Shepherd's huts near Ely, Cambridgeshire

Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

95% (179)

Top-rated campgrounds

Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

95% (179)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Walltree House Camping

98%

(29)

111km from Ely · 34 units · Tents, Glamping · Northamptonshire, East Midlands

Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach

2. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%

(58)

146km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping · Berkshire, South East England

A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.

3. Hendred Farm Huts

99%

(37)

144km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

122km from Ely · 2 units · Glamping · England

Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do

5. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%

(14)

76km from Ely · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Sheringham, England

🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.

6. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%

(66)

94km from Ely · 12 units · Tents, Glamping · Beeby, England

Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside

7. Barn Owl Camping

97%

(18)

45km from Ely · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Suffolk, England

Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

8. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(104)

133km from Ely · 41 units · Tents, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

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

9. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

73km from Ely · 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

10. Huckleberry Farm

81%

(16)

123km from Ely · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds

11. Luxury Shepherds Hut with Hot Tub

100%

(1)

120km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping · England

A bespoke premium Shepherds Hut nestled in the beautiful countryside on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border. Featuring sweeping views, luxury furnishings, a large en suite and an enclosed garden with undercover hot tub. This hut has everything that you need for a comfortable and memorable stay! The space The hut has sweeping countryside views and is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing break! Inside there is a king sized hybrid mattress bed, seating area with a fold up table for meal times or relaxing, a fully equipped kitchen with all utensils & crockery, integrated fridge with small freezer, heating with Nest controlled thermostat, induction hob, sink and draining tray. There is also a large en-suite with a rainfall shower. Luxury toiletries are provided along with towels and themed bed linen. You will also have 1 extra towel per person for use with the hot tub. Jars of tea, coffee and sugar are available in the kitchen along with a couple of milk sachets. The garden is fully enclosed with a gravel and lawned area, table & seating, large firepit/BBQ and a parasol for those sunnier days! The fire pit is set up with racks, pans and all the equipment needed to cook with! The large hot tub with lights and jets is just to the side of the seating area. The hot tub is fully undercover, making it safe to use in all weathers! There is also enough space for undercover seating. There is a manual provided in the hut which features local attractions and there is a private landscaped parking area located just at the back of the hut. There is lots to do nearby and something for every and those a little further afield, local supermarkets, cafes, pubs and restaurants. The site is also located on the Leicestershire Round walking route with at least 5 off road walks commencing within 400 yards of the site. Check in information, along with directions to the site are messaged 48 hours prior to arrival. Guest access Secure off road parking, waste bin, outdoor tap and hose, recycling bins, enclosed garden, hot tub and seating area, large fire pit and shepherds hut with en-suite. Other things to note Tip- it can get quite dark at night, therefore it is advisable to bring a torch. A full set of towels is provided, including a hot tub towel. Luxury toiletries, toilet roll, tea, coffee, sugar and milk are also provided to welcome you.

12. Bircham Windmill

97%

(135)

55km from Ely · 18 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, England

Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery

13. Featherbed

100%

(3)

107km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Adults-only glamping with private facilities on a Northamptonshire farm

14. Hickling Campsite

99%

(118)

92km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach

15. Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

100%

(30)

73km from Ely · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lincolnshire, East Midlands

Camping and glamping in the Lincolnshire Fenland with campfires, alpacas and a positive vibe

16. Bain View Glamping

97%

(18)

89km from Ely · 4 units · Tents, Glamping · Horncastle, Lincolnshire, East Midlands

A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.

17. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

57km from Ely · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England

🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.

18. The Big Green Shepherds Hut

100%

(3)

145km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside

19. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%

(20)

144km from Ely · 8 units · Tents, Glamping · Goudhurst, Kent, South East England

Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.

20. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

39km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

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

Camper favorites near Ely

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Featherbed

100%

(3)

107km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Adults-only glamping with private facilities on a Northamptonshire farm

Hickling Campsite

99%

(118)

92km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach

Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

100%

(30)

73km from Ely · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lincolnshire, East Midlands

Camping and glamping in the Lincolnshire Fenland with campfires, alpacas and a positive vibe

Bain View Glamping

97%

(18)

89km from Ely · 4 units · Tents, Glamping · Horncastle, Lincolnshire, East Midlands

A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.

Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

57km from Ely · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England

🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.

The Big Green Shepherds Hut

100%

(3)

145km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside

Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%

(20)

144km from Ely · 8 units · Tents, Glamping · Goudhurst, Kent, South East England

Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.

Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

39km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

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

Stories from the community

K

Kimberley

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Hendred Farm Huts

I had a lovely stay, Despite visiting in October, the Shepard’s hut kept me nice and warm. The hut was as pictured and described. There were lots of lovely nearby walks. The Shepard’s hut was very accommodating for the dogs too who enjoyed their stay and use of the field. Thank you.

R

Rachel

October 2025

2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm

We had the most wonderful stay at this little countryside getaway! From the moment we arrived, Jane was absolutely incredible - so kind, welcoming, and full of helpful information about the lodge and surrounding area. She’d thought of everything, leaving clear instructions for how everything worked, which made our stay effortless and relaxing. The thoughtful touches really made it special - from the freshly baked bread to the delicious shortbread cookies, everything felt homely and made with love. The setting itself was pure peace and quiet, surrounded by nothing but cows, trees, and the soft sounds of nature. It was the perfect place to switch off, breathe deeply, and just enjoy the calm of the countryside. We honestly didn’t want to leave - a hidden gem that we’d return to in a heartbeat!

E

Eren

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm

My girlfriend and I had a lovely stay at Little Fleece to celebrate her birthday. The hot tub was lovely and we made some great pizzas using the pizza oven. Jane and Dave were brilliant hosts - it was lovey to meet you both! The homemade bread and biscuits were a lovely touch. Thank you!

F

Fatima

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm

Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!

A

Anne

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hendred Farm Huts

Lovely break . The little touches made it very special from the tea coffee and milk to a birthday gift for my husband. Very thoughtful

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.

T

Tim

September 2025

1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm

What a beautiful spot. Lovely little cabin. Everything worked as expected. Hot tub was AMAZING! Pizza oven worked a treat. Loads of wood supplied. Jane and Dave were so kind and accommodating. Just wish we had more time there!

A

Amber

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hendred Farm Huts

Had the most lovely stay, would definitely recommend. The cabin was well thought out, cozy and beautiful. Thank you ❤️

Set in beautiful surroundings it was easy to feel a great sense of peace here.

J

Joanna

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Hendred Farm Huts

This was our second stay and this time we stayed in Agatha. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and everything was perfect. Hendred huts really offer a peaceful relaxing break away from everything!

L

Louise

August 2025

1 night at Bircham Windmill

Spotlessly clean, the showers and facilities were as good as at home, the extra added thoughtfulness of clean bath mats tea towels washing up liquid and lots of toilet paper and hand towel and soap. My shepherds hut was delightful, and yet again everything I needed with the welcoming cream tea, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, spotlessly clean as everywhere was. The windmill, the bakery, the café, my grandchildren loved the animals and the play area. There is absolutely not a thing I can think of that was not perfect. Oh I forgot to mention the games room. Thank you

L

Lydia

August 2025

2 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

This was a wonderful place - a really idyllic setting and superb shepherd’s hut. Super cosy with its own secluded area and kitchen with everything you need. The orchard is beautiful, Natasha and Nick have done amazing job in making this a really special place. One of our favourite ever UK stays!

I

Imogen

August 2025

1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm

The shepherds hut was amazing, Jane’s attention detail was fantastic, she had baked bread and shortbread. The hut is in amazing condition and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Highly recommend!

P

Penelope

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

My partner and I had the most amazing one night stay here (wish we had longer) at Plum Farm, surrounded by nature and wonderful peace and quiet. We had a lovely welcome from Natasha and Tim who are super attentive lovely people. We enjoyed using the firepit to cook our dinner on, we brought most of our own utensils but its all there for you to use if needed. Was great to have running water and the gas hob to use too - Love an outdoors kitchen! Also loved the home grown, hand picked flowers that were there for us too., we were also very lucky to be given a bottle of Apple juice from the apples grown on the Orchard, definitely recommend buying a bottle if there's any available. The shepherds hut was cosy and accommodating, was great to have the black out blinds which was a pleasant surprise, had a great night sleep. I would love to come back next year. Thank you both for having us :)

M

August 2025

2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm

My partner and I had an incredible stay at Little Fleece. It had everything we needed, set in such a peaceful and relaxing environment 🙌🏽

B

Beth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm

Amazing stay, a great lil escape out of London. Such a relaxing space, has everything you need and also such wonderful hosts!

