Does Constable Park have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Constable Park. Showers and Toilet in the shower block which is just a short walk

Is drinking water available at Constable Park?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Constable Park. Showers and Toilet in the shower block which is just a short walk

Does Constable Park have picnic tables?

Picnic tables are available at 2 of 8 units at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have cooking equipment?

Cooking equipment is available at 6 of 8 units at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have rubbish disposal?

Yes — rubbish disposal is available at every site at Constable Park.

How do you get to the sites at Constable Park?

2WD accessible. Short walk at some sites; drive in at the rest.

Are pets allowed at Constable Park?

No — pets are not allowed at Constable Park.

Are campfires allowed at Constable Park?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Constable Park. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Constable Park?

You'll meet and greet with your host Sarah upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Constable Park?

Super Strict (30 Days) at some sites; Flexible at the others. 50% refund up until 30 days before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Constable Park?

Check-in times vary by site (from 2pm). Check-out times vary by site.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at Constable Park?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead. Minimum stay 1–2 nights depending on the site.

Does Constable Park have a hot tub?

No — no hot tub at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have laundry?

No — no laundry at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have a playground?

No — no playground at Constable Park.

Does Constable Park have wifi?

No — no wifi at Constable Park.

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Constable Park

Hosted by Sarah · Brantham, England

8 units · Lodging · 4 acres

100%

13 reviews

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home in nature at some pitches — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.

Private pitches

100% of recent Hipcampers say pitches are private.

A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options

Constable Park is the ideal holiday and leisure park for water babies. Situated along Suffolk's River Stour and overlooking the picturesque Dedham Vale, here you can hop in a kayak or clamber onto a paddleboard directly from the site, or bring your own watercraft if you’re a seasoned aqua adventurer. Coupled with some terrific glamping options and an on-site coffee house, this park has exactly what you need for an easy-going but exciting trip into the heart of “Constable Country.”

It’s no wonder famed Romantic landscape painter John Constable made Dedham Vale and the nearby hamlet of Flatford his muse; the location is a stunning slice of rural Britain, and Constable Park hosts Ian and Sarah, along with their son Ollie, have called it their home for 20 years. The park, originally a field of brambles, was initially used to give Duke of Edinburgh students somewhere to pull up their canoe and wild camp. However, the site today is much different, expanding to cater to everyone looking to escape and rejuvenate along the riverside.

The pièce de résistance of Constable Park is undoubtedly Heron Lodge, premium accommodation with its own private deck area offering picturesque views over the RSPB reserve. Its sloped roof, open-plan living room, and tastefully decorated interior perfectly complement the scenic surroundings, providing a luxurious stay for those seeking extra solitude by way of its positioning slightly away from the rest of the park.

The cabins are the next in line; timber-clad, upscaled steel constructions with all the home comforts, and central heating for the colder months of the year (making them ideal for a winter stay!). Glampers on a stricter budget — or who simply want to embrace the communal experience of a group of tents encircling a sunken firepit — can enjoy the Touareg or bell tents, the former a more practical, square tepee, and the latter an ideal little pitch for couples or small families. Visitors can pitch their own tents, too, with there being provided spots in Constable Park for those who want to bring their own tents and enjoy what the site has to offer. The convenience of Constable Park is further exemplified by its on-site coffee house, serving delicious brunches, lunches, and specialty coffee right on your doorstep — just make sure you don't take to the water on a full stomach!

Select a unit

Glamping

8 units

5M Bell Tent - Firepit Site

100%

(1)

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

The 5 metre Bell tents sleep 2 adults on a proper double bed with additional inflatable roll mats available for small children which can be tucked under the double bed during the day. Electric blankets are available and there is a charcoal BBQ with a gas burner hob shared between 2 tents. A cool box will also be provided. Each glamping pitch has it’s own outdoor seating with our very own Constable Park deckchairs! There are generously sized shower blocks and washing up areas for you to use, as well as our sunken fire-pit where everyone can come together. Included in your booking: - Double bed, including bedding, duvets, pillows and towels. If you have children staying with you then we can provide an inflatable bed. If you bring a sleeping bag then that’s great or let us know if you require single duvets. - Charcoal BBQ and 2 ring Gas hob with kettle, including BBQ tools - Frying pan and saucepan - Washing up bowl, tea towels & scourer. Washing up liquid in the washing up area - All plates, mugs, bowls & cutlery provided - Tin opener, bottle opener, wooden spoon & water bottle - Chopping board and sharp knife - A selection of Tea bags - Cool box and ice packs provided with freezer access to change packs - Lantern - Trunk for storage - Electric extension lead - Outside tap for drinking water - Showers and Toilet in the shower block which is just a short walk - The shared Firepit area can be lit of an evening If children are coming with you, please let us know that you will need extra beds. Prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children. All guests staying in our accommodation can launch their own craft free of charge at a private launch point.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

