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Barn Owl Camping

100%
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· Suffolk, England
5 acres hosted by Laura P.
2 glamping pitches · 2 motorhome pitches · 6 tent pitches
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Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

Barn Owl Camping offers off-grid pitches and stripped-back glamping in the Suffolk countryside. It’s a simple site that spreads campers and glampers across five acres of wildlife-rich meadows. Butterflies, badgers, and deer can all be seen here—as well as the barn owls the place is named for. It’s a peaceful site that’s surrounded by farmers' fields and the right choice for anyone who likes getting back to basics on their camping holidays. You can swing in a hammock shaded by trees, you can walk across fields to the village pub, and you can cook your dinner on the campfire while waiting for the stars to come out.

You certainly won’t experience much light pollution out here (which also means you won’t want to forget your torch). This is a campsite that suits those who know how to look after themselves. Though having said all that, friendly hosts, Laura and Jason, are never too far away if you need them. They welcome you to site, can sort you out with firewood and an off-ground fire pit for your stay and are happy to provide tips on things to do. They can send you off in the right direction for a lovely walk or cycle ride or let you know which towns and villages are best to visit. Lavenham, with its half-timbered medieval buildings and independent shops, is probably top of the list, Bury St Edmunds, with its abbey and gardens is, of course, on there too, and there are plenty more besides.

Back on site, the end of every day tends to be pretty peaceful with wisps of campfire smoke in the air and, if you’re lucky, the sight of a barn owl hunting over the long grass of the wilder meadow. Campers have the choice of pitching there or in the main field which has shorter grass and is closer to the facilities which consist of compost loos, simple washing-up sinks and a hot water shower. Glampers, meanwhile, are comfortably housed in the site’s answer to shepherd’s huts which are modern little, pitched-roof, double-glazed cabins. There are just two of these tiny homes: Badger and Toad. Both are off grid, simply furnished and good value. And, like the rest of the campsite, they are dog friendly as well.

Natural features
Field
100%
8 Ratings · 7 reviews
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Swaantje M.recommends
October 7, 2024
Non Electric Vehicle Pitch
Lovely little campsite, lots of space between campers and set within beautiful environment. Recommend for a lovely weekend trip!
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Jo B.recommends
July 29, 2024
Toad Hut
Lovely off-grid site
Lovely back to basics site full of wild flowers / trees - just gorgeous. The hut is lovely, spotless - no power but has lights. V comfortable king size bed - came with bedding inc a nice feather duvet which we were not expecting. Loved the sheltered picnic bench and camp chairs - again not expecting! The compost loo / washing up area and gas powered shower shack were kept clean and were a 30 second walk across the field. Definitely want to return with our tent in one of the gorgeous tent pitches in the meadow.
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Kennedy H.recommends
July 16, 2024
Non Electric Tent Pitch
Tranquil Meadow Stay
We recently stayed at Barn Owl Camping in Suffolk, and it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. The meadow where we pitched our tent was incredibly beautiful, providing a perfect blend of nature's charm and the privacy we desired. Surrounded by wildflowers and the gentle sounds of wildlife, it felt like our own secluded paradise. Laura’s welcoming hospitality added a special touch to our stay. She was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed, making us feel right at home. Unfortunately, our trip was cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, but the time we spent there was memorable. The tranquility and stunning scenery of the meadow made a lasting impression, and I am eager to return. I highly recommend Barn Owl Camping for anyone looking to escape into nature and enjoy some peaceful solitude, enhanced by Laura’s warm hospitality.
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Emily P.recommends
June 28, 2024
Non Electric Vehicle Pitch
Really lovely, relaxed site with individual pitches in a meadow area which gives plenty of privacy. Hammocks, picnic benches and fire pits are dotted around for campers to use. The composting toilets were kept really clean and there was even a hot shower which we weren’t expecting on a non-electric site - a great bonus. Laura and Jason were friendly and gave some really helpful recommendations of nearby villages to visit and where to take our paddle boards. We had a great few days on the site!
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Niall P.recommends
June 23, 2024
Non Electric Tent Pitch
A great getaway in nature.
A wonderful campsite, set in a lovely field in nice countryside, with pitches spaced out and reached via paths cut into long grass and beside a wooded dry stream. The minimal facilities are very functional just what you need for the basics in a great rural getaway. Highly recommended.
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Nade I.recommends
May 13, 2024
Non Electric Vehicle Pitch
Hare Deer and Geese
Loved my stay here and so did my dog (GSD), there was enough room in my pitch awnings off my peugeot partner teepee and for the existing picnic bench with awning and secure guy ropes, trees and fire pit and spaces to stake the dog. Think that a hammock was a possibility also. The composting toilets were clean and well maintained. There was an outdoor hot shower which I didn't try and water collecting and waste depot. I took short walks and made myself a life in jars from the river rat. Easy to find and nice hosts, even when my dog barked, were very understanding. Will return again and walk further afield. Saw Hare, Deer, Geese, rabbit. Walk to the end of the site, scramble over the river, which was quite shallow and follow the footpaths. Lovely strip of land along the road, road is not busy I was not disturbed by it. The otherside is farmland split from the plot by the river. I would happily live right there. It was my first trip with the dog and was happy with the spacing of the plots, you have privacy in each section without clear line of sight to other campers.
Location
Suffolk, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Laura P.

Joined in January 2024
From the host
Barn Owl Campsite in East Anglia offers fantastic walks around the fens. Located in Suffolk, this site offers nearby walking and cycling routes and is just a 20-minute drive from the medieval towns of Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds. Lavenham is renowned for its historic architecture, including the Guildhall, Little Hall, Gothic St Peter and St Paul's Church, and picturesque half-timbered cottages. The town also boasts 30 independent shops and galleries, and is famous among Harry Potter fans for scenes filmed there. Bury St Edmunds features impressive ruins of an abbey with formal gardens and an aviary, as well as the Italian-style palace of Ickworth House. Suffolk also offers charming villages like Long Melford, known for its antique shops, and Hadleigh, perfect for exploring the River Brett. Barn Owl Campsite is just a 20-minute stroll from Rattlesden village, which has a small shop, a post office, and a couple of country pubs.
Nearby attractions

The quiet country lanes and footpaths across fields mean cycling and walking are pleasant ways to explore the near area. Rattlseden village is a mile out of the gate in one direction, Felsham village is just over that in the other. For more than a local pub and a church, you’ll want to explore further afield. Perhaps head for Lavenham (nine miles) to marvel at the number of historic buildings, to Long Melford to explore Kentwell Hall and gardens or into Bury St Edmunds for its abbey. There’s active adventure at Thetford Forest which has mountain bike trails and treetop adventure.

Food and drink

Rattlesden, just a mile up the road or across fields from Barn Owl Camping, has a small shop and two pubs. Choose The Brewers for a seasonal menu of dishes made with sustainable Suffolk produce or The Five Bells for a drink in the beer garden and simple grub from visiting food trucks. Also, just a short distance from the campsite is The Six Bells in Felsham (just under two miles away). If you’re in Lavenham, it’s a good place for lunch or afternoon tea with plenty of tea rooms and cafes. It also has plenty of local produce on offer if you want to cook for yourselves back on the campsite with an independent butchers, grocery shop and deli.

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