower Belle is a cross between a traditional belle tent and yurt, giving you the space you deserve. The interior is beautiful and most importantly comfortable with a pretty double bed, beautiful linens, soft furnishings, wood burning stove, dressing table and clothes rail. Outside are comfy seating areas, full size BBQ and tools, fire pit for your marshmallows, and a tantalising full size wood fired hot tub to soak away the evening sun! The pretty solar lights light up the outside areas at night and there is also the clean and private eco loo just behind the accommodation. Along with a lovingly converted pony trailer you step up into a full size kitchen with sink and mixer tap, double gas hob and small fridge perfect for your morning coffee and breakfasts. At the rear of the pony box is a full size hot shower too! private and yours to use during your stay. As The Flower Belle is situated on its very own field with baby lavender, you'll probably love flowers, which is good because we are an actual cut flower farm and in late August/September, the field in front of the lavender field is jam packed with dahlias and sunflowers! Whilst you are here, why not join in one of our floral workshops? Whether its a romantic break for two or two besties getting a well deserved trip away, you'll love The Flower Belle's relaxed atmosphere. Situated in the town of historic Hadleigh, Suffolk, where there is endless things to do and see. Just 1.5 hours from London, 30 mins to the beach. 5 mins to a luxury spa, restaurants, pubs and independent shops galore. We are very proud to be CERTIFIED by The Greener camping club. A compulsory membership of £12 is included in your booking rate. Important: (As part of your booking you must pay a Greener Camping Club (GCC) annual membership fee of £12 per pitch which is included in your booking cost. If your booking consists of more than one pitch please add another GCC membership as an extra to avoid a separate charge.)

Camper favorites in and near Dedham Vale AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Canterbury Lodges and Glamping

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent

Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury

Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

Readers Field Glamping

100%

(2)

4 units · Glamping · England

This is unlike a traditional campsite. With just four well-spaced bell tents spread across our field, you'll enjoy a real sense of space, peace, and privacy. Each tent is thoughtfully furnished with a double bed, soft bedding, towels, and two extra airbeds, giving you comfort and space to unwind. You'll also have your own gas cooker and fire-pit/BBQ, so you can cook and relax outdoors at your own pace. Looking for a beautiful countryside escape with friends or family? Readers Field is available for exclusive hire, giving you full private access to all four bell tents and the entire site. It’s ideal for small gatherings, family getaways, or simply switching off in nature—with no one else around. Just one hour from London, 30 minutes from Cambridge and only 25 minutes from Stansted Airport, Readers Field Glamping offers a relaxed, off-grid break in the heart of the north Essex countryside. Set in a spacious six-acre field in the village of Great Sampford, our small, independent site is all about slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor living. To make your stay as effortless as possible, we provide a cool box with two ice packs, a gas cooker, a water carrier with a tap, cutlery, picnic-style crockery, chopping boards, knives, bottle opener, pots/pans, kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, and even marshmallows to roast under the starlit sky. The fire pit doubles as a BBQ. You'll have access to our cosy cabin, which includes a hot shower, flushable toilet, small fridge/freezer and a place to charge your phone. The cabin also has a selection of board games for you to enjoy during those relaxed evenings. With long views, big skies, and a slower pace of life, it's the perfect chance to unplug and reconnect with nature. A short stroll across the field leads to a friendly local pub serving delicious food. The area is perfect for cycling, with quiet country roads and beautiful countryside ideal for exploring on foot. Our family has lived here for 40 years and created Readers Field Glamping as a place to share what we love most: campfires, starry nights, fresh air, and a slower way of living. Whether you're here for a short break or an exclusive group stay, we’d love to welcome you.

Chapter Farm Glamping

100%

(21)

4 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Family-friendly, bell-tent camping in a quiet countryside setting, close to the beach at Whitstable

Oak Lodge Glamping

100%

(76)

18 units · Glamping · Northwold, England

10 acres of blissful bell tent and gypsy caravan glamping near Thetford Forest in Norfolk

Willow Grove Farm Glamping

100%

(12)

13 units · Glamping · Lakenheath, England

Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.

Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

The Flower Belle

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Imagine having your very own private baby Lavender field on your doorstep? Well now you can with our beautiful stargazer glamping accommodation 'The Flower Belle' with wood fired hot tub. Situated on Benton End Flower farm in historic Hadleigh, The Flower Belle is a cross between a traditional belle tent and yurt, giving you the space you deserve. The interior is beautiful and most importantly comfortable with a pretty double bed, beautiful linens, soft furnishings, wood burning stove, dressing table and clothes rail. Outside are comfy seating areas, full size BBQ and tools, fire pit for your marshmallows, and a tantalising full size wood fired hot tub to soak away the evening sun! The pretty solar lights light up the outside areas at night and there is also the clean and private eco loo just behind the accommodation. Along with a lovingly converted pony trailer you step up into a full size kitchen with sink and mixer tap, double gas hob and small fridge perfect for your morning coffee and breakfasts. At the rear of the pony box is a full size hot shower too! private and yours to use during your stay. As The Flower Belle is situated on its very own field with baby lavender, you'll probably love flowers, which is good because we are an actual cut flower farm and in late August/September, the field in front of the lavender field is jam packed with dahlias and sunflowers! Whilst you are here, why not join in one of our floral workshops? Whether its a romantic break for two or two besties getting a well deserved trip away, you'll love The Flower Belle's relaxed atmosphere. Situated in the town of historic Hadleigh, Suffolk, where there is endless things to do and see. Just 1.5 hours from London, 30 mins to the beach. 5 mins to a luxury spa, restaurants, pubs and independent shops galore. We are very proud to be CERTIFIED by The Greener camping club. A compulsory membership of £12 is included in your booking rate. Important: (As part of your booking you must pay a Greener Camping Club (GCC) annual membership fee of £12 per pitch which is included in your booking cost. If your booking consists of more than one pitch please add another GCC membership as an extra to avoid a separate charge.)

Stories from the community

D

DONGHYUN

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

it was great place! great glamping! host is great!

S

Sunghwan

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

My family really enjoyed one night glamping at this lovely site. It is very quiet and cozy place. Best for family fun and rest.

N

Nicolas

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Orchard at Fen End Farm

We can only recommend this sweet little camp site in the middle of the orchard. We stayed in a bell tent for the weekend with our 7 year old son. The tent is cosy with a lovely wood burner. There is a communal hut kitchen with all ustensiles and board games! We enjoyed all the fire-pit and the honesty box to buy wood logs etc.

J

Jason

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

My experience at fleet paddock was everything I had hoped for and more all the facilities were clean and well kept , I shared the family bell tent with friends and it had everything we needed for a memorable evening, the campsite was pretty busy but still maintained a peaceful family vibe, I would highly recommend this camping site to anyone wanting to escape the chaos of city life and connect with nature. For me the highlight was the clear sky's at night which revealed the most stars I have ever seen it was amazing 👏 🤩

S

Simon

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Flower Belle

Everything about our experience was great! Jo is extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful and has created a relaxing retreat with superb facilities, location and views. The Yurt is spacious, comfortable and stocked with everything you need to relax, The horse Box that has been converted into a shower and kitchen is top notch and well stocked! The outdoor area with hot hub is bliss and we made full use of the BBQ as well. Overall a fantastic experience and we will return.

Claire

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Flower Belle

We had a lovely stay. It was a beautiful spot and the hosts had provided many thoughtful touches. The hot tub was great. A very relaxing retreat - thank you!

C

Cleo

September 2025

With kids

5 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We loved your place, it's fantastic. All the little details make it extra special. Clean, great location, swings, a tree house, bats and balls, a kitchen and lounge area, a great view of rabbits in the field from the warm shower. Quite magical. Would definitely come again.

The well-equipped Wild Flower Orchard Bell Tent.