5M Bell Tent - Firepit Site2

100%

(1)

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

6 - Touareg Tent Site

100%

(1)

Bell tent · Sleeps 5

Our large Touareg tents have the feel of a tepee, but are a practical square design ideal for a family of 4 or 5. They contain a proper double bed and air beds are available for children which can be tucked under the double bed during the day. They are each equipped with a wood burning stove and their own gas BBQ, as well as a cool box. The Touareg tents are on the river frontage with amazing views! Each glamping pitch has it’s own outdoor seating with our very own Constable Park deckchairs! There are generously sized shower blocks and washing up areas for you to use, as well as our sunken fire-pit where everyone can come together. Included in your booking: - Double bed, including bedding, duvets, pillows and towels. If you have children staying with you then we can provide an inflatable bed. If you bring a sleeping bag then that’s great or let us know if you require single duvets. - Gas BBQ with one ring gas burner, including BBQ tools - Woodburning stove - Frying pan and saucepan - Washing up bowl, tea towels & scourer. Washing up liquid in the washing up area - All plates, mugs, bowls & cutlery provided - Tin opener, bottle opener, wooden spoon & water bottle - Chopping board and sharp knife - A selection of Tea bags - Cool box and ice packs provided with freezer access to change packs - Lantern - Trunk for storage - Electric extension lead - Outside tap for drinking water - Showers and Toilet in the shower block which is just a short walk - The shared Firepit area can be lit of an evening If children are coming with you, please let us know that you will need extra beds. Prices are based on 2 adults and up to 3 children. All guests staying in our accommodation can launch their own craft free of charge at a private launch point.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Site 1 - Bell tent - Riverside location

100%

(1)

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

Our riverside Bell tents are new to 2026! Designed and recommended for couples seeking a romantic cosy retreat. Each luxury tent offers an elevated glamping experience. Inflatable airbeds are available on request for children. Electric blankets are available on the double bed, a charcoal BBQ and a double ring gas stove. This riverside location has your own private firepit in a secluded garden area. This 5m bell tent is located in a prime riverside location with uninterrupted views of the river stour and the wider dedham Vale. The riverside tents also have their own outdoor table and chairs! There are generously sized shower blocks and washing up areas for you to use. As well as your own private fire-pit we also have our large sunken fire-pit area where everyone can come together! Nestled along the riverside, these exclusive tents offer a serene hideaway combining rustic charm with elegant touches for a truly unforgettable stay. Whether your celebrating a special occasion or simply craving peace, our riverside tents are the perfect sanctuary in nature! Included in your booking: Double bed, including bedding, duvets, pillows and towels. Charcoal BBQ / Firepit area and Gas hob with kettle, including BBQ tools Private fire pit Kettle, Frying pan and saucepan Washing up bowl, tea towels & scourer. Washing up liquid in the washing up area All plates, mugs, bowls & cutlery provided Tin opener, wooden spoon & water bottle Chopping board and sharp knife Cool box and ice packs provided with freezer access to change packs Trunk for storage Electric extension lead Outside tap for drinking water nearby Showers and Toilet in the shower block which is just a short walk The central firepit area can be lit of an evening Outdoor table and cushioned chairs This accommodation is recommended for 2 adults. Childrens beds can be added on request. Prices are based on 2 adults. All guests staying in our accommodation can launch their own craft free of charge at a private launch point.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

5 - Touareg Tent

Booked 1 time

Bell tent · Sleeps 5

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

5M Firepit Bell Tent

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

5m Bell Tent Firepit

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Site 2 - Bell tent - Riverside location

Booked 2 times

Bell tent · Sleeps 4

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

Reviews

100%· 18 reviews

Richard W.
Camped at Site 1 - Bell tent - Riverside location with kids, Aug 2025.
Recommends
Fantastic glamping site by the river plus kayak / paddle board hire, great facilities, friendly staff & a lovely coffee shop
Samantha A.
Camped at Heron Lodge with friends, Jul 2025.
Recommends
A lovely weekend spent at Heron Lodge. The lodge is well equipped and in a great setting overlooking the river. We will be back!
Hayley E.
Camped at The Bird Hide with kids, Aug 2024.
Recommends
We stayed in the bird house for one night. Four of us fit snuggly in the house which was warm , we had the doors open all night and we were still toasty! The bird house is set by the river so you get to enjoy the wildlife of geese, cows and birds. The campsite itself is clean and well maintained. The showers were lovely and hot. We ate in the cafe which was delicious, one staff member in particular went above and beyond to help us. We rented canoes and enjoyed the river.

