Hickling Campsite

Hickling Campsite sits in the village of Hickling, a short walk from the Broad that shares its name. This is the largest of the Norfolk Broads and a National Nature Reserve, and the site's position makes it one of the better bases for anyone wanting to explore the waterways properly. Whispering Reeds boat yard is ten minutes on foot; the Norfolk coastline is a reasonable cycle ride; and 125 miles of navigable water lie within reach.

The field itself is open and spacious, with generous grass pitches for tents alongside shepherd huts and a pod if you want a roof provided. Communal fire pits give the evenings a shared warmth, and the honesty shop is well-stocked for logs and kindling at fair prices. An outdoor washing-up area, hot showers, and thoughtful touches like baby baths have made this a reliable choice for families for years. On clear summer nights the Milky Way is visible without much effort, which is worth planning around.

Two pubs in the village, The Greyhound and The Pleasure Boat Inn, are both under a mile's walk. The atmosphere on site leans relaxed and sociable rather than quiet: children play together across the pitches, and the fire pits draw people in after dark. It works well for couples too, particularly in the shepherd huts with their distance from the main camping field.