Discover wildlife-rich reserves, navigable waterways, and rolling Brecklands around Norfolk’s county town.
From castles to nature reserves, Norfolk’s county town offers something for every Hipcamper. Adventurers on a time limit can bunk down in town to tick off Norwich’s top sights while also getting a glimpse of the region’s wetland landscape, while boaters, bikers, and hikers can take their time to explore England’s rural east, with the Norfolk Broads, Brecks, and coast all within an hour’s drive of the city. Camping and glamping options abound, from sail-in riverside retreats to no-frills working farms, and families are widely catered for in holiday parks across the area.
There’s no need to travel far outside of Norwich to find quality campsites. Several glamping, camping, and caravan sites stand within walking distance of the town centre, so it’s easy to tick off city sightseeing along with more rural romps. To the east, Whitlingham Country Park leads into several wetland nature reserves, popular among birdwatchers and walkers.
Arguably Norfolk’s premier outdoor attraction, the Broads National Park links Norwich to the coastline through an extensive network of navigable waterways. Luxury retreats, no-frills field sites, and family-friendly campgrounds line the riverbanks, providing plenty of overnight options for boaters, kayakers, bikers, and hikers.
Head a short way inland to discover the unusual mix of heathland, woodland, and balmy microclimate unique to the Brecks. Working farms, touring parks, and back-to-basics campgrounds provide a convenient base to explore the region’s nature-rich trails and rivers, which are ideal for a spot of wild swimming.
On the edge of the Fens, the Wash estuary is a must-see for wildlife watchers, with its salt marshes and mudflats housing all manner of flora and fauna. Follow the coastline east into the Norfolk Coast AONB and discover quintessential English seaside, with holiday parks, glampsites, and wild-style coastal camps letting adventurers bed down beneath the dark Norfolk sky.
Norfolk is especially busy during the summer season, so if you’re keen to beat the crowds, consider timing your visit between September and April, when less foliage means better views of the region’s wildlife and you’re almost certain to secure a seat for a cosy pub lunch. Be aware that some camping sites close for winter.