Amenities

Fire pitsFirepit, Communal
Flush toilets
Potable waterTap
ShowersHot water
Picnic tablesAt some sites
Trash disposalRecycling bin, Trash bin
Cooking equipmentAt some sites · Communal, Stovetop or hot plate, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Sink or other dishwashing station, BBQ
No wifi
No laundry
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

Walk-in access at some sites2WD accessible. Short walk at some sites; drive in at the rest.
No pets allowedPets can't join this trip.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Sarah upon arrival.
Cancellation policySuper Strict (30 Days) at some sites; Flexible at the others. 50% refund up until 30 days before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in times vary by site (from 2pm). Check-out times vary by site.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead. Minimum stay 1–2 nights depending on the site.

Extras

Charcoal for BBQ£6.00 per itemPurchase a bag of charcoal for your BBQ. Additional bags can be purchsed during your stay.
Towel Pack for 2£6.00 per itemThis towel pack includes towels for a family of 2
Additional parking space£15.00 per itemIf you are bringing more than one car then please add an additional car space during your stay, as we have limited parking.
Towel Pack for 4. £10.00 per itemThis towel pack includes towels for a family of 4.
Kindling, lighters, slowburn blocks£10.00 per itemAt select sitesIn your Touareg tent there is a wood burning stove - we can provide the kindling and slow burn blocks for 2 nights. Training for lighting the stove will be provided. Please note, you are unlikely to want to light the stove in July/August.

Location

Brantham, Suffolk, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Sarah W.Joined January 2023

Frequently asked questions

From the host

What is Constable Park? Set in the heart of Constable Country overlooking Dedham Vale and the RSPB nature reserve in Brantham, Constable Park is a new holiday & leisure park, uniquely offering direct access to the River Stour for day visitors and holiday makers alike. All visitors are welcome in our on-site coffee house with a great range of breakfast, lunch, specialty coffee and of course homemade cake! You can also hire a paddleboard or open kayak, both available as single or tandem hire. The accommodation side of the park offers a range of options from cosy, fitted out bell tents and upcycled, super-wide containers, to our premium ‘Heron’ lodge with a private balcony and BBQ offering stunning views over the RSPB reserve and beyond. You don’t need a car to enjoy the area as we are only a short walk from Manningtree train station. The perfect base to explore Flatford and Dedham Vale on foot, cycle the many miles of Suffolk cycle routes, or hire a kayak to see Constable country from a new perspective. The bustling town of Manningtree is also only a short distance away with several pubs, restaurants and bars for a more lively evening during your stay. Who are we? Ian and Sarah, along with their son Ollie, have lived in the area for 20 years. Ian is an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is unique in offering Gold canoe expeditions in the East Anglia region. Sarah is a local PE teacher with wider responsibilities for department standards and teacher training. Ollie is a keen paddleboarder, so often helps out with the watersports! Where did Constable Park come from? “We originally bought a field of brambles with a view to allow our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students to have somewhere to pull up in their canoe and wild camp. Having done this for several years and with support and encouragement from the AONB and the local planning department, we decided to develop the site for others to enjoy too: an ideal place to sit by the river, enjoy the water or visit for a holiday. We’re also off-grid! Everything has been up-cycled where possible to minimise our carbon footprint.” The family benefited from a Rural Development Grant as the park provides employment opportunities as well as benefiting the local community with a new leisure facility.

Nearby attractions

Constable Park’s Watersport Centre provides paddleboard and kayak hire, allowing guests to row through the River Stour that runs through the site. Guests can book throughout the autumn season (weather permitting), while in the summer they can also enjoy guided tours along with special events, such as free rescue training and guided sunset paddles. Both kayaks and paddleboards can be hired for up to six hours, while tandem paddleboard and kayaks are also available for those who want to experience the Stour in a pair.

Off-site, guests are a short walk away from Manningtree train station https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/mng, which links to Flatford and Dedham. The small hamlet of Flatford https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford is known for its Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s Cottage, and Bridge Cottage, all of which served as the inspiration behind revolutionary landscape painter John Constable’s works. As such, visitors can ramble through the Flatford and Constable country walk here, enjoying panoramic views of this beautiful area in a walking trail featured on ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks. ‘Constable Country’ also includes the village of Dedham, which has a high street for shoppers to peruse, the Munnings Art Museum (01206 322127), and the picturesque Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Food and drink

Constable Park’s on-site coffee house (01206 984100) is situated to the east of the site, offering guests plentiful indoor seating and a large outdoor terrace area to enjoy a wide range of brunch and lunch options, along with specialty coffee and homemade cake.

Off-site there’s the Ark Bar and Restaurant at Cattawade (01206 396777), a 10-minute walk from Constable Park and offering music each weekend with drinks and snacks. A similar distance is the Crown (01206 392800), also at Cattawade, with Easter, summer, and winter events, views across the Stour, and various pub games. The Royal Oak (07979 655515) — known by locals as The Dickie — is a five-minute drive, hosting various events, including rotating food vendors, throughout the year.