One of England’s greatest archaeological sites, West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village is an unusual attraction. Comprising around a dozen recreated Anglo-Saxon houses on an old Iron Age site, there is much debate around its reconstructed accuracy. Everyone agrees the houses were thatched, but no one’s clear whether the Anglo-Saxon’s lived in pits or on boarded wooden floors and even now the discussion rumbles on. Thankfully, today you needn’t really worry about such problems, as there is a campsite over the road where you can park up the campervan or pitch your nimble tent. Nestle in for the night and enjoy the same historic surroundings with your own modest comforts, whatever floor you choose.
While the world of back-to-basics accommodation may have been brought into the 21st-century, the transport of choice around here is still very much a medieval means. Wideham Farm is, in fact, an established equestrian centre and there are far more horses than cars spread beyond the campsite. The result is a holiday for horses as much as anyone else with a variety of livery options on site for four-legged campers.
The campsite itself makes use of a flat grassy field adjacent to the main farm buildings, perfect for pushing your pegs and getting a good night's sleep without waking up at the bottom of your bed. Toilet are well kept and clean and the Caravan Club Certified site also boasts waste disposal and electrical hook-up facilities for caravanning sorts.
While the landscape is a playground for riders – endless bridleways through wooded heathland with no need to touch the road – those without a horse needn’t worry. Sure, there are hacks to be had with Wideham’s own ponies (bespoke lessons available for anyone over the age of four) but there’s more to be done than equestrian exploration. Over the road is the aforementioned Anglo-Saxon village and park, while a longer stroll reveals Fullers Mill Garden, a captivating seven acre space pocketed with pools of water, varying size ponds and the lazy River Lark. The plants offer a combination of regular native breeds alongside more peculiar perennials, rare shrubs and a picture perfect canvas of floating water lilies; together they encompass the elective feel of this camping landscape. There are woods for exploring, history to delve into and a smattering of pubs to carve up family cycle-rides. It’s typically Suffolk in the sense that it’s typically pleasant, exactly what you want from a weekend away.