Looking for your next outdoor adventure? You might find yourself staring at a map of the UK, wondering where to pitch your tent or park your motorhome. The mountains of the north or the rugged cliffs of the west often get the spotlight but there is a quiet, sun-baked corner of East Anglia that deserves your attention.
Suffolk is a county of big skies, rolling countryside and a coastline that looks like it has been plucked from a vintage postcard. But is camping in Suffolk really worth it? If you like peace, natural beauty and a slower pace of life then the answer is a big yes.
Here’s why Suffolk should be at the top of your camping bucket list.
The Famous Big Skies
The sky is the first thing you notice when you pitch camp in Suffolk. The land is comparatively flat and low, so the horizon appears very far away. It gives a sense of space, which is not often found in more mountainous regions.
Two great benefits of these big skies for a camper are:
- Amazing Sunsets: It’s magical to watch the sky transition from light blue to deep pink, orange and purple over a flat field.
- Stargazing: Suffolk has some fabulously dark areas away from the glow of the big towns. It’s worth the trip just to sit outside your tent on a clear night with a hot drink and look up at the Milky Way.
Coastline Like No Other
It’s no wonder the Suffolk Coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Suffolk coast is unspoiled, peaceful and wild unlike the commercialised seaside resorts elsewhere.
By camping near the coast you have easy access to iconic places like Southwold with its famous pier and colourful beach huts or Aldeburgh where you can get world-famous fish and chips and eat them right on the pebble beach. If you want something quieter, there are miles of walking paths at the dunes at Walberswick and the crumbling cliffs at Dunwich, where the only noise will be the wind in the reeds and the crashing waves.
The Gentle Climate
You can never guarantee perfect weather in the UK but Suffolk is statistically one of the driest counties in the country. It’s in the rain shadow of the westerly winds so often misses the heavy downpours other parts of the UK get.
This is a big win for campers. The drier climate means less time hiding inside a tent waiting for the rain to stop and more time enjoying BBQs, long walks and outdoor games. The summer temperatures are usually warm and pleasant and it is an ideal spot for families with children who want to spend the whole day outdoors.
History On Every Corner
If your camping trips come with a side of exploration, Suffolk is a treasure trove of history. It’s not too far to drive to see something interesting.
Sutton Hoo Near Woodbridge
One of the world’s most important archaeological sites. You can visit the famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial and find out about the “King of the Glee.”
Framlingham Castle
Ideal day trip ‘castle on the hill’ You can walk the high curtain walls and have a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside.
Villages And Towns
Mediaeval towns such as Lavenham and Long Melford are famous for their “crooked” timber-framed houses. Walking through these villages is like stepping back 500 years.
Nature Lovers’ Paradise
Suffolk is a wildlife haven. Whether you are a bird-watcher or just love to be surrounded by nature, you’ll be in your element. RSPB Minsmere, one of the UK’s most famous nature reserves, is home to rare birds like the avocet and the bittern.
You don’t have to be an expert birder – many of Suffolk’s campsites are tucked away in ancient woodland or on the edges of wildflower meadows. The best way to re-engage with the natural world is to wake up to a diverse dawn chorus.
The Joy of Local Food
Suffolk is an agricultural powerhouse of Britain which means the food is fresh, local and delicious. When camping it’s always better to support local farm shops.
You’ll find many campsites close to farms where you can buy fresh eggs, locally pressed apple juice and Suffolk pork sausages for your breakfast. Suffolk also has world-class breweries and vineyards for the adults. Or, pick up a bottle of local ale or cider to enjoy by the campfire – a great way to savour the “spirit” of the county.
Something For Every Kind Of Camper
Walberswick has it all, whether you’re a wild camper looking for nothing but a tap and a field or a ‘glamper’ desiring a yurt complete with a wood-burning stove.
Family-Friendly Sites
Many have playgrounds, clean shower blocks and plenty of space for kids to bike around safely.
Quiet Retreats
If you want total peace and quiet, there are many adults-only sites tucked away in the forest.
Dog-Friendly Heaven
Suffolk is very dog-friendly. With endless forest trails and dog-friendly beaches, your four-legged friend will have as much fun as you do.
Easy Accessibility
Suffolk is a world away from the hustle and bustle but is very easy to get to, especially from London and the Midlands. You don’t need to put up with an eight-hour drive to really get away. It is a perfect destination for a quick weekend micro-adventure or longer summer holiday.