Birds & Bees Campsite - Hipcamp in Suffolk, England

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Birds & Bees Campsite

100%

42 reviews

· Saxmundham, England

10 acres

8 units

8 Tent

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

Available pitches

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Location

Saxmundham, England, United KingdomTo 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%

4 Ratings · 42 reviews

Oliver H.recommends

August 9, 2022

Goldfinch - Meadow Rise

A beautiful campsite

A beautiful campsite, Stunning setting, loved that a lot of the field is left to grow wild, gives you privacy to your pitch and can see lots of wildlife, field mice, voles, pheasants and deer. James (Who I only met) and everyone involved there done a beautiful job, very attentive, amazing system in place logistically, everything is very clean at the shower/toilet areas. My only nit-pick and that due to summer holidays loads of damn kids screaming running amok, no idea if there is an area at Birds and Bee's but if there is not perhaps down the road maybe there should be a small section for a few pitches/area no children area for us adults who have not got kids but I also understand post covid world you are trying to recoup losses from the two years! Keep up the amazing work guys! I look forward to revisiting down the road!

Leah L.recommends

July 24, 2022

Robin - Meadow Rise

Lovely lovely pitches!

Such a great site with great, spotlessly clean facilities. The long grass gives everyone space and privacy and the tree bog is perfectly situated for night time use. The fridge was a real treat for us, as was the kettle.

Muireann C.recommends

July 24, 2022

Buttercup - Clover's Corner

Really lovely campsite. Facilities are so good, love the kettle, hot showers and phone charging point. Thanks so much for creating such a lovely restful escape

Terry M.recommends

July 11, 2022

Robin - Meadow Rise

This site is just lovely

This site is beautifully laid out and well organised. Communications from James and Emma were especially notable and they provided reassuring guidance on site rules as well as extras for your stay. Giant Oak was a superb pitch, supplying wonderful birdsong, a wind and noise buffer and lovely imagery. 20mins drive out to most coastal areas east of the site. Highly recommend this site to anyone looking for secluded pitches that doesn't mind not having the car next to the tent. Great modern facilities near reception, plenty of hot water and convenient compost loo near the pitches at the end of the site.

Jo S.

September 2, 2021

No cramped conditions here! You have an amazing mowed spot for your tent, lots of room for tables and chairs, bikes etc, plus fire pit is provided too. The setting for this campsite could not be more idyllic. Pitches are spaced out and well located over the fields. The owners have really thought about the campers experience rather then cramming us in. No hook up is no problem as there is access to fridges, freezers and somewhere to charge electronics. The washing facilities are equally as spacious and we loved the family washing facilities. This is a proper back to nature experience and the owners are super friendly and helpful. It’s a real gem for families where your children can have true free reign to play and explore.

Na D.

August 4, 2021

Peaceful and quiet, with lots of space between pitches, each one slightly secluded or with its own special prospect. Great facilities include a good shower block, standpipes for water, no cars on site (so much quieter and more attractive and its not far to walk to the car park), a bucket of firewood for the fire burners already located at each pitch if you would like this, the attentions of a hand-reared, friendly magpie (such a joy), great views everywhere and super friendly support from James and his family. Highly recommend.

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.

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