M

Masarat

August 2025

3 nights at Hendred Farm Huts

I recently stayed at Dorothy and it was everything I didn’t know I needed. From the moment I arrived, I felt wrapped in peace; the kind that quiets the mind and nourishes the soul. The setting is serene, tucked away from the buzz of everyday life, and offers a rare kind of stillness that invites you to truly breathe. The hut itself is beautifully designed; cosy, clean, and full of thoughtful touches that make you feel instantly at home. Waking up to birdsong, sipping tea with views of open fields, and falling asleep under a sky full of stars, it was a gentle reset for my mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're looking to reflect, recharge, or simply disconnect from the noise, Dorothy is the perfect retreat. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply grateful. I wholeheartedly recommend this stay to anyone craving tranquillity, simplicity, and a touch of countryside magic. You won’t regret it. :-)

I

Iain

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at Hendred Farm Huts

Loved it again the peace and quiet was what we wanted and it did not disappoint again we will be back again this year or the next definitely if you want a holiday to just unwind then Hendred fm huts is the place thank you again Ali.

S

Simon

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

Fenton was a lovely shepherds hut. Fantastic location and surrounded by beautiful nature. Hosts were fantastic, great to have breakfast, coffees and pizzas within 2 mins walk. Loved it.

L

Lucy

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

We only stayed at Plum Camping for 1 night, but it was such a wonderful place that it felt like we were there a week! Natasha & Nick were fabulous people who made us feel at home the minute we got there. Nothing was too much bother, and we loved being in our shepherds hut amongst the fruit trees and carefully considered garden. It was peaceful and private whilst feeling like there is a small community of people doing a good thing down there. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who feels like they need a break from the rat race for a night or two. Our shepherds hut was perfectly cosy & in proportion with a super comfy double bed & futon with windows opening on all side so you can wake up in nature. There was a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with your own washing facilities and stove but we ended up walking to the pub for dinner as we didn’t have the energy for that! Natasha helped us out when we got lost on a walk and provided maps & WhatsApp directions which were helpful to city folk like us! We left with a bag full of plums and a happy heart!

Ellis

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We had an amazing stay at the Dandelion! Amazing quiet field with beautiful sounds of nature, great facilities, plenty to do. Alexandra’s Fleets paddock is brilliant and would highly recommend. The outdoor hot showers, clean toilets, taps made it such an easy stay. Thank you!!!

Dog-friendly getaways

North Farm

88%

(4)

80km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping · North Walsham, Norfolk, East Anglia

North Farm is situated in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, between the villages of Skeyton, Oxnead and Burgh. . Guests can spot all sorts of wildlife during the day and stargaze at night, with no streetlights to spoil the view. Being centrally located in Norfolk means that Norwich, the famous Norfolk broads and the Norfolk coast are all a short car ride away.

Blooms Westerby Farm

95%

(11)

25km from Ely · 5 units · Glamping · Outwell, England

Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens

Belvoir Holidays

88%

(17)

92km from Ely · 13 units · Glamping · Leicestershire, East Midlands

Luxury bell tent glamping in the grounds of Netflix's most famous castle

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's huts near Ely guide

Where to go

River Great Ouse

The UK’s fifth-longest river flows right by Ely and is the city’s go-to outdoor playground. For boaters, the draw is the Ely marina and a waterway navigable from Bedford all the way to the coast at King’s Lynn in Norfolk. Walkers, meanwhile, relish long-distance paths like the Ouse Valley Way: via the Great Ouse and the River Cam’s riverbanks you can walk or cycle off-road to Cambridge. Look out for riverside camping in wildflower meadows a few miles northeast of Ely.

Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest (together with The King’s Forest to its south) spills over the flat heathland of North Suffolk and South Norfolk, 18 miles east of Ely. Here are well-maintained hiking and biking routes, including the Icknield Way, supposedly Britain’s oldest road. There are also prehistoric sites like Grime’s Graves flint mine (in the forest’s north). Thetford Forest’s northern edge, above Ickborough, contains two good campsites.

The Kings Forest

Divided from Thetford Forest only by a brief break of farmland, the King’s Forest is another arboreal wonderland. The long-distance Icknield Way trail passes through, while a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village sits by West Stow Country Park in the south. Check out the trio of excellent camping possibilities toward the forest’s south, which is bounded by the delightful River Lark.

River Lark

The River Lark meanders to Isleham from its confluence with the Great River Ouse before continuing upstream to Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Navigable for about 10 miles until Jude’s Ferry between Isleham’s marina and Mildenhall, the waterway sees plenty of pleasure boaters. Footpaths flank the river as far as Mildenhall, and there are several waterside campsites nearby.

When to go

Ely can be explored any time of year, but the busiest time for camping is during the July and August school summer holidays, when parking can be hard to come by, especially at hotspots like Thetford Forest. Average monthly temperatures max out at 23°C at this time. One of Britain’s leading folk music extravaganzas, Ely Folk Festival, marks July as an especially lively time to visit.