Wildlife-watching campsites 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.

98% (585)

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.

98% (585)

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. Fire and Feast Suffolk

100%

(34)

11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other

3. Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

26 units · Tents, Glamping · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia

A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold

4. Sunnyside Campsite

1 unit · Glamping · Suffolk, East Anglia

Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk

5. Palace Farm Campsite

99%

(58)

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

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

6. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(143)

20 units · Tents, Glamping · Ely, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral

7. Painters Farm Campsite

99%

(38)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Whitstable, England

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.

8. 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

9. Brightwell Country Park

100%

(14)

1 unit · Glamping · Woodbridge, Suffolk, East Anglia

Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door

10. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bishop's Stortford, England

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!

11. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(20)

39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.

12. 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

13. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.

14. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping

100%

(14)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Finchingfield, England

Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench. Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs. We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms

15. Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%

(6)

5 units · Motorhomes · Diss, England

A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk

16. Ling's Meadow

100%

(25)

10 units · Tents · Suffolk, East Anglia

Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife

17. Birds & Bees Campsite

100%

(20)

21 units · Tents · Saxmundham, England

Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

18. 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

19. 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

20. Berty the yurty

94%

(18)

1 unit · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.

Camper favorites in and near Dedham Vale AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.

Finchingfield Lavender & Camping

100%

(14)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Finchingfield, England

Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench. Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs. We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms

Arthur's Retreat Suffolk

100%

(6)

5 units · Motorhomes · Diss, England

A year-round lakeside site for motorhomes and caravans in Suffolk

Ling's Meadow

100%

(25)

10 units · Tents · Suffolk, East Anglia

Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife

Birds & Bees Campsite

100%

(20)

21 units · Tents · Saxmundham, England

Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

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

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

Berty the yurty

94%

(18)

1 unit · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.

Stories from the community

c

chris

2 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Holistic Woods is exactly that.. the tranquility, no light pollution.. it was amazing, quiet and the first time for as long as I can remember my brain switched off from the noise of life.. can't wait to get back and chill out

J

Julie

November 2025

4 m travel trailer

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Amazing place .and very close to local attractions and nice walks ..very helpful friendly people ..relaxing peaceful ..loads of wildlife ..I’ll be going back would definitely recommend if you like rustic /nature..

M

Martin

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

We had a great time camping here in early November. It was just us, and the surroundings are really nice. You could hear the nearby road at times but otherwise it was everything you’d like from wild camping. We’ll be back.

T

Toyah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

We had such a fun time. Claire (our host) was lovely and made us feel incredibly welcome. We didn't bring anything to sit on (as we had taken public transport) and she was kind enough to lend us some benches for us to use on our patch. She ensured that our wood was kept dry for our campfire and that she was within reach should we need anything. We would definitely return again. Thank you for a lovely evening.

J

John

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Had very chilled 2 nights accept for the wet and windy night and was just me on site, Joe was helpful when arrived, just me and my hammock can’t wait to go back.

Carl

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Just the one solo night at Hatters testing out some new equipment. Beautiful and well maintained campsite with a friendly owner Claire, who left me to myself. Non electric pitch.

L

Lee

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Painters Farm Campsite

Great welcome and although the windiest weekend of the year so far a decent pitch with a little shelter. Two walks over the weekend one directly from camp and the other from the Swale estuary car park, both worth it.

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.

E

Elisa

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

LOVED this stay. If your little one has sensitive ears you may need ear plugs/defenders as the aircrafts are rather loud. But over all, I loved this trip. Maybe need to take your own headlamp/torch as bathroom lamps were temperamental. Staff were amazing, everything well equipped. Would definitely recommend.

B

Ben

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Lakes

The shepherd hut was clean and very comfortable. The location was peaceful and we had some amazing sunsets and rises. The wood fired hot tub was great as was the wood fire BBQ which was super easy to use and made the food taste great. We had a fantastic 2 nights and can’t wait to go back.

A

Aalish

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pigs in Blankets

We loved the site the toilets clean excellent showers. really nice barn for washing up and chilling in. We had our own pitch/space and was lovely and well maintained area. A nice private walk into southwold that was about 20 minutes to the pier. would recommend. When there was a little problem they didn’t hesitate to help and sorted it all out. ☺️ overall wonderful place to stay.

O

Olly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Daisy May’s Farm

Had a lovely, welcoming and friendly, and really enjoyed the farm, getting to hold 2 day old ducks and bottle feed baby goats. We'll be back

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Another fab weekend, thank you all so much! To note the maintenance of the place was even better than my last visit. And yet again I'm looking forward to my next visit 👍

Q

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!

F

Frankie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Great campsite. Lovely site wardens, site and facilities were all very clean and wrll thought out. Friday night pizza was a lovely treat and very tasty. Would deffinetly stay again.

A

Adrian

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Absolutely wonderful campsite. Perfect for hiking the Sandlings Walk. This site is approximately 13 miles from start of walk. My son and I loved the basic nature of site just porta loos and drinking water what more do you need. Very relaxed, peaceful and a wonderful welcome. We camped in woods are were virtually alone. Will be back with family as you can have campfires as well. I would highly recommend this site as it is absolutely what camping should be about. Wish more were like this site.

L

Laurence

September 2025

5 m Class B

4 nights at Painters Farm Campsite

We had a wonderful time, the place is beautiful and quiet, away from roads and houses. Vans, campers and tents are well spaced from each other. Everybody very respectful. Facilities are great: shower and loos are immaculate, fire pits available to rent and wood to buy, pub in walking distance, and even home pizzas nights at the weekend. Location is great too, we will definitely be back!

Paul

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Plenty of space where you’re pretty much left to your own devices. Portaloo in close proximity which was immaculate. You can pick your own pitch either in the wood, the field or next to the lake. We absolutely loved it. A great place to sit round the fire pit, listen to music, sink a beer and reminisce the good times. I found it the perfect place to decompress and forget the outside world! Took paddle boards and a kayak for a day down at Paper Mill Lock and it was perfect. Well worth a visit. £5 for all day parking, tea room and ice cream stall. The place was buzzing!! Tim’s land was the perfect base camp. Bravo Tim!!

M

Maria G

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

I love camping in the woods at the Holistic’s so relaxing, can’t wait to go back 🧡

L

Leila

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Absolutely loved our short but sweet stay here with our toddler + dog! This was the most lo-fi camping we've done with our little one, so we were a little bit apprehensive about how it would go, but we will 100% be coming back as soon as we can! Getting a wilder experience in the knowledge that we had assistance nearby if needed was perfect + seeing my toddler in his absolute element dragging a stick through the woods in his nappy is a memory I'll keep forever! Loveliest, calmest place to wake up + wish we hadn't had to zoom back to London chaos so soon Thanks for a wonderful stay!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Wildlife-watching campsites 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.