R

Rosemary

August 2025

With kids

4 nights at Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

My grandchildren and I have stayed at Brakehill Lodge Farm twice. It has proved to be our happy place. Peaceful, and just remote enough to escape the madding crowd. Clare is a considerate host. She loves her home and all the nature it encompasses. Try it...you will love ir too.😀

R

Richard

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Constable Park

Fantastic glamping site by the river plus kayak / paddle board hire, great facilities, friendly staff & a lovely coffee shop

S

Shila

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

We loved camping in the bell tents. The views were amazing. We loved that the sheep and donkey roam around the campsite area. The kids activities were a lovely touch and my son enjoyed taking the goat for a walk. We will be back some day!

S

Sam

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Second trip of the summer and didn’t disappoint. Stayed in bell tent this time (hut last time) and it was clean and comfortable and facilities good. Location very close to Whitstable and Canterbury. Would definitely recommend.

A

Aurimas

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We had a wonderful stay at campsite. The bed was very comfortable-we slept like at home.Evrythink was clean and well maintained,you can really tell the place is taken care of.The host was super friendly and checked into make sure we hade evrything we needed. We're really happy we found this place. Definitely planing to come back next summer-or even earlier if it weather nice. Highly recommended.

Whitley

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We enjoyed our stay at this campsite. Glamping Bell tent 2 was amazing; everything you need is available. Our boys loved the space to run around and play. Toilets weer spotless, hot showers. I recommend staking Here!

t

tyler

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Readers Field Glamping

What a lovely place with lovely hosts! Hosts/owners were so welcoming and accommodating, couldn’t help more if they tried. Beautiful site, bathroom and tents were both immaculate. Shower was hot and powerful, there is a flush toilet and an eco toilet (the eco toilet we were pleasantly surprised by, try it out!) We came as 9 so hired two tents, both tents were beautiful, so clean inside and out, weather proof (it rained in the morning!) and the fairy lights around them looked lovely at night. The beds were very comfortable and we fell asleep in no time. We spent our evening having a bbq, playing games and letting the children run wild! (Until 10pm!) firepit was great and toasted marshmallows and enjoyed a hot chocolate. So many lovely little touches to this place and they really have gone out their way to think and provide you with everything you may need/want. For some of the group this was the first experience of glamping and it was throughly enjoyed by all. Highly recommend this site, we will be returning! Thank you very much Stephen and Lisa! :)

t

tyler

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Readers Field Glamping

We hired two bell tents for our family of 9 and throughly enjoyed our night here. Immaculately clean, in the tents, bathrooms and site. They have thought of every extra little detail and provide you with everything and more you could need! Shower was hot (and powerful) they provide a flush toilet and also an eco toilet (after thinking it would be just a hole in the ground we were pleasantly surprised it looked like an actual toilet!!) we spent our evening having a BBQ, playing games, letting the children run wild and toasting marshmallows on the fire pit. The hosts were so lovely and couldn’t be more helpful if they tried. Highly recommended this site, this was some of the groups first time glamping and was very much enjoyed by all, we will definitely be returning. Thanks very much Stephen and Lisa :)

D

Daniel

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Oak Lodge Glamping

Peaceful site with nice trees and a lovely sunset. Animal hour was great.

Colin

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

A perfect short break with really friendly, host, other campers and well cared for animals to pet. Kids loved messy about on the river and the classic camp fire.

I

Issy

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Beautiful place lovely people someone came round and asked if we needed any help and the facilities there were beyond my expectations!

E

Elin

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Lovely glamp/campsite with great amenities and close to Canterbury. We had a great time and our bell tent came with bed and bedding, lights, crockery, camp stove and kettle. Small kitchen on site with a shared fridge. Hot showers, fresh toilets. Tastefully done. Rustic but cute and fully functional. Would highly recommend. Loved the fact you can order logs, kindling, matches etc direct with your booking. We’ll be back.

I

India

May 2025

2 nights at The Orchard at Fen End Farm

Me and my partner loved spending a couple of nights at Fen End Farm. Our bell tent was lovely, toilets and showers were clean, kitchen space was well equipped and the farm and orchard were beautiful. Vicky and Amy were kind and helpful and the camp had a very peaceful atmosphere. Efficient self service logs and kindling and easy to buy local produce such as lollies made from apple juice from the orchard. Try the Fen End cider it’s delicious!!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents in Dedham Vale AONB 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.