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Birds & Bees Campsite

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· Saxmundham, Suffolk, England

10 acres hosted by James & Emma S.

10 tent pitches

James & Emma is a Star Host

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Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

Know the difference between a brimstone butterfly and a common holy blue? Recognise a chaffinch from a blue tit? Well, as the name suggests at this wild, car-free campsite in Eastern Suffolk, cohabiting with the birds, butterflies, bugs and bees is what life is all about. You needn’t be able to name all the species – indeed there are probably so many here you never could – but if you want to immerse yourself in the native wildlife of Suffolk’s wild grass meadows, there’s no better place to be.

Conscientiously mown into the long, green-blonde grass, Birds & Bees Campsite is comprised of 15 individual tent pitches, connected via weaving pathways that meander across the field. Abundant hedgerows divide the entire campsite up into three separate meadows, with a facilities block and reception building – affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’ – inside an old dairy barn by the campsite entrance. The result is a perfect choice between convenient proximity to the showers (pluck for Clover’s Corner), the best views (the Meadow Rise field) or complete seclusion in the campsite’s furthest pitches (Nature’s Way meadow). For added convenience, there is also an extra composting toilet and freshwater point where the three meadows converge.

There truly is something to suit campers of all persuasions at Birds & Bees. Children lose themselves among the thick flora, hiding and seeking in the deepest patches of grass, while family groups gather around their evening campfires. Older couples and nature lovers pop out for the day to nearby RSPB Minsmere and Dunwhich Dunes – well-known for the appearances on BBC Springwatch – while cyclists assemble two-man tents as they stop off from the nearby national cycle route. Whatever your tenting tastes, campers here can't fail to appreciate the campsite's thoroughly laid back feel and traditional, back-to-basics ambience. Throw in a collection of East Anglia’s best beaches, less than half an hour away, and it’s easy to see how Birds & Bees Campsite is much more than just a very, very grassy field.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Field

Farm

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Location

Saxmundham, Suffolk, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by James & Emma S.Joined in June 2017

100%

15 Ratings · 48 reviews

Jo B.recommends

August 31, 2023

Nuthatch - Meadows Rise

Quiet back to nature camping

Wow what a gorgeous site to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. So peaceful, just the sounds of local birds including a Tawny owl, and the occasional sheep from the field next door . The facilities are clean, the pitches are tucked into their own private spots each with a fire pit and surrounded by long grass and trees. You can order firewood and also an honesty shop for camping basics, home made ice cream and sausages and burgers. We will definitely be returning.

Neil H.recommends

August 18, 2023

Muntjack - Nature's Way

I had a wonderful stay at this campsite. The pitches are well maintained and in attractive locations. The facilities are excellent and as I am happy with the most basic of amenities, more than adequate for my needs. Excellent, efficient and beautiful place to camp.

Amy H.recommends

August 14, 2023

Goldfinch - Meadow Rise

Lovely campsite

Lovely campsite, excellent facilities and everything is well thought through. We had terrible weather most days so it was nice to have the showers and indoor washing-up facilities. Hosts were nice and helpful on arrival. Great location. Our only gripe was someone stole our milk out the fridge, but that's not the campsites fault! Would definitely recommend and would stay again

Emma B.recommends

August 7, 2023

Robin - Meadow Rise

A gem of a campsite!

We had a great time at Birds and Bees and can’t wait to come back soon. The site is located in beautiful and peaceful countryside, easy to find, and perfect for exploring the surrounding towns and coastal walks. The pitches are nicely spaced apart and each have loads of room. We loved the more secluded ‘Robin’ pitch. The kitchen and bathrooms/compost loo were convenient and exceptionally clean. James and Emma couldn’t have been more welcoming, and there was lots of great info for visitors at reception. The honesty shop was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend a stay!

Emily T.recommends

July 19, 2023

Cowslip - Clover's Corner

Ideal location for getting away from it all. Nice back to basics with some great facilities as an added extra. So easy to communicate with James and Emma!

Robert L.recommends

June 12, 2023

Goldfinch - Meadow Rise

Beautiful, secluded and idyllic.

A very rare and outstanding beautiful site. Rare in the sense that it prioritising nature and the camping experience over making money. The facilities are fantastic. the plots are all neatly cut out from long meadow grass giving a real sense of solitude and privacy from other campers. Wildlife is everywhere - we even saw a barnowl at dusk. Not to mention a really warm and friendly welcome.

From the host

We are a family run Eco Campsite in the heart of Suffolk’s Alde Valley. We pride ourselves in offering spacious pitches with real campfires on secluded ancient pastures, you’ll be surrounded by giant hedges, mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. You can stay at the campsite all day and night or set off on an adventure of Suffolk's gorgeous Heritage Coast and surrounding attractions, we're just 20 minutes from some of the finest beaches Wind turbines help to generate electricity and solar panels help to heat the water. We work in partnership with Natural England and the Forestry Commission planting wild flower and nectar plots, encouraging a wide variety of Birds and Bees! Experience real camping with the luxury of plush showers, toilets and kitchen facilities in our converted dairy buildings (known as the Beehive). Feel free to contact one of the family with any questions, we look forward to welcoming you at Birds and Bees Campsite.

Nearby attractions

The ancient market town of Framlingham (15-minute drive) was noted as far back as the Domesday Book and, today, along with the market every Tuesday and Saturday (which first began back in 1285) its history lives on in the magnificent 12th-century fortress (01728 724189), which makes a fascinating family day out. You can walk the wall and enjoy a picnic, play and shop. Your kids might already recognise it from Ed Sheeran’s, Castle on the Hill music video. Nature lovers, meanwhile, should head to the RSPB's Minsmere Nature Reserve (01728 648281; 20-minute drive) or on to Dunwich Heath and Beach (20 minutes), which is looked after by the National Trust and houses a myriad of species among the dunes. Other coastal treasures include the artsy seaside town of Aldeburgh, famous for its fish and chips, vibrant art and music scene and its range of boutique shops; and bustling Southwold, with its beach huts, lighthouse (01502 724729) and renowned pier. Both are around 25-minutes by car. Thorpeness Meare and Boating Lake (01728 832523; 20-minute drive) offers the best inland spot to lay in the sun with a picnic. The island-dotted lake and parkland covers some 60 acres – kayaks, rowing boats, canoes and sailing boats are all available to hire.

Food and drink

James and Emma provide a selection of delicious meat in the campsite's reception freezer at The Beehive. Remember to get it out in the morning so it’s ready for your campfire feast that evening. They also grow a selection of fresh herbs for you to pick and season your supper with. It's a 1-mile walk (or drive) to the Juniper Barn, Village Shop and Café (01728 663773). It's just down the road from Birds & Bees, so you can stroll down for your morning coffee or indulge in one of their delicious homemade treats, while gathering goodies for a picnic. Juniper Barn is family friendly, offers bike storage for cyclists and is wheelchair accessible. The White Horse (01728 663497), meanwhile, is the local pub in Rendham – a traditional spot serving pub grub in substantial portions – or it's a 10-minute drive to Saxmundham, the nearest town with a selection of mainstream shops and further dining options.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/exHn1amz0vg

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