The best farm stays near Ipswich, Suffolk

Old town charm meets modern culture in this ancient city, but after a day’s urban exploration it’s well worth travelling beyond Ipswich’s bustling centre to experience quintessential British camping. Whether you want to pitch up on a farm in the borough’s suburbs or make your base further afield, you have plenty of options not far from Suffolk’s county town, with highlights including the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, Broads National Park, and Breckland Special Protected Area.

98% (613) • 374 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ipswich

Old town charm meets modern culture in this ancient city, but after a day’s urban exploration it’s well worth travelling beyond Ipswich’s bustling centre to experience quintessential British camping. Whether you want to pitch up on a farm in the borough’s suburbs or make your base further afield, you have plenty of options not far from Suffolk’s county town, with highlights including the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, Broads National Park, and Breckland Special Protected Area.

98% (613) • 374 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ipswich

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(178)

15km from Ipswich · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

64km from Ipswich · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

3. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

130km from Ipswich · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

4. Freshwinds Camping

133km from Ipswich · 15 units · Tents

Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you.

5. Bircham Windmill

97%

(135)

97km from Ipswich · 18 units · Motorhomes, Glamping

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

6. Scallow Campsite Glamping Pods

92%

(13)

142km from Ipswich · 3 units · Glamping

The Glamping site offers three Glamping Pods. Glamping Pod 1 has twin beds while Glamping Pod 2 and 3 have double beds. The Pods are furnished with beds, side tables, table and chairs with hanging space for clothes and coats. The site is level and surrounded by a well managed copse adjoining the road with wild flowers and resplendent with bluebells in the Spring. We are proud to have been awarded Campsite of the Year East Sussex for 2021/22 by CorporateLiveWire Prestige Awards.

7. Hook Farm Campsite

98%

(203)

138km from Ipswich · 18 units · Tents

Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald

8. Snettisham Meadows

96%

(24)

101km from Ipswich · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches. Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs. Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery. After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing. Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.

9. Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

100%

(1)

145km from Ipswich · 1 unit · Glamping

Escape the noise. Reconnect with nature. Our cosy off-grid cabin is set in an open meadow with sweeping countryside views and zero light pollution (perect for stargazing!) Fully off-grid, but with all the comforts: hot shower, king-size bed, full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. - Panoramic views from bed - Dog-friendly with outdoor space to roam - 1km walk to the Six Bells pub (proper pub) - 3km from Gun Tap Room & Brewery - 30 mins to the Beachy Head to Seven Sisters coastal hike

10. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%

(10)

83km from Ipswich · 27 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.

11. Riverside Farm experience camp fire

84%

(25)

91km from Ipswich · 43 units · Tents, Glamping

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.

12. Dogwood Cottage Campsite

81%

(24)

130km from Ipswich · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.

13. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(104)

83km from Ipswich · 41 units · Tents, Glamping

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

14. Plum Camping at White House Farm

96%

(161)

69km from Ipswich · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Family camping with campfires on a fruit orchard near Norwich, with a farm shop, café and butchers

15. Wingbury Farm Glamping

98%

(26)

131km from Ipswich · 3 units · Glamping

Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow

16. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

122km from Ipswich · 18 units · Tents

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

17. Penn Meadow Farm

91%

(233)

135km from Ipswich · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

18. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(143)

71km from Ipswich · 20 units · Tents, Glamping

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

19. Berty the yurty

94%

(18)

86km from Ipswich · 1 unit · Glamping

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.

20. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

133km from Ipswich · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Catarina

December 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

Plain and simple holistic experience no gimmicks or frills. The best I've been to in a while the staff are lovely the surrounding are as nature intended. I will be back for sure

István Ferenc

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Woodland Camp

I really enjoyed like always. Thank you Joe. Beautiful place for solitude.

c

chris

November 2025

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

S

Siubhan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Amazing views over the hills with red kites, gorgeous horses in the next door field and really friendly sheep dogs. Gorgeous shower block which make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel! 200m walk to fantastic pub with great food and fires. Can’t wait to go back

A

Alex

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️

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.

C

Chat

October 2025

2 nights at Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

Went as a solo traveller, the location was quiet enough to feel secluded enough, the cabin was clean warm with modern comforts, nice local pubs and excellent walks would recommend

C

Connor

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Woodland Camp

We really enjoyed our stay! Lovely campsite, we had the woodlands all to ourselves and enjoyed exploring the local footpaths and seeing the animals on the farm. Our dog loved it! The host Jon was very helpful and insightful with the local area. Will definitely be returning in the future!

István Ferenc

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Woodland Camp

I like this place very much so it wasn't the first time and certainly not the last.

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

A

Alan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Really quiet, toilets and showers clean and tidy. Definitely be going back!

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

F

Frankie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Snettisham Meadows

A nice very clean campsite. Showers were nice and warm. Had a lovely campfire and watched the sun go down

István Ferenc

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Perfect place. I loved the small woods. Highly recommend

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best farm stays near Ipswich guide

Where to go

Ipswich Countryside

What Ipswich’s urban landscape lacks in camping opportunities, its scenic surrounds more than make up for. Satellite towns such as Woodbridge, Stowmarket, and Saxmundham offer all manner of camping facilities, including caravan parks, riverside pitches, and luxury glamping, as well as direct train access to the city centre.

Suffolk Coast

Encompassing 50 miles (80 km) of rugged coastline, this Area of Outstanding Beauty is around a half-hour drive or twenty-minute train ride from Ipswich. Holiday parks punctuate the seaside villages, windswept beaches, and wildlife reserves that line the coast, and opportunities for outdoor adventures abound, including surfing, hiking, and biking.

The Brecks

About an hour’s drive north of Ipswich, this expansive wilderness is best known for its coniferous wood, sandy heath, and dry climate—making it a popular spot for wildlife and its watchers, as well as hikers and mountain bikers. The gateway towns of Brandon or Thetford can be reached by train in around 90 minutes.

The Broads

Made up of around 120 miles (200 km) of waterways, this protected network is a great location for campers who like to keep on the move. Simply rent a boat in Norwich, Lowestoft, or Great Yarmouth chuck in your gear, and set off on your adventure, taking advantage of riverside campsites and pub gardens along the way.

When to go

Spring and summer are particularly busy times of year across Suffolk, so if you’re keen to beat the crowds consider an autumn or winter visit, when you’ll be rewarded with atmospheric skies, bird migrations, and cosy pub lunches.

Know before you go

Public transport is relatively easy to navigate, but if you’re on a time limit it’s worth bringing or renting a vehicle.
Wild swimming is a popular activity in the region, so if you’re up for a dip make sure to prepare and take all precautions.
Holiday parks can book up quickly, so make your plans well in advance.
Gear, including bikes and canoes, can often be rented at sites.