Bell tents in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Nature flourishes amid the marshes and fenlands of the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, home to more than 9,000 wetland species. Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve.

91% (390)

Top-rated campgrounds

Nature flourishes amid the marshes and fenlands of the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, home to more than 9,000 wetland species. Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve.

91% (390)

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. 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.

3. 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

4. Goldings farm yurt with activities

1 unit · Glamping · CA

yurt belltent with double bed and additional beds within the picturesque grade 1 listed country estate and farm . Farm experience with farmer morag . feed pet our friendly donkeys , mini baby goats , piglets sheep etc. Collect eggs form our hens , zipwire woodland area , hammocks swings on 600 year old oak tree. sand play area , swim paddle ,boats , paddle boards etc on our crystal clear chalk stream. craft activities in hols .Full communal outdoor kitchen with everything needed for you to cook, electric point , gas hobs , fridge freezer , cookware , washing facilities , cooker, tea coffee kettles , . includes bbqs , firepits , covered seating areas table chairs . bedding , unique interior design , proper double bed, extra beds lighting , Wonderful 60 acre farm to explore with unique animals freely roaming .Just bring your pjs, food , charcoal , firewood . This is a real working farm and extraordinary country estate minutes from the historic Hertford town centre. 40 mins to central london , close to hertfordshire zoo , harry potter attraction , and many other facilities.

5. Camping with a festival spirit

92%

(38)

32 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bedfordshire, England

A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe

6. Rural Relaxing

93%

(14)

22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

Family-friendly camping and glamping on the edge of Medbourne – a charming Leicestershire village with a pub, tea rooms and post office

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. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Rutland, East Midlands

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

9. The Hide At Manton Bay

100%

(3)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · England

A unique hideaway surrounded by trees, apple orchards and vineyard. Sit out on your own private deck and enjoy truly magnificent views over Rutland Water. Spend your evenings star gazing, grilling on the BBQ or visiting one of our fabulous local pubs. Each of our Lotus Belle tents has it’s own private garden with fire-pit, hammock and swing chair. Serene festoon lighting creates a magical feel. Spend the colder evenings sipping cocktails in our wood-fired hot tubs when staying in one of our stunning Shepherd Huts.

10. Hillside Farm Camping

100%

(9)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Weston, England

Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border

11. 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

12. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

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.

13. Springfield Farm Campsite

100%

(1)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Gedney Hill, England

A family-friendly site with farm animals in the Lincolnshire Fens

14. 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

15. 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

16. Ashcroft Glamping

100%

(4)

4 units · Glamping · Hindolveston, England

A small bell tent site in a Norfolk meadow, just 25 minutes from the coast

17. 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

18. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

19. Get Lost In Nature glamping

100%

(15)

5 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

Family-friendly farm glamping, with luxury bell tents in a glorious natural woodland setting

20. 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.

Camper favorites in and near Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Springfield Farm Campsite

100%

(1)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Gedney Hill, England

A family-friendly site with farm animals in the Lincolnshire Fens

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

Ashcroft Glamping

100%

(4)

4 units · Glamping · Hindolveston, England

A small bell tent site in a Norfolk meadow, just 25 minutes from the coast

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

Glamping at Bressingham Gardens

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens

Get Lost In Nature glamping

100%

(15)

5 units · Tents, Glamping · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

Family-friendly farm glamping, with luxury bell tents in a glorious natural woodland setting

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.

Stories from the community

A

Alexa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Get Lost In Nature glamping

My three year old and I had an amazing time, such great facilities, incredibly comfortable, and absolutely dreamy setting. We are planning our return :) thank you so much Sara and Julian!

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

Lucie

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Get Lost In Nature glamping

Lovely, clean, modern facilities. Very well thought out and great for kids. We loved the hammock and the rope swing.

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 Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Summer is peak season at Wicken Fen, and the boardwalks can get crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays. Some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities are in springtime, while increased rainfall through autumn and winter makes the wild landscapes appear even more dramatic. The reserve is open year-round, but boat tours and bike rentals are only available from Easter through October.

Know before you go

Wicken Fen is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.
There’s no public transport to the park, but trains run to Ely, a 20-minute taxi ride away.
The reserve has restrooms, a café, and a visitor centre. Bike rental is available, but advance booking is recommended.
There is an entrance fee to visit the reserve, as well as a parking fee.
The boardwalks are accessible for wheelchairs, but advance booking is recommended as access can be tricky at busy times.